How do you feel about non-profits who offer free food, clothing, etc. to dual and triple diagnosed homeless?

You know, in my younger years, I felt the way you do. I knew an addict that never had food. They never had clothes. I felt that to buy those things for that person would cripple them. Finally, many years later, I realized that person would NEVER sacrifice drugs for food, clothes. They saw no option but to starve rather than go without drugs. They would live pock marked, diseased, emaciated and with rotting teeth because they so no other possibility. They felt they NEEDED their drug. I finally realized that by with-holding gifts from them, I accomplished nothing. They were still in the same horrible, futile condition. They didn't care. They didn't see any other option. But I did. I didn't want them to go hungry in addition to being pockmarked, emaciated and having rotten teeth. I developed compassion for them and their hopeless life.

I have volunteered at a local homeless warming center in the past. I have met some of the most beautiful, sincere, spiritual people that are trying to make the best of their current situation. If you are a socialogist, I suspect you are suffering from major burnout. Food and water are basic life necessities and I can't imagine comparing our human brothers and sisters to pigeons. One month of defense budget spending could go a long way in helping the homeless and others that truly need help. Perhaps a well planned vacation or career change would do wonders for you.

i wont dis anyone who at least tries to make a difference. and maybe we cant save the world, but then again maybe we can ,one poor lost unfortunate person at a time. and I think its worth it to try. OR how about If your not part of the solution then youre part of the problem. Have you ever been homeless? it can happen easier than you think and its not all drug related or ggambling or drinking problems. if you have enjoyed good fortune and I dont mean wealth, I mean you have a roof over your head and you are able to eat and you have a little money then thank Jesus or whatever you worship because in the blink of an eye it can all go away. did you ever talk to a homeless person, its strange but they are an awful lot like you and I

I think what you need to do is spend time at a place that does things things. I work at a homeless shelter and its not like people LOVE comeing to get help but when they literally don't have any food for their familes what are they supposed to do. and yes alot of them look for jobs but i think you have a negative outlook on this. i think non for profit organizations that help people are wonderful people and more people should give.

ok i gotta answer this. i'm homless! personally i agree w/ you. now this may sound odd to you; but i myself only go to these places when i absolutly have to. i see the kind of ppl there and yes am disgusted. i'm going thru case managment and no they aren't helpful w/ jobs but i'm trying! i don't want this life and am enrolling in school as well. so try helping these ppl. not looking down on us. some of us want better.

theyre wonderful....where I live they tear down low income housing and put up condos alot of ppl cannot afford!! comeon