Most homeless people do drugs and drink alcohol. By giving them money, you are feeding their addiction and enabling their homelessness.
So what do you do?
Do you give them food?
How about empty cans and bottles to cash in?
Wait, let's give them blankets!
Let's provide them with clothing!
"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'"
Matthew 25:40 NLT
We at homeless Long Island provide all the above services, including rides, tents, and bottled water, among other services. The difference is we develop a relationship in the love of Jesus, an unconditional, non-judgmental love, by God's grace for his glory. This love is the best asset that we bring into the tent cities. And the streets. We always have a few goals in mind for all the other items we use as tools to gain trust and develop friendships with the homeless.
Become their friend.
Make their life comfortable till they are ready to get off the streets.
Introduce them to Jesus with prayer and bibles. Church services and love!
The death rate of the homeless in our experience in Suffolk county, NY, has risen. Without looking into statistics, our personal experience is evidence of that fact. Personally, I have lost some very close friends that were homeless, so much so that I do not call myself an evangelist anymore. I consider myself a hospice worker. I never know when the next homeless friend will pass on.
Let's get back to what you give to the homeless; you're reading this blog which tells me you have compassion for the homeless brothers and sisters on the streets. So what do you do? Please use discretion and caution, pray on it, and give what your heart tells you. Pray for wisdom!
If you live in Suffolk county, NY, let us know where you have seen a homeless person, and we will visit them. Feel free to give them our contact information.
I will end this blog as I started it.
SHOULD WE GIVE CASH AND OTHER ITEMS TO THE HOMELESS? Your comments and feedback are welcomed and needed.
Thank you,
Chaplain Steven Crawford
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