Stop feeding the homeless! That’s what the San Jose City Council is considering asking faith-based groups to do. Instead, they will argue, the groups should concentrate on finding housing for the homeless.
On first blush, there seems to be some reason to this approach. Thinking more deeply about it, though reveals how illogical it is. First, if people don’t receive enough food to sustain them, they become sick and weak. That means they can’t look for work and, when they find a potential job, likely won’t interview well. Also, eventually they will land up in the emergency room or hospital–which is very expensive housing.
Besides, it’s not an either/or with faith-based groups. Most of the food is donated, can by can and package by package, by people who fill the churches, synagogues, and mosques. They’re able to share their food but don’t have homes to spare or cash to help with housing others. Those faith groups are trying to feed many people on a tight (or no) budget. Meanwhile, they’re searching for solutions to house those same people and help them find jobs so they can house themselves.
Stop feeding the homeless? It doesn’t make moral, logical, or financial sense–unless, of course, the aim is to decrease the homeless population by having them die off.
Don’t you wish that people learn all the facts before making assumptions? Your take on the homeless is right on, and the faith -based providers are doing what the Gospel calls them to–feeding the hungry, the poor and the downtrodden.
I just sent a letter to the editor regarding a posting from a man who feels that a guaranteed minimum wage is giving handouts to low wage earners! Baloney! Low wage earners deserve a chance to improve their lives, and the lives of their families!
He says it’s delusional liberal thinking!! I told him it’s because liberals read!
Here’s the question: Should we support a person who is trying to survive and working to pull himself and his family into a better life, or should we turn our backs and let him flounder? The “I got mine” attitude is deplorable.