Good Books for Homeless People?

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As the homeless people in downtown Chicago have become part of my life recently, I've been trying to give them something more than the little money I have. I've started passing out snacks (granola bars, peanut bars, anything somewhat nutritious that travels well), and I want to give out something a little more lasting.

This latest time I was in Chicago, I brought along spiritual books that I own but don't use; one of those pocket New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs Bibles (I have a lot, thanks to the people who keep handing them out), a Bible -based book called The Life Book...And I'm confident that these books can give someone hope who needs it most, but I want suggestions for a book that more directly relates to people in extreme poverty, surrounded by people with wealth.

There is a book called On Wealth and Poverty, which is a collection of sermons from John Chrysostom on the story of the rich man and Lazarus, which is all too relevant in the world today. I think it would be a great book to hand out to people who feel destitute, poverty-stricken in front of Starbucks & other needlessly expensive & well-visited stores, as this book describes in great detail the spiritual value of poverty, and the divine justice of the poor victim being brought into Heaven, while the greedy rich are condemned to Hell. I think this is the kind of book that homeless people need; one that describes their awful situation as a blessing, with a wonderful ending in the next life (the life that really matters).

This is my suggestion; what are yours?
 

Anthony2019

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I don't know if anyone has published one, but a book containing directions and a map to help homeless people access vital services such as food and drink, housing offices, emergency accommodation and free legal advice would be very useful and practical. They could also include addresses and times when churches are open for coffee, food, friendship and fellowship.
 
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SkyWriting

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As the homeless people in downtown Chicago have become part of my life recently, I've been trying to give them something more than the little money I have. I've started passing out snacks (granola bars, peanut bars, anything somewhat nutritious that travels well), and I want to give out something a little more lasting.

This latest time I was in Chicago, I brought along spiritual books that I own but don't use; one of those pocket New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs Bibles (I have a lot, thanks to the people who keep handing them out), a Bible -based book called The Life Book...And I'm confident that these books can give someone hope who needs it most, but I want suggestions for a book that more directly relates to people in extreme poverty, surrounded by people with wealth.

There is a book called On Wealth and Poverty, which is a collection of sermons from John Chrysostom on the story of the rich man and Lazarus, which is all too relevant in the world today. I think it would be a great book to hand out to people who feel destitute, poverty-stricken in front of Starbucks & other needlessly expensive & well-visited stores, as this book describes in great detail the spiritual value of poverty, and the divine justice of the poor victim being brought into Heaven, while the greedy rich are condemned to Hell. I think this is the kind of book that homeless people need; one that describes their awful situation as a blessing, with a wonderful ending in the next life (the life that really matters).

This is my suggestion; what are yours?

You should keep your money unless you are paying them for helping you.
I've had very good success with aluminum scrap. I leave 1-2 lb pieces of
aluminum in areas where the homeless beg with their signs. One day I saw
a "regular" with large bags of cans piled near the stoplight. The next day he
was gone and has not returned.

This is exactly what I was hoping for, that he would discover the trade of
"scrapping for cash" instead of begging. It takes 32 cans to get a pound of aluminum
but my aluminum pieces were over a pound in weight. So I continue to toss
them out at the stoplight now and then. The scrap is always gone the next day.

And over half the time, no beggars.
 
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durangodawood

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.....I think this is the kind of book that homeless people need; one that describes their awful situation as a blessing, , with a wonderful ending in the next life (the life that really matters).....
Gentlemen, start your engines......

I say that because youve struck upon a notion that I think is truly awful.....And so will a lot of other people.
 
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Ken-1122

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As the homeless people in downtown Chicago have become part of my life recently, I've been trying to give them something more than the little money I have. I've started passing out snacks (granola bars, peanut bars, anything somewhat nutritious that travels well), and I want to give out something a little more lasting.

This latest time I was in Chicago, I brought along spiritual books that I own but don't use; one of those pocket New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs Bibles (I have a lot, thanks to the people who keep handing them out), a Bible -based book called The Life Book...And I'm confident that these books can give someone hope who needs it most, but I want suggestions for a book that more directly relates to people in extreme poverty, surrounded by people with wealth.

There is a book called On Wealth and Poverty, which is a collection of sermons from John Chrysostom on the story of the rich man and Lazarus, which is all too relevant in the world today. I think it would be a great book to hand out to people who feel destitute, poverty-stricken in front of Starbucks & other needlessly expensive & well-visited stores, as this book describes in great detail the spiritual value of poverty, and the divine justice of the poor victim being brought into Heaven, while the greedy rich are condemned to Hell. I think this is the kind of book that homeless people need; one that describes their awful situation as a blessing, with a wonderful ending in the next life (the life that really matters).

This is my suggestion; what are yours?
I am certain your intentions are pure, but I am cringing at the idea of approaching a person who is broken and in need of help, and giving them a book that tells the it is good for them to remain broken and in need of help.
 
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Paidiske

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I don't know if anyone has published one, but a book containing directions and a map to help homeless people access vital services such as food and drink, housing offices, emergency accommodation and free legal advice would be very useful and practical. They could also include addresses and times when churches are open for coffee, food, friendship and fellowship.

These days most people get that information online (and that way it's easier to keep up to date etc).

OP, the idea of handing out books like this also strikes me as rubbing salt into a wound. You could, however, think about starting up a Little Free Library book-exchange type thing in the area, and then you could keep some such books in there if you must?
 
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Anthony2019

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These days most people get that information online (and that way it's easier to keep up to date etc).

OP, the idea of handing out books like this also strikes me as rubbing salt into a wound. You could, however, think about starting up a Little Free Library book-exchange type thing in the area, and then you could keep some such books in there if you must?
I think you're probably right - an ordinary book would certainly carry less stigma than "an information guide", but I guess I was thinking of some way we could pinpoint people to services where they can get extra support.
 
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Paidiske

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I think you're probably right - an ordinary book would certainly carry less stigma than "an information guide", but I guess I was thinking of some way we could pinpoint people to services where they can get extra support.

Sorry, perhaps I wasn't clear. Today, if we want to help people connect with services, you're better off giving them an internet-enabled phone than a book. Most cities have a FB group or the like for folks experiencing homelessness where that information is posted and shared (in real time).
 
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Unofficial Reverand Alex

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Gentlemen, start your engines......

I say that because youve struck upon a notion that I think is truly awful.....And so will a lot of other people.

I am certain your intentions are pure, but I am cringing at the idea of approaching a person who is broken and in need of help, and giving them a book that tells the it is good for them to remain broken and in need of help.

First of all, I always do provide these things coupled with a bit of material help, generally in the form of a little food. Also, I know that nothing I can give them will provide them with a home, which is really what they need; instead, I try to give them hope. I don't expect the books (regardless of what book in particular) to resonate with everyone I give them to; I know that some will be too bitter, some may not be good at reading, and some might be there to take advantage of people's kindness. But I remember one man in particular who became visibly more peaceful with his situation when I handed him $5 with a picture of Mary. The $5 won't last long; a peaceful spirit of hope can be much more enduring. While religion can seem like a stupid idea to many people, it does have a remarkable way of guiding the mind to something greater, to a hope that things will eventually get better, even after death. If I can give a man hope that he may have an eternal home, would that make his situation any worse? Even if we assume that religion is a fraud & there is no eternity, how would belief in a warm & peaceful afterlife (and the Earthly peace that would come with it) be a bad thing to someone with literally nothing to lose?

I genuinely want to hear ideas, so please don't reduce this to insults. I didn't have to put this in a not-specifically Christian subforum; please don't make me regret my decision to reach out to the non-Christians for input. We can disagree on certain issues & still be respectful.
 
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Robban

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As the homeless people in downtown Chicago have become part of my life recently, I've been trying to give them something more than the little money I have. I've started passing out snacks (granola bars, peanut bars, anything somewhat nutritious that travels well), and I want to give out something a little more lasting.

This latest time I was in Chicago, I brought along spiritual books that I own but don't use; one of those pocket New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs Bibles (I have a lot, thanks to the people who keep handing them out), a Bible -based book called The Life Book...And I'm confident that these books can give someone hope who needs it most, but I want suggestions for a book that more directly relates to people in extreme poverty, surrounded by people with wealth.

There is a book called On Wealth and Poverty, which is a collection of sermons from John Chrysostom on the story of the rich man and Lazarus, which is all too relevant in the world today. I think it would be a great book to hand out to people who feel destitute, poverty-stricken in front of Starbucks & other needlessly expensive & well-visited stores, as this book describes in great detail the spiritual value of poverty, and the divine justice of the poor victim being brought into Heaven, while the greedy rich are condemned to Hell. I think this is the kind of book that homeless people need; one that describes their awful situation as a blessing, with a wonderful ending in the next life (the life that really matters).

This is my suggestion; what are yours?

Dunno, the idea of charity is giving of your hardearned money to someone who has none or less.

It is the Mitzvah that requires the whole of ones being.

But if you believe in what you do, then do it.

Like the man said, "Just do it" :)
 
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Robban

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Will add though, that giving of what you have is not the highest level of charity.

The highest level is giving someone employment or help to get employment so they do not have to beg.

Or, if they have a promising project but not the funds,
giving them a intrestfree loan so they can get started
is considered high on the list.
 
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Hazelelponi

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You should keep your money unless you are paying them for helping you.
I've had very good success with aluminum scrap. I leave 1-2 lb pieces of
aluminum in areas where the homeless beg with their signs. One day I saw
a "regular" with large bags of cans piled near the stoplight. The next day he
was gone and has not returned.

This is exactly what I was hoping for, that he would discover the trade of
"scrapping for cash" instead of begging. It takes 32 cans to get a pound of aluminum
but my aluminum pieces were over a pound in weight. So I continue to toss
them out at the stoplight now and then. The scrap is always gone the next day.

And over half the time, no beggars.


Yes, throwing your trash at homeless people is a great way to help them. . I'm sure if everyone throws trash in areas with lots of homeless it would sure make the world a better place..

(where's a sarcasm emoji when you need one...)
 
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Hazelelponi

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As the homeless people in downtown Chicago have become part of my life recently, I've been trying to give them something more than the little money I have. I've started passing out snacks (granola bars, peanut bars, anything somewhat nutritious that travels well), and I want to give out something a little more lasting.

This latest time I was in Chicago, I brought along spiritual books that I own but don't use; one of those pocket New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs Bibles (I have a lot, thanks to the people who keep handing them out), a Bible -based book called The Life Book...And I'm confident that these books can give someone hope who needs it most, but I want suggestions for a book that more directly relates to people in extreme poverty, surrounded by people with wealth.

There is a book called On Wealth and Poverty, which is a collection of sermons from John Chrysostom on the story of the rich man and Lazarus, which is all too relevant in the world today. I think it would be a great book to hand out to people who feel destitute, poverty-stricken in front of Starbucks & other needlessly expensive & well-visited stores, as this book describes in great detail the spiritual value of poverty, and the divine justice of the poor victim being brought into Heaven, while the greedy rich are condemned to Hell. I think this is the kind of book that homeless people need; one that describes their awful situation as a blessing, with a wonderful ending in the next life (the life that really matters).

This is my suggestion; what are yours?

Many homeless people go to libraries just to be somewhere with internet service and air conditioning or heat; it's quite the common place for homeless people.

I would think with such a selection of books they can read that giving books is likely not necessary. Those pockets bibles are probably your best bet if you want to give something non-monetary...

Also, giving to the charities around or just giving out public transportation passes are good, instead of giving cash to homeless people.
 
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Robban

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From a Jewish perspective one should not expect thank you from the recipient but thank the recipient for the opportunity of fulfilling a mitzvah.

It is not like one goes around searching for someone
to give to.
That would be like making a buisness out of giving.

But we do not know who we will "bump" into at anytime.

This beside the commitment we make to any charity organisation which should be regular, so they in turn can plan.
 
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Robban

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The thread was about homeless, I know.

But there are situations when people find themselves in
a position where they need help.

A friend of a friend was at a stables,
after leaving and getting into her car she found that her
wallet had been stolen.

With the weekend coming up she needed cash fast.

Just as an example.
 
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SkyWriting

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Yes, throwing your trash at homeless people is a great way to help them. . I'm sure if everyone throws trash in areas with lots of homeless it would sure make the world a better place..

(where's a sarcasm emoji when you need one...)
It's scrap metal from where I work.
Yes, it gets people off the street instead of begging.
It actually works.
 
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Robban

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It's scrap metal from where I work.
Yes, it gets people off the street instead of begging.
It actually works.

And the recipents did not know who you were and you did not know who they were.
Also a pretty high level.
 
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SkyWriting

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And the recipients did not know who you were and you did not know who they were.
Also a pretty high level.

I recognised him from my daily commute.
Until he took up collecting and and never came back.

I don't know most of these people. But they might still be here for the
Democratic convention this year. You can house them if you come!

90
 
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Hazelelponi

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It's scrap metal from where I work.
Yes, it gets people off the street instead of begging.
It actually works.

Either that or the city has to clean up the mess you make dumping trash..

if you wanna help people don't throw trash at them. Perhaps instead turn your metal into cash yourself and help others.

But what your doing is ridiculous, and yet here you are patting yourself on the back like your littering is righteously helpful... lol.

If you want to help then help, dumping your trash on the street adds to problems and gives the city maintenance crews more to clean up.
 
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Robban

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I recognised him from my daily commute.
Until he took up collecting and and never came back.

I don't know most of these people. But they might still be here for the
Democratic convention this year. You can house them if you come!

90

I would rather be somewhere else,

but that somewhere else is not America.
Too big,
too many people and
too far away.
 
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