Spare a little change. (Homelessness and street begging)

Member Name: wimmy

Product:	Homelessness and street begging
Date:	07/12/00 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Making a small difference to someone

Disadvantages: none

I would love to be able to help every homeless person but unfortunately I haven't won the lottery yet so I give what little I can.
I don't believe people should stop giving to beggars and donate straight to charity.
There is no guarantee that the particular soul who is in your path will benefit or even be touched by the particular charity.
If you spare some change then you can go away knowing that you may have saved a persons' life even with something as little as a warming cup of tea, or a bite to eat.
The majority of homeless people aren't on the street through choice; some will have experienced violence and abuse, whether physical or mental.
Others may have been brought to ruin by the downfalls of life.
How would you feel to be freezing, dirty, hungry and skint? How would you feel if your only hopes of a little change were brought down around you because the person you hold your hand out to said "Sorry, I won't give you any change; I have donated to charity"?
I agree that a lot of the time your money will go to buy drugs or booze, but if this is all you have in life then isn't it understandable?
I would rather the money for drugs was given out of a pocket than beaten and stolen from a victim.
To be honest it sickens me that we have thousands of asylum seekers and immigrants that seem to come to Britain for a free ticket, gaining accomodation and benefits when 'Britain' can't seem to provide for and support our own citizens, many of whom will have paid taxes.
I think it's time we looked after our own as a priority.
Another great way of giving is through buying The Big Issue; this gives the opportunity for some of the homeless to be able to work for their money, gives a little dignity back to their lives, and puts their first foot back on the ladder of life!
Don't say it will NEVER be you. I have been there but I was lucky and managed to pull myself out of the hole.

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