As someone who works for a non-profit that moves people out of homelessness and into housing, I respectfully disagree with some of the sentiments expressed by Mr. Bales. First, "street people" is not a respectful term in the community in which I live and work. I hope that we see them primarily as people, secondarily as people who are experiencing homelessness. Secondly, my experiences with people who panhandle (and I've had a lot) is much more mixed. Certainly there are people who are manipulative and use the money unwisely, but I can honestly say that most people I have met panhandling were doing it for prescription drug money, food, or to cover the cost of a pay-to-stay shelter. I've also never heard of anyone making $300 on the streets of Minneapolis. I think Mr. Bales' argument may be detrimental to the reputation of persons experiencing homelessness. I agree with your solutions to homelessness, but think we need to be careful not to foster distrust of those who are homeless.

Very wise, biblical advice! As someone who was once homeless, I never had to stand on a street corner panhandling; there were a variety of resources in my community to help people in my situation, including five food pantries, a rescue mission, and several shelters (I was fortunate enough to be able to afford a cheap motel as well as stay at various friends' homes while I was homeless). During that time, I never went hungry and always had a roof over my head. Having interacted with other homeless people, I have learned a lot about homelessness and its complexities. I have known homeless people who exploited others, going from church to church seeking handouts but unwilling to accept a long-term solution to their homelessness. I also learned that some choose to be homeless because they feel safer living on the streets than being indoors. Sometimes the only option may be to give money, but connecting people to permanent help and a faith community is the best way to help the homeless.

I will let you all know this. Some shelters have started to charge the single men in some areas to stay in a shelter. Many ask for money for that. And for food so they can live. And yes, some do get beer and stuff with it. But its hard to tell who is who. Sure the organizations what you to give them money. But WHO are they catering too? And who gets left out? Its not an easy life at all. Some have given up because they just can not get anywhere. Its very hard to dig yourself out of a homeless and jobless situation. There are many things that are working against them.

Well, i believe it's about discernment. I'm sure any rational human being is not going to give money to someone who has a beer can in his hand... However, he can offer the person asking for help to get him something to eat if food is what he wants. But for someone to suggest that giving money is the last resort, I believe it's not realistic. I work for my money and what I decide to do with my earned money (to give it away or not), is up to me... and what the homeless person does with that money is between him and God. Mr. Bales, using the out of being "unaware of services available" when he gave "all" his money to the lady in Shaghai... which is a great act... however, I'm sure many of us who give money to the homeless are also "unaware of services available" so either buying them something to eat or giving money are options we have.

people need to be wise and follow God's leading when it comes to dealing with the homeless. yes we are to help the poor but we need God's help in searching for those truly poor who really need assistance. sometimes those panhandlers just drain money away from those who are in dire need of help. in all areas of life there will be those who scam, homelessness is not an exception to the rule. one needs to rely upon God's direction for He knows their hearts and He nows who really needs the help. Do give but do it for God's glory.