c. 2007 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) Steve Burger, former executive director of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, urges Americans not to give money to the homeless on the streets.

“If you give a dollar to a panhandler, often you are really funding the local tavern or drug dealer,” Burger said. “Most Americans do not know how to give effectively or wisely. I wish that people would stop giving spare change to the homeless because it can promote irresponsible and self-destructive behaviors.”

Following are Burger’s tips for how people can help homeless men, women, and children:

_ Don’t give money hand-outs. Instead, purchase food items yourself, refer the person to an agency that can provide food or shelter, or give coupons to restaurants or grocery stores that can be redeemed for food.

_ Donate food to a local agency. Food is usually in short supply at rescue missions; they especially need items such as juices, meats, soups and stews.

_ Donate clothes (jackets, sweatshirts, new underwear, socks, shoes, knit hats and gloves) that can be used by both men and women.

_ Because the fastest growing groups of homeless people are children and women with children, there is a need for disposable diapers, baby food and formula, clothing and blankets.

_ Homeless children dream of new toys such as dolls, trucks and games. These donations may be the only gifts they receive for a birthday or Christmas.

_ Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, hairbrushes, combs and shaving lotions are always welcome.

(Used with permission of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions.)

See mainbar, RNS-HOMELESS-GIVE

KRE/JM END DONCKELS