I appreciate the compassion of the American people who want to help the homeless and poverty stricken people. I think we are a very compassionate people who really do want to help. But is there a downside to this?
I have been reading a book called, 'When Helping Hurts' by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. It goes into a lot of detail of the proper ways to help homeless people. One of the things they discuss is that continual giving to homeless people can be harmful. While there are times we should be giving money and attention (such as a disaster like Hurricane Katrina), there are times when we help people better by providing jobs for them, etc. The goal is to not have people financially dependent upon others, but to be able to find work for them so they can support themselves and their families.
It also goes into their dignity. The homeless person needs to have his or her dignity restored. Something about working for a living does this. When we try to do something for someone else that they need to do for themselves, then we are stepping into an area we should not be involved in.
That brings up the subject of 'blessing bags'. Are they helpful or harmful? Are they helpful for some and at the same time harmful for others? I don't have an answer for this one, but, I had responded to an article someone wrote on this, explaining why these 'blessing bags' are not good. A lot of people have chimed in and responded to this article as well. Some are angry at the article. Some agree totally. To be honest, I am confused with the article. I think I read it originally while I was thinking in the context of the book, 'When Helping Hurts', so I probably originally agreed with the blogger.
But as I read the comments that are coming in (I have it set up where any comments go into my email box), I am beginning to wonder if I read the original post correctly. Quite a few homeless people chimed in, or those who were formerly homeless but no longer are. Many of them are angry at the article, but for different reasons.
I would just like for us to consider what is the best way to minister to these people without making them feel like they are less than human. They are just as human as we are. Or are there several different categories of people who are homeless, and each one needs a specific type of ministry and response from us?
As the emails with the comments regularly come in, and as I read them, I seem to be more confused. Some say that you should give money, even if it pays for their drug habit because that is none of your business. Others are quite happy with getting toothbrushes and toiletry items. I have heard from a lot of commenters and friends that would say not to give any money to homeless people. Some of the former homeless people are tired of getting toothbrushes and feel like that offer is too generic and impersonal. I heard from a friend who was once homeless and she told me that the homeless even take the gift cards they are given, and sell them to have money to pay for drugs.
With all these different angles on this subject, what is the best way or what ways can we best serve the homeless? How can we serve the poor and help restore their dignity? Can we provide for temporary needs, and if so, how long? Do the homeless find these 'blessing bags' offensive?
How can we help those who truly want to be helped?
