Global Q&A: ‘Do you give to beggars on the street?’

Many people prefer to give food rather than money to avoid supporting a drug or alcohol problem, is what Epoch Times reporters from Dubai to Greece found out when they asked locals:

Maputo, Mozambique (studying in Brazil) Maria Rosa Muianga, 29, Masters Student I don’t give to the beggars because most people will spend it on drink or drugs. I give bread, or juice, but never money.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Gemini Chackma, 23, Business Development Officer I do give money to beggars on the streets, especially if it’s a child. I normally don’t like to, but sometimes when I’m feeling a little bit more generous that day, I want to make someone’s day go better than mine, then yeah, I‘ll give them some money. I’d rather give them a hug, but I'll give them money.

Colombia Ana Veles Morales, 30, Lawyer I know that I shouldn’t give money to beggars in the street, because sometimes they take advantage of their condition. Although, we know that they can work perfectly, but honestly, sometimes I give them money, because I am moved by the kids or a blind person. So if they touch my heart, I give them money.

New York, USA James Cocroft, 32, After School Sports Programmer Not always it really depends on the mood I’m in. Usually if I have the change then I will just toss the change in, but if I don’t have it I’m not going to rummage around for it. I worked in nonprofits for a long time so I understand the shelter system, and how you can get those people to go to shelters. So if anything, I have done that in the past or took them to a place to get some grub or something. But [giving them] change isn’t really helping them.

Athens, Greece Marilena Kontou, 25, Graphologist Since I was small, I felt the need to help those in pain. Growing up, that need for help grew more. Perhaps this covers my own insecurity? Maybe I feel that I might get there too, in this difficult period we live in. I help as many people as I can, but my emotional reaction to those scenes does not change.

Maroochydore, Australia Charlie Bourke, 75, Retired Agricultural Economist It would depend entirely on the circumstances not that we see very many beggars on the street in Australia. We see very very few. In fact, I can’t remember when I last saw one. If you’re not faced with the situation, it’s very difficult to say what your response would be. I have helped people from time to time, in a small way, but I can’t say it’s a thing we come across frequently in this country. Thank God.

Lund, Sweden Erik von Schantz, 29, High School Teacher No, I usually don’t do it—instead I donate some money to different organization that supports different things in society. One of the reasons is that I don’t think the money I donate to the beggar goes to the real needs; instead they go to drugs, alcohol, or different kinds of pyramid schemes. Also, because I pay taxes, I think that this should be enough to help people in need, so I don’t think the begging is justified in some way. I think many people don’t give to the beggars and there are many good reasons for that.

Puerto Montt, Chile Mariela Ulloa, 33, Insurance Salesperson I do not give money to everyone; I think there are young people often begging, but they can get a job or use other means to get what they need. We must also differentiate, some have physical disabilities and are unable to do a job, that is a different situation and I believe that for them I can help.

Sao Paulo, Brazil Ana Paula Rezende, 25, Student of Forestry Usually I don’t give to the beggars because they will often spend the money on alcohol and drugs, and thus will not change a person’s life at all. What do I do when I meet someone when I’m near a restaurant for example, and he asks me for money because he is hungry, I buy food for him.

Lima, Peru Rocio Zevallos, 44, Sales No. I do not give them money. I am dedicated to selling products that I prepare, so if I do have to help, I do it with my products, which are sweets. I also buy them food. Only if I see that money is really what they need will I give money. I always ask God to help me to realize and not be indifferent to the suffering of people.

Oradea, Romania Bokos Emese, 35, Office Manager No, I don’t, because I do not think their problems can be solved with 5 or 10 lei. This is a more serious social issue that can be related to education. There should be more practical courses, gardening, and so on, they should deal with.

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “What question do you ask yourself most often?” The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.