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Rarely, if ever. I'll give to street musicians or performers because at least they are out there trying. And I've given food several times, but I find it difficult to give them money.
The arguments that governments don't do enough, or we should give and not care what destructive behavior follows do not make sense to me. The social welfare systems in the US are extensive, and not confined to Texas. They are, in fact, in EVERY state. As far as the cost of healthcare contributing to homelessness, that is simply untrue. It is illegal for a hospital to turn away a patient just because they have no health insurance. MN has three separate taxpayer funded medical programs for low income citizens, and we are not alone.
Most people living on the streets are there either because they choose to live that way, or they consistently make choices that prevent them from conforming to mainstream society. There's a myriad of agencies and programs (both government and privately funded) out there to help people get back on their feet after a setback. The ones that benefit from these programs are the ones that are willing and able to work, or if they are disabled they are willing to abide by the rules. Beds in shelters are denied to those who insist on disruptive behavior (substance abuse, sex, fighting, etc).
The bottom line for me, though, is that I don't want to enable destructive behavior. And it is not about moral judgments either. How do I know that the next fix won't result in a cardiac arrest or HIV infection? Am I supposed to feel good about contributing to that? Should I feel good about contributing to the destruction and death of an individual who doesn't care if they live or die?
that's my 2 cents
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"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive"
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