A Call For Action

[xDenax]

My problem is that it feels like trying to stop a flood with buckets. You just aren't going to be able to do it.

It is and you aren't. You can only keep trying and do what you are able to do and inspire others to do the same.

 

[He's Coming Soon]

I've been working in Washington DC for several months now, and the longer I'm there, the harder it is for me to see the homeless people and feel unable to do anything. On my half mile walk, I see at least five people begging for change. When I first got there, I tried to give some each day, but it became difficult as I quickly realized that I would be in poverty if I gave and gave. These people are not defective and they do not deserve to be in the position.

So, my question is what can we do to help this problem?

What can you do?

I'm going to try to give to some charities. Still trying to decide which ones.

I have adopted a sweet soul and my bills haven't changed drastically. We live modestly and place our petitions for sustenance at the foot of the cross. Our needs are being met as if by miracle. This is a test of our "faith in action" Bless his heart; he made my website user friendly. He did all the code. You'll find his link at the bottom of this page. Not bad for a 22 year old "Rasta Hippie" who's been on the streets for five years (says it's his path) He preaches love everywhere he goes and he is my son now in spirit.

Now, let everyone who has eyes to see and ears to hear ~ do likewise
see post "Commandment" it was not meant to be a casual suggestion.
There is a huge "Blessing" in it.
Morning Star ~ Karin Dayspring

 

[xDenax]

We live modestly and place our petitions for sustenance at the foot of the cross.

Excuse me if I don't believe the "cross" is going to solve the poverty issues within my country or any other. Though I suppose if it inspires you or others to actually do something then it is accomplishing something in a round about way.

 

[b&wpac4]

Excuse me if I don't believe the "cross" is going to solve the poverty issues within my country or any other. Though I suppose if it inspires you or others to actually do something then it is accomplishing something in a round about way.

If I'm reading the post correctly, she said she places her own requests at the cross.

 

[xDenax]

If I'm reading the post correctly, she said she places her own requests at the cross.

Yes, she did.

 

[b&wpac4]

Yes, she did.

Well, that's a reference to prayer. I cannot fault someone for praying, as long as they are not ONLY praying to help others.

 

[xDenax]

Well, that's a reference to prayer. I cannot fault someone for praying, as long as they are not ONLY praying to help others.

I would hope that isn't the case either. I may have read it with my own bias from experience with others who pray only and do absolutely nothing. I wouldn't imagine that is the case as the link she provided mentions giving and volunteering.

 

[ViribusUnitis]

The thing is it will take more than charity to correct the problem as these issues as we know go beyond giving to a poor person.. They are systemic to the society and after the great social programs have been disabled by uhh certain parties which will remain nameless, the only immediate resortt is dependence on charity.

That's nice until you find yourself before a group of kids who live literally in the sewers. When people are in real need they have to meet their immediate requirements solved: home, food, a shower, somebody whom to speak and, at the same time, we need to work on building a better society.

 

[He's Coming Soon]

Our scriptures have a very straightforward solution to this problem!:

Not only are we forbidden to beg; we're also forbidden to give to beggars.

I refer such people to shelters and other agencies that can assist them.

Bruce

"such people" ... so then you step over those Christ or the good Samaritan would have aided. .... interesting ... not your brother's keeper ... somebody else do it. I know ... let's get "Mikey" ... He loves Life ! don't you recognize a test when you see it?

 

[JJWhite]

My problem is that it feels like trying to stop a flood with buckets. You just aren't going to be able to do it.

Think of the people that you DID help... I'm with you on brainstorming for ways to achieve more results, but make sure not to dismiss the little help you've been giving.

 

[Arthra]

That's nice until you find yourself before a group of kids who live literally in the sewers. When people are in real need they have to meet their immediate requirements solved: home, food, a shower, somebody whom to speak and, at the same time, we need to work on building a better society.

Yeh.. I'm not disagreeing with you.. When I mean "systemic" I'm referring to large scale programs that address peoples' basic needs such as shelters, education, food banks, medical care.

Deeper than that are programs that can get people to work again and give them some self respect... like the old WPA.. Our community still uses the Post Office, Auditorium and Civic building built by the WPA.

What Bruce is talking about is that the Baha'i teachings say that we should have no "professional" beggars.. that everyone should have access to basic needs in society.. so universal education, a profession and medical care are all important but today unfortuantely many do not have medical insurance in the US and many are not eligible for basic shelter or support so we have people who are begging for money or food or whatever it takes..

'By the sacred verse: "Begging is forbidden, and it is also prohibited to dispense alms to a beggar" is meant that mendicancy is forbidden and that giving charity to people who take up begging as their profession is also prohibited. The object is to wipe out mendicancy altogether. However, if a person is disabled, striken by dire poverty or becomes helpless, then it is incumbent upon the rich or the trustees to provide him with a monthly allowance for his subsistence. When the House of Justice comes into being it will set up homes for the incapacitated. Thus no one will be obliged to beg, even as the supplementary part of the blessed verse denotes: "It is enjoined upon everyone to earn his livelihood"; then He says: "As to those who are disabled, it devolveth upon the trustees and the rich to make adequate provision for them." By "trustees" is meant the representatives of the people, that is to say the members of the House of Justice.'

- Abdul-Baha

 

[razeontherock]

My problem is that it feels like trying to stop a flood with buckets. You just aren't going to be able to do it.

Au contraire! Step #8 works best. Giving to beggars MUST not be cash. Food is good. Charities shoiudl be inspected for how much % of what you gives goes tot hose you need. The charity I helped found in 1985 functioned such that for every 10 cents you give, we'd get $1.00 worth of food to the end user.

Gov't is about 32%.

 

[xDenax]

I like to give food or grocery store gift cards though I know they can technically use them forever they want. I will give cash to someone if I know they will use it for something they need. I'll give a stranger a couple dollars despite having no idea what they might buy with it..if I have it. I usually don't have anything to give when someone asks me on the street.

 

[BruceDLimber]

Are donations to charities that help these people encouraged?

Of course!

And as to the person who asked why I don't follow Jewish law, did it ever occur to you that the answer might be that I'm not Jewish?

Peace,

Bruce

 

[b&wpac4]

And as to the person who asked why I don't follow Jewish law, did it ever occur to you that the answer might be that I'm not Jewish?

I only pointed out the different philosophies.

 

[b&wpac4]

Au contraire! Step #8 works best. Giving to beggars MUST not be cash. Food is good. Charities shoiudl be inspected for how much % of what you gives goes tot hose you need. The charity I helped found in 1985 functioned such that for every 10 cents you give, we'd get $1.00 worth of food to the end user.

I don't disagree with that. I know a few Jewish charities that I give to because they are very good about making sure the money ends up helping people and not lining the pockets of those in charge. I never like to give money without being sure of what I am giving.

I do agree that you can give food instead of money, but Jewish law does say you should try to give something. If all you can give is money, then you do it.

 

[Livindesert]

I have been naive years past and gave a good ammount of money to professional panhandlers on the street before realizing that they were taking advantage of people who wanted to help out the poor and in need.
So now if someone comes up to me asking for money I won't give it to them but I will offer to buy them a sandwich or similar food item if needed. I also try to drop off old clothing at shelters instead of throwing the items away.

 

[JJWhite]

I do agree that you can give food instead of money, but Jewish law does say you should try to give something. If all you can give is money, then you do it.

I think it's pretty much the same in Islam.. and even if you don't have money on you or feel that the one asking might not honestly need it, you should at least give them some kind words, uplifting words, a smile, a prayer... but if someone asks, you should give something... and God knows best.

 

[ViribusUnitis]

Yeh.. I'm not disagreeing with you.. When I mean "systemic" I'm referring to large scale programs that address peoples' basic needs such as shelters, education, food banks, medical care.

Deeper than that are programs that can get people to work again and give them some self respect... like the old WPA.. Our community still uses the Post Office, Auditorium and Civic building built by the WPA.

What Bruce is talking about is that the Baha'i teachings say that we should have no "professional" beggars.. that everyone should have access to basic needs in society.. so universal education, a profession and medical care are all important but today unfortuantely many do not have medical insurance in the US and many are not eligible for basic shelter or support so we have people who are begging for money or food or whatever it takes..

'By the sacred verse: "Begging is forbidden, and it is also prohibited to dispense alms to a beggar" is meant that mendicancy is forbidden and that giving charity to people who take up begging as their profession is also prohibited. The object is to wipe out mendicancy altogether. However, if a person is disabled, striken by dire poverty or becomes helpless, then it is incumbent upon the rich or the trustees to provide him with a monthly allowance for his subsistence. When the House of Justice comes into being it will set up homes for the incapacitated. Thus no one will be obliged to beg, even as the supplementary part of the blessed verse denotes: "It is enjoined upon everyone to earn his livelihood"; then He says: "As to those who are disabled, it devolveth upon the trustees and the rich to make adequate provision for them." By "trustees" is meant the representatives of the people, that is to say the members of the House of Justice.'

- Abdul-Baha

Thank you for making that clear.

 

[ChavaK]

It is an unfortunate truth some of the people asking for money are nothing more
than scammers. Others may take your money and put it up their nose or into their
veins. There is no way to tell those who are truly in need from those that are not.

Because of that, I give to organized charities, and I volunteer my time when I can.
If you choose to directly help someone, I think it a good idea (as someone suggested above) not to give money but to buy them food, a night in a hotel, a coat in the winter....something tangible so you can verify your money is being put to proper use.