Is giving money the only way to help poor people?

1. 0

   mwriter00786posted 10 years ago

   A wise and practical advise to earn  legal money is more helpful to poor than giving money straightaway ---giving money shall mean to make him habitual of getting money without efforts.!!!

   replyreport
2. 59

   Grumpusposted 10 years ago

   Many feel, emotionally, they must give money to the poor; for example, a homeless person standing on the corner with a sign stating "Homeless! Anything helps!"
   
   I can't tell you the number of times that I have seen such a person on a street corner, almost daily on the drive into work, but I DON'T yield to that emotion.  Why? Is that person TRULY homeless? Can my money be used to help more than just this person on the corner? Where do they go when it is icy cold outside? How do they spend my hard earned, limited gift, when no one is looking? Do I want to take the chance that my gift is used to buy a pack of cigarettes, chew, beer, wine, whiskey, or some type of illicit drug?
   
   I do not believe we can eliminate poverty by giving cash to a "homeless" person standing on a street corner, or dropping change into a guitar case. It is NOT the ONLY WAY to help the poor!
   
   Personally, I prefer giving my hard-earned-cash to an organization that I have researched and KNOW that I will get more "bang for my buck (dollar bill)". The local "Gospel Mission" or Salvation Army or the local food-bank do more to help the poor with my dollar. I know from research that a meal at the "Gospel Mission" costs them $1.58 per meal; $1.00 at the food bank can purchase 10 pounds of rice (shipping, packaging, handling costs).
   
   By donating my dollar or dollar's to these organizations WILL impact the poor in a much broader scope than just giving, or tossing it away, to a homeless person standing on a corner.  It is a very well known "fact" that many "homeless" are there on the streets because of mental illness, addiction, or "scamming" (I know this from observation and tracking where they go AFTER they leave their corner!)
   
   Returning to the question at hand, "Is giving money the ONLY way to help poor people," is NO, it is not, and it is probably the LEAST effective!  People in need are in that position of life due to other "issues", of which they may not have had an "out."
   
   We have been "homeless" twice; once for 8 1/2 months, once for about eight weeks. "Homeless" is defined as "Physically or spiritually homeless or deprived of security." "Poor people who unfortunately do not have a home to live in", or "someone unfortunate without housing."  We were homeless due to a house fire that gutted our home in Alaska the first time. The second time we arrived at our destination too late losing job and home we were promised. SO, we did NOT receive money, we received "SUPPORT", a BIG difference!

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Certainly support is better than money. The best support is empowerment that comes from the feeling of being cared and of course having a job to earn. Clearly, something is wrong with the economic system else poverty won't exist in the US.

      replyreport
3. 51

   KhloeSaveegyposted 10 years ago

   No, will add more to this dialogue later today.  Off to work, I must go.

   replyreport
4. 60

   creativewriter123posted 10 years ago

   Its true....If you give them the money, they will spend it. Then what? They will again be empty handed. Rather than giving them money help them obtaining work so that they can earn their own money and other basic necessities of life.

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      So, the real issue is sustainable livelihood. This is a serious flaw in capitalistic economies which run on hire-and-fire ethics. So the economic system needs changing to make it people oriented, rather than profits alone.

      replyreport
   2. 60

      creativewriter123posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes system needs to change and people have to work. Doing charities for poor people will not motivate them to take charge of their live.

      replyreport
5. 48

   Ajpalsposted 10 years ago

   Actually there are alternative ways to give something to help the poor by donating goods, clothes, temporary house projects/shelters for the poor and etc but it seems that the money makes the world go round shows that money can is the only way or main source of helping the poor. Above all you cant donate goods, clothes, temporary house projects/shelters for the poor without money since money is the key that brings these kinds of things that is going to be donated for the poor.

   replyreport
6. 60

   Ashley CathcartMposted 10 years ago

   Absolutely not! I know people that will give food because that is one thing that they need!

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Are there permanent ways to take people out of poverty?

      replyreport
7. 62

   Jeanne Hobackposted 10 years ago

   Money is not the answer. Pride in your work is a better answer.
   Giving someone money does not create pride in anything, except learning how to beg and asking for more free handouts.
   Teaching pride in accomplishments is better.

   replyreport
8. 84

   Chriswillman90posted 10 years ago

   Money is temporary. Yes it can buy you nice things and of course it can help the poor but after it's gone then what happens? What people really need is compassion, friendship, and care that's not selfish. Do you feel good about yourself when you give a couple dollars to a homeless person? If you do then I don't understand why you would. It's a quick fix for your ego like eating a meal at McDonald's and it might buy a homeless person that same fast food meal but so what?
   
   If we really cared and showed legit compassion and a desire to know those poor people, then I definitely believe they would gain a lot more than a few meals. In fact you'd likely both gain a lot more and it'll last a lot longer than a fix.

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Great! If people have the same compassion as you there would be no poverty!! However, today poverty exists because of the unjust system and wrong definition of 'development' which is limited to GDP growth. Progress has to be holistic to be sensible.

      replyreport
9. 54

   GladMindsposted 10 years ago

   No, money is not only the way, there are many ways of serving poor people.
   I will always prefer to give Good Food, this is the one option what i can do for poor people.
   
   Educating them is a best option.
   
   Thank you.

   replyreport
   1. 57

      jacobmiltonhopeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Nice @gladminds ... This is good deed that you provide good food to them, Can you explain that...  Is Good food source helpful in a child’s education success ?

      replyreport
10. 57

    Odhiambo Ouma Srposted 10 years ago

    Giving money is a short term solution to poverty, but funding their projects might just be the real solution

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, people need sustainable source of income. That's the only long term solution to poverty. So we need to change the economic system a bit so that all people get this surety. Today the system creates poverty and sustains it.

       replyreport
11. 66

    CrescentSkiesposted 10 years ago

    Well... Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
    
    Giving people money won't get them out of poverty. In fact it would probably cause them to sink further than they were before that. It's like when a poor person wins the lottery and ends up broke a few months later.

    replyreport
12. 81

    cyoung35posted 10 years ago

    I wrote a hub about homeless people and giving them money and there is a video on it you should watch. My answer to the question is: No, educating poor people is the way to get them out of poverty.

    replyreport
13. 85

    Kristen Howeposted 10 years ago

    You can donate your time and services to help poor people in various ways like working in a soup kitchen or in a homeless shelter by being  a volunteer. You can help them obtain better skills for a new job with new clothes and practice. You can also give them spare food. There are many other ways to help the poor and the homeless.

    replyreport
14. 52

    chandrapokposted 10 years ago

    not at all poor people should be given job opportunity.

    replyreport
15. 61

    GoFrugalposted 10 years ago

    No, Giving money is not the permanent solution, if we help them to show money earning way then it will give the permanent solution.

    replyreport
16. 0

    Pennyforyourthotsposted 10 years ago

    Giving food can be better than giving money. I once met a woman begging for money in the parking lot of a fast food place and offered to feed her a meal. She was grateful for it. Giving money can often lead to the person spending it on other things like alcohol or drugs instead of spending it on food. I don't always feel comfortable donating money and often can't afford to give much money anyway. I prefer to volunteer at a food bank that provides food and clothing to the homeless and have learned that they value human interaction as much as they value the food and clothing they receive at places like food banks and shelters.

    replyreport
17. 60

    Miss Jaraposted 10 years ago

    Money don't grow on trees.
    And that also make them more lazy.....

    replyreport
18. 52

    MichelleCatposted 10 years ago

    No, you can give them your time by being a mentor. You can give them clothing and food. There are many ways to help the poor.

    replyreport
19. 60

    locajposted 10 years ago

    No. You can give a ride to a person, think safety though.
    Buy some food and give it to a homeless person.
    Volunteer your time to a cancer/dying patient.
    Sing at a nursing home.
    Help someone carry groceries out, thing safety though.
    Yard sale with some of the proceeds/funds go to a charity.

    replyreport
20. 73

    SilentMagentaposted 10 years ago

    Giving people money won't make them continually have money. Giving them a job without having the drive to actually care about succeeding at work is a waste of time. I would suggest maybe showing them what they are capable of. Some poor people, I believe don't know that they are able to be on forbes list just like the successful. Their is no difference in everyday people and 6 figures ones except ambition. The want to be something more than what they are. The want to be something more than what they have been told they can be is the most beautiful desire ever. It is the animalistic part of us that wants something and will do what ever to get it. Everyone has talent. Let them experience that their talent is desired by someone. Show them that they can actually make money from their talent.
    
    “Nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful people with talent" -Bansky

    replyreport
21. 0

    MrDanielAbramposted 10 years ago

    Volunteering your time is a good way to help poor people. Including help at a soup kitchen.

    replyreport
22. 57

    Cindy Cinnamonposted 10 years ago

    It is correct to say that you can't get rid of poverty by giving people money, but that is not the goal. Unfortunately, in this world we will always have poverty. Trying to get rid of poverty is like trying to get rid of your hunger for the rest of your life by eating only one meal. It's something that you will always have because of the way the natural system works inside your body. Poverty is part of the current world's economic systems that are in place.
    To the best of my knowledge, every type of economic system that has been tested has had some level of poverty or hardship.
    That being said, when giving money to the poor, one should acknowledge and accept the fact that the people you are helping may or may not ever reach a level of complete independence, but at least their suffering will be slightly less sever by your contribution.
    One major reason that most people in the US are in a constant state of poverty isn't due to a lack of knowledge or skill, but mental illness or being a victim of domestic violence. If you really want to eradicate poverty, find a solution for those problems first.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       True. Current poverty is system created and sustained. The solution lies in fixing the system as well as individual problems like domestic violence, illness and so on.

       replyreport
23. 79

    Rosualdo Ponceposted 9 years ago

    The best thing you can give to help the poor is to give them life, where your money, wisdom, effort and all things reside.

    replyreport
24. 59

    Angel Van Attaposted 9 years ago

    Giving is a very important part of being human. But money isn't always a necessary thing to give. Even the poorest person can give. People need more than just money. Food can be given. Giving someone a few minutes of your time to listen to their stories. A warm cup of coffee on a cold day. Blankets. Pillows. A small bag filled with deodorant, hand wipes, small containers of snacks, a razor. Things that so many of us take for granted. Women shelters are also always in need of feminine hygiene products. Shoes are a great thing to give. Even a meal. Anyone can take a second or two to make someone's life a little better. It's important. Even a smile can be an incredible gift.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Great. You have a giving heart! No one has ever gone bankrupt by giving others in need.

       replyreport
25. 69

    Medusa13posted 9 years ago

    If simply giving money to help people who are poor were the only way, poverty wouldn't exist in our country. We are very good at putting a bandaid on many difficult situations. Rarely do those in power put the little pieces together to see the bigger picture. It is always a complicated situation that will take many different strategies and interventions.
    A good start to help prevent many problems in our society is education and a strong early foundation for children. This isn't happening with the breakdown of the family structure, at least in our country. The result has been a heavy burden placed on schools to make up the difference of what the family used to provide for children from birth to 3-5 years. The school system was never meant to rear a child. It was simply meant to educate a child beyond the years of his or her first exposure to an education by the parent(s)-- true rearing.
    "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." --Maimonides

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting point - linking breakdown of family structure to lack of proper development of kids in schools. So schools must be redesigned to act as parents too! But that too would not provide family environ. So what next?

       replyreport
    2. 69

       Medusa13posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       We need to change society in general, and government specifically. The US government breeds a dependent culture. One that removes most or any responsibility on the parent for children. The mentality of "it takes a village" has often been ignored.

       replyreport
    3. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, there is a vicious cycle of family breakdown, loss of ethics and morality, wild consumerism, 'individualism' - that sustains poverty. Add to that class and racial discriminations, and things look simply bleak. But I still hope things will change

       replyreport
    4. 69

       Medusa13posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I hope for change as well. I believe many are too afraid of change. This is especially true for those in government who work to maintain the status quo. Maybe using a cohousing project with education programs for adults could help for the poor.

       replyreport
26. 45

    Benny01posted 9 years ago

    Giving a poor person money is good but its just temporary since it can only last for a short while, the best gift to a poor person is to encourage him or her to have a steady income through helping the person to get a job according to his or her qualification or establish a business and allow him or her to manage it. If he or she is prudent enough he would not depend on anybody to survive. 'Don't just give people fish, teach them how to fish.' Benny01.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Don't you think the system creates and sustains poverty? Else so much charity and welfare programs would have erased all poverty. It sounds funny to me when I hear of homelessness in the US.

       replyreport
27. 46

    alicia garzaposted 9 years ago

    no its not you can buy them food and some clothes and even give them enough money to buy them stuff to help them

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Charities have been giving them these things for decades yet poverty persists. We need to fix the system that creates and sustains poverty. Charity is fine but can't substitute for injustice..

       replyreport
28. 68

    Ronyaeposted 9 years ago

    I agree with O'Rourke... money isn't the ONLY way to help the poor; sometimes - but not by all, the money will be misused. The only way to ensure the help is actually being received is to give where there is not: i.e. clothing, food, linens, etc. It may seem like a lot of work for some to shop, but the knowledge of knowing where [that] money went is worth it. I hope this comment helps

    replyreport
29. 68

    brakel2posted 9 years ago

    My daughter gave food and distributed sandwiches to the poor. I mentored a child from poor family, took him swimming and out to eat. Paying attention means a lot to the poor. A kind word, a smile means a lot to everybody. Christmas presents also make them feel good.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Great!  If you can inject your kindness into other people this world will immediately turn into a paradise!! Do keep inspiring me and others around.

       replyreport
    2. 39

       Dmitry Kresinposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       This is much better than just giving money. Poor kids with no education and wisdom but with money will definitely spend them in the wrong way. So, giving them attention, teaching them, giving them love is far important.

       replyreport
30. 0

    GrimRascalposted 9 years ago

    Nope. Giving food and happiness is much more effective. Money can make things much worse.

    replyreport
31. 52

    GHVAcceleratorposted 9 years ago

    no this is not the right way. know their problem help them to give a solution not give them money they have to earn it
    http://ghvaccelerator.com/

    replyreport
32. 76

    alan rajposted 9 years ago

    Simply giving money to  them is not the only way to help them.We can do much more.For example,we can educate them with or without the help of government,provide food...

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, education is empowering. If possible, this is best way of helping the poor.

       replyreport
33. 55

    Cassi10posted 9 years ago

    Essentially, the answer is yes. In a roundabout way, giving of our own or the government's money is the only way to break the cycle of poverty. However, giving straight cash or handouts to a person living in poverty is not the answer. On a personal level, if ever I see a beggar on the street, my husband and I always offer to take them into the nearest restaurant for a hot meal or the nearest corner store for some amenities they need, whether it be soap, new socks, etc. We also serve dinner at local homeless shelters with our church, or give money to organizations that provide healthcare, education, etc. to people living in poverty, and this does essentially cost us money.
    On the government's end, I believe that the way the American government has set up welfare, unemployment, food stamps, etc. helps no one. They give the money with no strings attached to people to spend how they please. I have seen people who have gotten food stamps use it to pay for milk for their children, and then used their own money to buy food for the dog. I have seen people on unemployment work jobs that pay cash, making a better living than I do by working the system. I have seen people on welfare continue to buy things like alcohol and cigarettes, while neglecting the purchase of education, job-ready clothing, or I'll say it, birth control to help curb their family until they can get on their feet and have enough money to support another hungry mouth.
    The money the government spends on those living in poverty needs to be put into programs and organizations rather than individuals. Our tax money would benefit a lot more people if it were to go into programs that not only put children into school early, but educate their parents on proper nutrition and educational habits that can be fostered within the home. People in poverty would also benefit from family planning counselors and healthcare centers, as well as social workers who can help with the mental illness that typically runs rampant for those living in poverty. These people need life coaches, kindness, and support from our government, but not a check.

    replyreport
34. 59

    MonkeyShine75posted 9 years ago

    No, you can be in service for them. Do things for them, like take them places, give them food, clothing, and shelter t
    I'm a college student with only a little money. One day I saw an old man that reminded me of my grand-dad, begging for food, so I went home, made him two sandwiches, grabbed a bag of chips, a large coke, and took it too him. He immediately sat down to eat. He loved it. He said it had been 4 days since he ate, and a long, long time since he had coke, and chips.
    It may not have been much, but I did my best, and felt really good about it

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       You did wonderful. We are human only if we have the capacity to show humanity to the suffering people. There is immense satisfaction in helping others through selfless acts. Hope you inspire others to discover humanity in themselves.

       replyreport
    2. 59

       MonkeyShine75posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you Goodpal, I agree, and nothing makes a person feel better than helping another person, or animal

       replyreport
35. 39

    Ratmanposted 9 years ago

    Not always, but giving a job works better!

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Wish we could all offer jibs to the poor!

       replyreport
36. 59

    Yashvi Nikkharposted 9 years ago

    Giving money to help poor is just a short lived and ephemeral solution.One should try to focus on root cause and provide solution to help the poor.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       How to find solutions when the system creates poverty? For instance, it is funny to see homelessness in the US that can wage multi-trillion dollar wars for years. Do we know what really is 'development'?

       replyreport
37. 60

    Keith Whippleposted 9 years ago

    Just giving money will let the poor eat for one day or buy more wine.  Good maybe for the short term.  Long term is education and solving the reason they are poor.

    replyreport
38. 51

    sobha menonposted 9 years ago

    Create a new system built on inter-dependency which motivates them to work and move forward and their dignity is maintained. Tossing out money or other kinds of donation do help the poor and needy people but the need is to direct your energies and efforts in raising them, building relationship, teaching them and moreover, regaining their self-confidence and self-esteem to work for themselves.

    replyreport
39. 51

    celavinderposted 9 years ago

    A better way to help the poor would be looking into the reason the indiviual is poor, what circumstances has the person in the financial situation to began with. If drugs or alcohol was the reason for the financial difficulty money would be the worst thing for that person. It would be better to help the person find a reason to get clean. Once the person has a reason to get clean, it is easier for the person to walk away from drug and seek professional help.
          There could be other reasons for financial difficulties such as divorce, being a single mother, losing your job, no experience. If any of these are the reasons for financial difficulties the best way to help would be helping the person finding a job, or offering training for specific jobs.
           Each person facing financial difficulties have found themselves in the situation for different reasons. So just handing someone some money without knowing the whole story. About how they ended up in the situation to began with could only be creating a bigger problem.
            If you really want to help the less fortunate start with asking questions. Have an office where you can sit down with the person and ask personal question respectfully. Try to actually help the person with the problems they are facing today. If the person is just looking for someone to hand them money without any question then they are not really wanting a hand up they are looking for a hand out. I do not know about anyone else, but I would rather give a hand up than a hand out. The difference between a hand up and a hand out. A hand up is helping someone get back on their feet after a minor set back in their life. A hand out is where someone keeps returning month after month, year after year never really making any headway on becoming financially stable.
           So if you can come up with a place that offers counseling, training, some financial assistance, hosehold items, furniture, and food. Of course you would also need to do screening of the people that come through your door seeking help. I would also advise telling everyone that came to you for help that you require drug screening. This would stop most of the people looking for a hand out. This would be a better way to help the poor by showing people you want to give someone a hand up in life it just sends a better message to people that actually need help.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       There are variety of help available if the poverty is due to personal reasons. But what to do if it is systemic and system generated. For example, how else can you describe homelessness and other forms of poverty in the 15% population of the US?

       replyreport
40. 54

    Author Samposted 9 years ago

    Giving money is ONE of the way to help people. people have different needs. for those whose needs are financial problems, then giving then anything else from money or at least how to make money will seem useless to them. so help people according to their needs. many needs spiritual help too

    replyreport
41. 77

    Naveed Ahmed 624posted 9 years ago

    You really can't get rid of poverty by giving money to the poor, because its the rule of nature that the stratas of society will always remain. But at-least you can fulfill your ethical, moral and possibly religious duties, by helping the poor.
    
    We also need to recognize the difference between extending help and giving money. Helping others does not necessarily require giving them money. A simple smile or a co-operation when needed are also kinds of help, that we should always be ready to deliver. This is the kind of help everybody can do, whereas money can be given by only those who have it in excess of their own needs.
    
    Therefore we should have a sympathetic heart for others, which makes us deliver up-to their expectations they have reserved with us.

    replyreport
42. 59

    Ali Sulehriaposted 9 years ago

    of course not i'd say give them education so that they can earn money themselves and can be productive for the society as well. Giving someone money would eventually hurt their self esteem, People ask for money because they are left with no other choice. So educate them train them in such a way that they can be a vital part of society instead giving them money and allowing them to do nothing but beg.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Even people with skill and education get into poverty.

       replyreport
43. 63

    Duchessoflilac1posted 9 years ago

    Giving money is great, but it's better to give them a purpose. Give them something to do, something which will make them feel useful. They are homeless due to circumstance. Most did not choose this life. A hot meal and listen to their story.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, I can see a human heart talking here. Wonderful!

       replyreport
44. 0

    Nyc1996posted 9 years ago

    Wealth is not the only thing you could give the poor. Education is more important since this helps people get a job. When a person has his or her own source of income, they could go through their life. The money we give only go to their physiological needs.

    replyreport
45. 72

    sandeep15rposted 9 years ago

    Nope, it never helps. Giving money won't help them in any sense.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       vhaywardposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Money buys food, clothing, gas to get to work, money to pay for higher education which will open more opportunities to raise themselves above a minimum wage standard. Paying their bills only band-aids the need, true, but money can open opportunities.

       replyreport
46. 73

    realtalk247posted 9 years ago

    This statement is true.  Often poverty is a mentality.  Very few people are able to launch business or continue to generate revenue when given money.  That is why you have lottery winners that blow their money and people who run through large sums of cash and end up broke. 
    Teach a man to fish and he will always eat.

    replyreport
47. 61

    tjak7776posted 9 years ago

    Opportunity sometimes is far greater than money. Opportunity for education, employment, and participation.

    replyreport
48. 63

    Swapnil Kashyapposted 9 years ago

    It's not THE Only Way but the most important way to bring balance into the world. It is the only simplest way to reduce the gap between the rich and poor. Education is a far topic if you dont have basic necessities of lif like food, water and shelter. Education is important to make them stable on their own but not giving them money will not help but only increase this problem. Giving your money away to those who need it, provided you have it in excess is a service to whole humanity. Please donate to poor people and also help in educating them.

    replyreport
49. 53

    peter565posted 9 years ago

    Give a man a fish he eat for a day, teach a man to fish he eat for a long time.  The best way to combat poverty in the long run is education and employment opportunity

    replyreport
    1. 71

       Goodpalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       That means improving the system so that no one remains uneducated and unemployed.  The current economic system is biased in favor of the rich.

       replyreport
50. 61

    Lynne_Elizposted 9 years ago

    Giving money is not the solution to help poor people - "throwing" money around does not guarantee good results, however those in charge of the handing out of such funds need to also grasp the real concept of community development principles and the need for involvement of those to whom the money would be directed.  The process should not be over-simplified and if done properly should be able to provide a pathway for real solutions.

    replyreport