# ideal things to handout to the homeless? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 9, 2011, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452 "2011-07-09T22:47:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2011, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/41 "2011-07-10T23:24:39Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > **monstro** , can I take a minute to tell you that I think you are one of the nicest, most rational people here? I always enjoy your posts. Coolness. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/42 "2011-07-11T00:10:31Z")
> [@](#): > > Anyhow, even though I understand that our focus should be on the greater good for the many, sometimes an animal with a sob story that grabs our hearts. We have spent hundreds of dollars on one hard luck animal that we could have used for our primary goal. I just had a new neighbor move in a few days ago. The first thing they did was chain their dog up outside on a 4 foot length of chain, chained to the fence (so only has 1/2 the area to work with), and gave her no shelter. It hit 90 yesterday and today (I think - it was still hot). I called Animal Care & Control because I was concerned about her long term survival - I didn’t go out there and give her some ice cubes to give her temporary relief. I think it’s great when animal groups spend their resources disproportionately (when they can afford to). It makes for a great rallying cry for everyone involved. To bridge that example over to the homeless cause, the Housing First model came out of San Francisco (the aforementioned “headquarters of homeless services innovation”). It’s basically the same thing - initially spend a disproportionate amount of resources up front on the most hard-luck of cases, get the chronically homeless immediately into housing, and surround them with services. (The traditional model is slowly introduce services until they’re stable enough for housing.) > [@](#): > > That was my very long winded way of saying that people, individually and collectively, want to see short term results. I’m guessing that many of the people who give things are also donating money to places with long term results. Absolutely. That’s why my first post said that I don’t begrudge anyone going for the immediate reward of one-on-one giving. But I have a lot of experience in this area, and there are plenty of people with really good intentions that end up setting the cause back. In Indianapolis, we had a coalition of churches that were providing tents and sleeping bags to homeless. The result was tent cities and huge centralized groups of homeless that quickly became a public health and safety hazard. I’m sure you can guess what the coalition’s response was when the service providers tell them how much harder their job is now since the coalition started “helping”. But I think monstro’s point is excellent - these are still people, and deserve both our respect and our attention. My main concern is that the occasional pocketful of change can turn into buying a bulk load of tents and creating a problem. (That’s exaggerating, of course - but the concept is true.) > [@](#): > > I would also like to talk to you about grant writing, I’m trying to learn how to do it effectively, but I do work full time. Absolutely, any time. Feel free to PM, e-mail, or have me start up a thread. ---
**Author:** ![Jaledin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jaledin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaledin)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/43 "2011-07-11T00:27:45Z")
> [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](#): > > Many do. I’ve seen plenty of homeless smokers pick up used butts and try to smoke them, as a last ditch effort. > -D/a I always give a spare cigarette, if I have one, or a spare dollar to a hobo. An ideal “lunch pack” for your average hobo might include a sandwich, a cigarette and a pack of matches, with maybe a piece of fruit (probably go to waste, but it looks nice). ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/44 "2011-07-11T00:30:38Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Why are you obsessed with ‘good results’? Why not also do things that just make people feel good for a little while, even if there are no long lasting benefits? Do you always know what is better for the unfortunate? Speaking only for myself: I try not to waste my money, I’d appreciate it if they didn’t waste it either. I donate to Habitat for Humanity. I figure they have a good process for helping the people that really want out of their current situation. I’ve worked downtown for 15 years and seen ALL the tricks. If I gave them my last dime, the only end result would be: I’d be on the street with them the next week, and they’d still be there. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/45 "2011-07-11T00:50:53Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I just had a new neighbor move in a few days ago. The first thing they did was chain their dog up outside on a 4 foot length of chain, chained to the fence (so only has 1/2 the area to work with), and gave her no shelter. It hit 90 yesterday and today (I think - it was still hot). I called Animal Care & Control because I was concerned about her long term survival - I didn’t go out there and give her some ice cubes to give her temporary relief. I fail to see why you couldn’t do both; why does calling Animal Control prevent you from giving the dog water, or vice versa? ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/46 "2011-07-11T01:00:10Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > I fail to see why you couldn’t do both; why does calling Animal Control prevent you from giving the dog water, or vice versa? Because I’d prefer to not trespass into the backyard of a family that would do that to a dog. Are there any other moral standards of yours that I don’t quite measure up to that I can try to explain and beg your forgiveness for? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/47 "2011-07-11T01:14:37Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Because I’d prefer to not trespass into the backyard of a family that would do that to a dog. Seems like a small risk when the life of a dog hangs in the balance. > [@](#): > > Are there any other moral standards of yours that I don’t quite measure up to that I can try to explain and beg your forgiveness for? I am certain there must be. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/48 "2011-07-11T01:22:31Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Seems like a small risk when the life of a dog hangs in the balance. You think that ice cubes are going to save this dog’s life? Goodness. It’s almost like you have absolutely zero perspective on a situation you know close to nothing about, and are willing to put your own facts into play just to score a bullshit point for no reason whatsoever. Almost. > [@](#): > > I am certain there must be. I can’t wait. Maybe you could talk again about how your primary motivator for your charitable activities is selfishness. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/49 "2011-07-11T02:07:48Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > You think that ice cubes are going to save this dog’s life? Goodness. Couldn’t hurt, and it might make the dog feel better, much like giving a Little Debbie to a bum. That’s worth a little nip over the fence, isn’t it? > [@](#): > > I can’t wait. Maybe you could talk again about how your primary motivator for your charitable activities is selfishness. Selfishness is the prime motivation for the vast majority of human endeavors. Genuine altruism is exceedingly rare. But I am sure you are the exception. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/50 "2011-07-11T02:25:58Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Selfishness is the prime motivation for the vast majority of human endeavors. Genuine altruism is exceedingly rare. But I am sure you are the exception. Pure altruism doesn’t exist. And yes, selfishness is the prime motivation for the vast majority of human endeavors. I’m certainly no exception, seeing as this is my career - it doesn’t get much more self-interested than that. I really don’t understand your aggression towards me in this thread, though. Please cut it out, it’s grown pretty tiresome. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/51 "2011-07-11T04:09:31Z")
Another reason not to give cash is that by doing so you are being inconsiderate. Some homeless come then to expect cash 9which can be turned into drugs, booze, etc) then if another passer-by doesn’t hand over cash, they get very aggressive. This can be very scary if for example, you’re a woman walking by yourself. So- never cash. By doing so you are being inconsiderate to those of us (like **Munch** ) who spend a LOT of time and money helping the homeless in \*long term meaningful ways. \* By giving cash, you are not helping anyone- other than yourself. Give socks, twinkies, whatever- but not cash. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/52 "2011-07-11T05:08:53Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I really don’t understand your aggression towards me in this thread, though. Please cut it out, it’s grown pretty tiresome. I haven’t made one aggressive comment toward you. I think you have an odd aversion to handouts to the homeless, and you have been very defensive about it. If you feel attacked, I apologize. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/53 "2011-07-11T05:27:42Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > I think you have an odd aversion to handouts to the homeless, and you have been very defensive about it. If you feel attacked, I apologize. That’s because handouts don’t help anyone except the person giving them. What \*\*Munch \*\*does is so much more useful than giving someone a dollar. Your obsessive replying to his every sentence is really tiresome. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/54 "2011-07-11T05:30:35Z")
A friend walked out of a Willie Nelson concert that we were attending (Willie was shit faced drunk), and gave his ticket to a street person. Meanwhile, someone from higher up in the stands came down and sat in the empty seat. When the street person tried to claim the seat, a fight broke out. The fight then became a brawl as other people joined in. I was lucky to make it out with my skin. This is important, people. Do … not … give … Wille … Nelson … tickets … to … street … people. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/55 "2011-07-11T11:09:18Z")
> [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#): > > That’s because handouts don’t help anyone except the person giving them. What \*\*Munch \*\*does is so much more useful than giving someone a dollar. So why not do both? \*\*Munch \*\*can fight the long term fight, meanwhile, the OP can give the homeless guy some chapstick or a pair of socks. If you are against that, I think we know who is obsessive. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/56 "2011-07-11T22:51:57Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > So- never cash. By doing so you are being inconsiderate to those of us (like **Munch** ) who spend a LOT of time and money helping the homeless in \*long term meaningful ways. \* > > By giving cash, you are not helping anyone- other than yourself. Oh for goodness’s sake. If I decide to give a pocketful of change to some random dude, it is not inconsiderate to anyone. And if you think so, you and other people like you need to get over yourselves. Big time. And someone aggressive enough to attack a person for not giving because they’ve been given to in the past is aggressive enough to attack a person for ANY reason. That is crazy logic there, my friend. I’m thinking, if I were a crazy mugger, any donation I got would keep my mugging tendencies at bay. A day’s worth of “sorry, I don’t have any change”, though, would make me want to kill. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/57 "2011-07-11T23:16:37Z")
> [@](#): > > If I decide to give a pocketful of change to some random dude, it is not inconsiderate to anyone. And if you think so, you and other people like you need to get over yourselves. Big time. Agreed. In no way is your offer of a buck or a cup of coffee in any way inconsiderate to what I do/have done. If you start organizing a tent donation program though, I’m coming after you in your sleep. ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/58 "2011-07-11T23:16:59Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > Oh for goodness’s sake. > > If I decide to give a pocketful of change to some random dude, it is not inconsiderate to anyone. And if you think so, you and other people like you need to get over yourselves. Big time… Hear, hear. And [here.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=540926&highlight=wine&page=3) Another thread from a couple years ago on the same topic. I have volunteered at the same soup kitchen for years. I can’t imagine taking it personal that someone chooses their own way to relate to their fellow man in need, as opposed to going only the route that I think is worthy. Fuck outta here. By the way, I always assume that a beggar wants money, not food. At the kitchen I help at (actually, full disclosure, haven’t helped there in a while) we threw out tons of food, even though there were always lots of hungry people. The thing is, there is plenty of food programs available for the needy. What they want sometimes is just a dollar to do with as they please, and I’m happy to offer it. Nevertheless, I think the OP’s heart is in the right place. And that counts for a lot. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc348/32.png) [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/59 "2011-07-11T23:46:05Z")
> [@sanTho27](#): > > This might sound weird but I live in an area filled with so many homeless people (San Francisco), and I thought it might be nice, instead of ignoring people when ask me for cash/etc, to have something in my backpack that I could easily grab and hand out to make their day a little better. > > If you think this idea’s ridiculous let me know, but I’m wondering what might be ideal in terms of things like nutrition, happiness, price, etc. I’m thinking some snack or something in little packages that I can buy in a large quantity from a bulk store or something. > > Thanks for any advice 🙂 You don’t want to hand them a couple of bucks because they’ll spend it on booze right ? So what ? Money is what they desparately want because they know best what is most urgent for them. If they need some self medication to escape the depression of their miserable existence, that is the least I can do. Handing them some nutritious food or drink will be appreciated by some homeless, but you can satisfy any homeless person with a couple of bucks. And its easy. And its compassion without judgement. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452/60 "2011-07-12T01:10:33Z")
Can we stop with the socks thing, please? I’m cracking up with the vision of some bum starving to death, with 15 pairs of socks in his hands. No food, so he offers to sell socks. “Hey, everybody, look at these cool socks I bought from that bum on the corner! Only cost me a dollar!” Best wishes, hh [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-things-to-handout-to-the-homeless/588452.md?page=4)