Miss Peregrine Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 I want to get some to hand out but not sure if it is a good idea. I know its better than no food but I am worried about if they order and there isn't enough left on the card to cover the order. Am I overthinking? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Probably (overthinking). Our church keeps a supply of fast food and grocery gift cards to hand out to those who come by for help. Don't worry about whether it's perfect--it's something. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Here many fast foods have regular morning customers that would buy a burger and/or coffee for the regular homeless people who come in. 7-Eleven gift cards might be more useful but there is always the worry that people (in general) would buy cigarettes or beer than food :( The homeless population is so big here (more than 4K in my county) that I really don't know how much you can spend or how many you can reach. I do think it is a lovely gift though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 (edited) 7-Eleven gift cards might be more useful but there is always the worry that people (in general) would buy cigarettes or beer than food If they're going to do that, they might just as easily tell somebody "Here, I've got a gift card for $10. If you give me $5, I'll give you the gift card - you can have the cashier check it first to make sure I'm telling the truth." So you give them $10, and they end up with no food and $5 worth of beer. If you gave them the $10 in a grocery store gift card then they'd have $5 of food and $5 of beer. If people are going hungry because they're addicted, then they're going to find a way to get those things. Honestly, I might be tempted to drink if I were homeless, because it's such an unhappy situation, and I actually really hate the smell of alcoholic beverages. Edited December 1, 2016 by Tanaqui 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Write the total on the card with Sharpie before you give it, that way it will be obvious and avoid embarrassing surprises. I think it's a great idea. We tend to give out Safeway gift cards to our 'near homeless' families, but they have a place to take some groceries whereas generally it's harder for the homeless to use them, and for them to have a hot meal with good protein is a real health builder. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 (edited) Honestly...in working with homeless for years, there are a lot of them that won't use them. They feel looked down on and like they are being scrutinized when they go into an establishment...if they are allowed in in the first place. Most are more apt to get their food from a shelter where they are surrounded by other people like themselves. Edited December 1, 2016 by tbog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Honestly...in working with homeless for years, there are a lot of them that won't use them. They feel looked down on and like they are being scrutinized when they go into an establishment...if they are allowed in in the first place. Most are more apt to get their food from a shelter where they are surrounded by other people like themselves. Agreed. Is there a reason, OP, that you do not want to just give out an envelope with money instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball mom Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Probably overthinking but super sweet to be wanting to help 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted December 1, 2016 Author Share Posted December 1, 2016 Agreed. Is there a reason, OP, that you do not want to just give out an envelope with money instead? I would rather they buy food than alcohol. Here, the homeless are always hanging around the fast food places and we see them inside a lot. We always buy them whatever they ask for. I was just thinking that a gift card could go in the zip locks I hand out. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeMum Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 That could be an awesome idea. Always give some type of food so there is no chance of abuse. However, the problem is you can sell gift cards pretty easily. Which is unfortunate, but I know some homeless people would try and sell a gift card at 60%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah CB Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 We've done cards for Tim Horton's. It's a coffee and donut shop, but also sells healthier options like soups, sandwiches, and wraps. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 We fill lunch bags with nonperishable foods every fall and keep them in the car. We give out about 5-10 bags every year. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Depends on your area. Around here there are tons of places where one can go to get food. But then that would be a nice little extra. And if they sell them, my thought is so what. I'm not about micromanaging what people do with a gift. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 The need here is more for socks, shoes, and underwear as the soup kitchens have the food mission. If you want to give food, consider donating directly to a soup kitchen - your money will go further than buying retail as they can get a much better discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gentlemommy Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 (edited) We keep (reusable grocery when we can, gallon sized zip lock when we have to) baggies in our car with- Socks Beanie Feminine products Body wash Toothbrush/toothpaste Bottle of water Protein bars Bags of chips Shelf stable fruit cups Peanut butter cups Crackers Mini muffins And a preprinted list from our local homeless shelter that has contact info for all the organizations and charities that would be willing to help-food, shelter, medical, addiction recovery, etc. The numbers are all toll free, and could be accessed from a public phone. I try also to put some money in each bag. The way I look at it is this-it's my job to give freely and lovingly, with no strings attached. What they do with that money is on them. If they use the money to buy cigarettes because it will help suppress their appetite or to buy alcohol to warm up and it helps them cope with another day, well, so be it. At first, we just did money, then I would pull over and let them know I'd be getting a meal for them, but the baggies thing has worked out well. We can buy the snacks in bulk and make up 10-12 bags for about $100. Once we did go to Walmart and buy the gentleman a bag of dog food in addition to his baggie and meal. He was so grateful we did that, he was sharing his sandwich with the pup, and genuinely cared for him. Maybe a few cans of dog food would be good to keep I need the car as well... We've been doing this for two years, and I try to always pull over and chat for a minute. It's very safe here, I go out in the day time and in well populated areas...I might change my plan if I was elsewhere. My kids are typically with me, and every single interaction has been pleasent and positive. My children have absolutely no judgement towards the homeless and have taught me a great deal in that regard. Edited December 1, 2016 by Gentlemommy 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 We live where it's really cold in the winter and our shelter isn't open during the day. So homeless people hang out at the library to keep warm, and they get all kinds of looks. The director of our shelter suggested McDonald's gift cards so the guys can go in and drink coffee and be warm. A $5 gift card would give them 5 coffee warming visits. Yeah, there are bigger needs but every kindness helps. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 If they're going to do that, they might just as easily tell somebody "Here, I've got a gift card for $10. If you give me $5, I'll give you the gift card - you can have the cashier check it first to make sure I'm telling the truth." So you give them $10, and they end up with no food and $5 worth of beer. If you gave them the $10 in a grocery store gift card then they'd have $5 of food and $5 of beer.. Fast food close by 1am, 7-Eleven here has hot food as well as hot coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate. There are probably as many 7-eleven as McDonald's in San Francisco downtown so I was looking at the convenience as well as being open 24/7 compared to a fast food chain's hours of operation. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insertcreativenamehere Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 We also put together baggies with a bottle of water and nonperishable food. There are certain areas where I know we'll encounter people in need so I'm glad to have them in the car and ready to go when they're needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 I would rather they buy food than alcohol. Here, the homeless are always hanging around the fast food places and we see them inside a lot. We always buy them whatever they ask for. I was just thinking that a gift card could go in the zip locks I hand out. I understand. I'm of two minds on that myself. I used to only buy food because I didn't want the money used for alcohol or drugs, but then I decided that I didn't like (for me) the judgment involved. I might feel better giving a hot, nourishing meal, but if someone would rather have money given the choice, I am okay with that now. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted December 1, 2016 Author Share Posted December 1, 2016 I understand. I'm of two minds on that myself. I used to only buy food because I didn't want the money used for alcohol or drugs, but then I decided that I didn't like (for me) the judgment involved. I might feel better giving a hot, nourishing meal, but if someone would rather have money given the choice, I am okay with that now. I totally get that. Growing up with two alcoholic dads informs my judging. I might come to different conclusion later, but for now, I just can't do it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 One year I went to the Dollar Tree and bought 10 pairs of black jersey gloves in the automotive/hardware aisle. I handed them out to homeless people when the weather was colder (it does get cold in Phoenix, btw). Every single one said, "Thank you. This is EXACTLY what I need." Something to think about it in addition to or instead of money or gift cards. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted December 2, 2016 Share Posted December 2, 2016 Today I bought three beanies (stocking caps), $3 ea, from Target's Bullseye's Playground (formerly The Dollar Spot). In each I placed a $5.00 gc from Chik-Fil-A. The plan is to hand them out as I come across people who seem in need. There are enough CFAs here that you can get to one IF you're willing to put in some effort. They're not on every corner like a Sbux, McD's, or Walgreens seems to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted December 2, 2016 Share Posted December 2, 2016 There are enough CFAs here that you can get to one IF you're willing to put in some effort. They're not on every corner like a Sbux, McD's, or Walgreens seems to be. So you're making them work for their meal? What is the point of that? 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 My brother was homeless through the years various times due to an ongoing drug problem. I would always give him Arby's gift cards (that is what he liked). He was happy to have them. He is dead now, and when I see people being kind to the homeless, it reminds me of him and touches my heart. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 One year I went to the Dollar Tree and bought 10 pairs of black jersey gloves in the automotive/hardware aisle. I handed them out to homeless people when the weather was colder (it does get cold in Phoenix, btw). Every single one said, "Thank you. This is EXACTLY what I need." Something to think about it in addition to or instead of money or gift cards. Socks are super good, too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 So you're making them work for their meal? What is the point of that? Vicious and uncalled for. Obviously she's trying to provide some variety that is still reasonably accessible. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 Vicious and uncalled for. Obviously she's trying to provide some variety that is still reasonably accessible. That wasn't my intention. I am genuinely puzzled because it sounds as if the restaurants aren't terribly convenient. She stated that you can get to one "IF you're willing to put in some effort." That sounds to me as if they are, for some reason, required to "earn" their meal. Otherwise, why not give a card to a place that is more easily accessible? Being homeless is exhausting and discouraging enough. Why make it more difficult? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 That wasn't my intention. I am genuinely puzzled because it sounds as if the restaurants aren't terribly convenient. She stated that you can get to one "IF you're willing to put in some effort." That sounds to me as if they are, for some reason, required to "earn" their meal. Otherwise, why not give a card to a place that is more easily accessible? Being homeless is exhausting and discouraging enough. Why make it more difficult? Also, if you don't have a bus pass or bus fare, it means walking, potentially far. Moving off 'your' turf means you may lose contact with people who otherwise know where to find you. Homeless people have friends and family and social workers and outreach workers and being in certain places at certain times is actually required because that's the only way they can catch up with some people. It may also mean you can't panhandle because now you'll be on someone else's turf and there often is a code of honor that you don't move in on someone else's space. I don't understand that post either. It really sounded like the poster wanted the homeless people to have to make an effort to find the restaurant. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 I like Carol's idea of just writing the amount clearly with a black Sharpie. I wouldn't get bogged down in worrying about whether they would use it or how late the place is open and so on - you'll make a lot of people happy. Vicious and uncalled for. Obviously she's trying to provide some variety that is still reasonably accessible. I'll admit that my first thought was, why does she want them to have to walk further, lol? The need here is more for socks, shoes, and underwear as the soup kitchens have the food mission. If you want to give food, consider donating directly to a soup kitchen - your money will go further than buying retail as they can get a much better discount. I imagine that varies a lot by location. We have a lot of homeless and hungry people, and not a lot of actual soup kitchens (and the few they have, you better hope you are close by, bc the bus is going to cost enough that you might as well just buy some fast food). And I do think that a gift from one person to another has its own merits, even if it's not the absolute best value for the money. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 (edited) Last Thanksgiving we put together ziplocs of black socks, peanut butter crackers, applesauce in the pouch and a capri sun. It probably isn't the most nutritious, but it we were able to keep it in the car and hand out easily. I think I will still do this for this year. I've been swamped and have not done anything other than feed my fat self... One year I put peanut butter in one of these baggies with crackers and a pouch drink - just like you described. One woman who always hung around the same place, was the recipient of this bag and I remember her face lighting up as she said: "Ohhh, I haven't had peanut butter in years." ETA: I know some people have peanut allergies, my baggies contained different items. If someone didn't like one, s/he could pick out another. Edited December 3, 2016 by Liz CA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 I imagine that varies a lot by location. We have a lot of homeless and hungry people, and not a lot of actual soup kitchens (and the few they have, you better hope you are close by, bc the bus is going to cost enough that you might as well just buy some fast food). . The soup kitchens here are close to warming locations and shelters. The organizations that help are serving the population, not making things so difficult that they need a bus pass to get food. There are free bus passes given to the homeless, as there is no sliding scale clinic in some of the areas where they congregate. Again, that is a coordinated effort. Your money will go further if you coordinate rather than pot shot. I encourage you to go get your local facts. Is a dollar best spent at fast food, or at a soup kitchen with nutritious food? Are you trying to help someone deaden the pain or get back on their feet? Hand out a fifth, or give them a nutritious meal? Give up on them, or help them get off the streets? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted December 4, 2016 Share Posted December 4, 2016 The soup kitchens here are close to warming locations and shelters. The organizations that help are serving the population, not making things so difficult that they need a bus pass to get food. There are free bus passes given to the homeless, as there is no sliding scale clinic in some of the areas where they congregate. Again, that is a coordinated effort. Your money will go further if you coordinate rather than pot shot. I encourage you to go get your local facts. Is a dollar best spent at fast food, or at a soup kitchen with nutritious food? Are you trying to help someone deaden the pain or get back on their feet? Hand out a fifth, or give them a nutritious meal? Give up on them, or help them get off the streets? I have enough of my local facts to know that if I see a homeless person in certain parts of the city, or outside of the city, there's no way in heck that they are getting to a soup kitchen to eat that day. So, for that person, the fast food card is going to get them fed. Giving money to the soup kitchen is not. The majority of my giving dollars are parted with after careful consideration; we do try to focus our efforts. However, I personally have no problem with also giving help to individuals, regardless of whether that is the best way to spend that dollar in the greater sense. Not everything about a gift can be quantified. Giving to an individual has more than a strict dollar value. It helps the giver in a way that a monthly check to the soup kitchen cannot, and that's not something to be completely disregarded as selfish - practicing the art of giving strengthens overall generosity, ime. It helps the receiver in a way that a meal from the soup kitchen cannot - it is personal, he is seen and acknowledged, the gift is his to do with as he sees fit (a sign of respect). I try to balance responsible giving with moral proximity and personal feelings, but I won't drive myself crazy over it. If I want to buy the panhandling guy on the corner lunch from McDonald's, and he wants to accept it, I'm just going to do it and not fret over the burger not being very healthy or the fact that the soup kitchen could have maximized that ten dollars in a better way. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted December 4, 2016 Share Posted December 4, 2016 (edited) One more thought, about whether I am trying to help someone deaden the pain or get back on their feet. I'll never restrict my help only to the type that helps people get back on their feet, because lots of the street people I see are never going to get there, never having been "on their feet" to begin with. They are severely mentally ill, or severely drug addicted (which often circles back to severely mentally ill). The only thing that has a chance of helping is professional, long-term treatment - which they are none too likely to get, regardless of whether I hand them a Subway gift card or not. They aren't one meal and a hot shower away from solving their problems or even getting a day job, kwim? The people who have a chance at getting a day job are already sitting in the Home Depot parking lot. If withholding money or food meant that they would get over to the shelter, and the shelter would then hook them up with those needed services, I would do that! But as much as I respect the coordinated efforts you spoke of, and as much as they might help some people, healthy food and clean showers and free bus passes aren't going to help these people. Even if your city has awesome job training programs and placement assistance, that isn't going to help them. Show me a city or an organization that routinely provides long term psychiatric treatment to those who show up at their doors, and I will support the heck out of them and try to see how we can replicate that in my city. But I know that such treatment is nearly impossible for anyone but the very wealthy to access in this country; even the well-employed and well-insured rarely manage it. So, yeah, a person who can't function due to severe mental illness might take a gift and use it to self-medicate. Mental illness can be incredibly painful. If my ten bucks helps deaden the pain for a while, well . . . money well spent, really. Edited December 4, 2016 by katilac 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted December 4, 2016 Share Posted December 4, 2016 (edited) One more thought, about whether I am trying to help someone deaden the pain or get back on their feet. I'll never restrict my help only to the type that helps people get back on their feet.... So, yeah, a person who can't function due to severe mental illness might take a gift and use it to self-medicate. Mental illness can be incredibly painful. If my ten bucks helps deaden the pain for a while, well . . . money well spent, really. These are exactly my thoughts on the subject. In my mind, giving without strings attached is essential and shows respect to the recipient - important for people who sadly receive very little respect. Edited December 4, 2016 by bibiche 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted December 4, 2016 Share Posted December 4, 2016 The soup kitchens here are close to warming locations and shelters. The organizations that help are serving the population, not making things so difficult that they need a bus pass to get food. There are free bus passes given to the homeless, as there is no sliding scale clinic in some of the areas where they congregate. Again, that is a coordinated effort. Your money will go further if you coordinate rather than pot shot. I encourage you to go get your local facts. Is a dollar best spent at fast food, or at a soup kitchen with nutritious food? Are you trying to help someone deaden the pain or get back on their feet? Hand out a fifth, or give them a nutritious meal? Give up on them, or help them get off the streets? Some homeless people will not go to the shelters or kitchens. Having volunteered or worked for many of them locally, I can't say that I blame people who won't go to some of them. Few of the shelters offer a hand up so assuming that giving to shelters is a more effective way to help than giving to people who are on the street is not necessarily based in reality. Nor is the food served at shelters necessarily healthy. Paternalism is why the charity mindset doesn't sit well with me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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