If by "helping" you mean giving money to people directly on the street, absolutely not. I can't afford to give a dollar to everyone, so on what basis do I decide on whom to bestow my generosity? There is no fair way for me to do it, on the street, by myself. So I'm not playing that game.
We need more low income housing, more unskilled work (or a basic income), more care for the mentally ill, more public restrooms, food pantries, and safe places to go. We need to help people who are on the brink of homelessness stay off the streets.
What we don't need is more panhandling. It's a public nuisance that mainly benefits charlatans, and draws resources and good will away from those who need it the most.
Comments
If by "helping" you mean giving money to people directly on the street, absolutely not. I can't afford to give a dollar to everyone, so on what basis do I decide on whom to bestow my generosity? There is no fair way for me to do it, on the street, by myself. So I'm not playing that game.
We need more low income housing, more unskilled work (or a basic income), more care for the mentally ill, more public restrooms, food pantries, and safe places to go. We need to help people who are on the brink of homelessness stay off the streets.
What we don't need is more panhandling. It's a public nuisance that mainly benefits charlatans, and draws resources and good will away from those who need it the most.