Should people give money to beggars?

Ist es eine gute Tat, wenn Sie einem Bettler auf der Straße etwas geben, oder sollten Sie das Geld  wohltätigen Einrichtungen zukommen lassen? Talitha Linehan hat zwei Meinungen gehört.

Yes!

Michael is from Poland and has been living as a begger on the streets of Cork, Ireland, for over a year. He did not wish to give us his surname.

Michael

It’s all very well telling homeless people to get help from homeless organizations. But many homeless people are drug addicts, or alcoholics — or they are suffering from a mental disorder and cannot help themselves. The organizations do the best they can, but they can’t reach everyone and their resources are limited. The homeless shelters fill up fast, especially in the winter. That’s why a little bit extra is always needed. You never know when the money you give to a beggar can save his or her life, by helping them buy the food or blankets they need to get through the night.

I can understand that some people think it’s better to give money to homeless organizations rather than directly to beggars. Because there are people that beg who are not really in need. Or who use the money for drugs and alcohol. But there are also homeless people like me.

“I’m trying to get myself off the streets, but it’s not easy”

I’ve been homeless for almost a year because I haven’t been able to work in this country. I’m trying to get myself off the streets, but it’s not easy. I can’t find a job because I have nowhere to live. I can’t find somewhere to live because I don’t have a job.

Some people don’t want to give their money directly to beggars because they’re afraid the money won’t be used effectively. Well, how do you know the money you give to charity is really helping? How do you know the people asking you for money are honest? And even if the money does go to a homeless organization, how do you know it will be used to help people and not to cover administrative costs?

There is a new law against aggressive begging in Ireland. I think this is mostly a good thing. But people should be able to make their own decisions. They shouldn’t be intimidated into it. The problem is that laws like this give begging a bad name. They make people believe that all beggars are potentially aggressive. When I beg, I just sit on the streets playing on a small drum. I don’t bother anyone. People can give me money if they want to, and I’m very grateful for it.

I don’t know anyone who would choose to sleep on the streets instead of in a warm bed. Of course, I’d rather go to work and earn my money than ask strangers for it. But, like most beggars, I don’t have a choice.