Moral Delimma

[Gruntina]

Re: Moral Delimma

Helping does not always mean give money or food, it can be sharing a piece of valuable knowledge or teaching a skill that can help the person better improve himself or herself.

I think it's good to help people as long as you are not "enabling them". By helping her achieve a small step leading to more self independent of taking better care of her situations comes a long way.

It’s too bad that we live in a time that helping people can get us in trouble or being taken advantage of. I try to not let that get in the way of helping.

In a homeless situation, a man at church(He was actually a homeless man of 15 years before he got help himself) suggested me to print small papers that had information’s such as where one can go to get help, warm meals, counseling and stuff for the homeless in my purse. I did not know that they could get free rides or bus pass to that place after reading the information. Now if someone was begging for food or money on the streets as I walk by, I just hand them one of the paper. If they are genuinely homeless, they are somehow blocked off from the world and do not know what is available around them or that they can be sick. This way I can help without having to risk my hard earned money and not feel helpless or guilty for not helping someone that might be in need.

So maybe an online search or brochures and financial wisdoms can be given to the lady. It may not be significant but if she really desperate for some help, she will read it.

People are people and life is life. We should not have to carry another person burden but be treat people how you would want to be treated.

[kealina]

Re: Moral Delimma

i think i kind of understand what you mean boe... at least i think i do...
and i don't think you're really referring to the this particular girl... it probably just brought up a topic that was already on your mind cuz that happens to me a lot...
it's the fact that it's a tricky balance between helping others in positive and negative ways...
I have helped people who claimed to be poor and when i helped them out i ended up hearing about how they didn't have money because they had spent it all on "________." Eating out, redecorating, etc...
of course, i've also had extremely positive experiences and i know that i will keep helping others in the ways that i can... there will always be those out there who would appreciate a helping hand and those are the ones i will try to help...
it's just that now i try to be a little more cautious about who i spent my money or energy on...

[Fern]

Re: Moral Delimma

The best way to help someone like this is to literally go with her to a local government office and sign her up for food stamps/WIC. Then try to get her assistance with rent/utilities. In emergency cases the Salvation Army will help with utilities. They also help with food on a monthly basis.

Does she have a high school diploma or a GED? If so great! Then, someone can sit down with her and have a heart to heart about going back to school if for only a certificate that will get her a job. Heck, there are courses that you can take that'll get you in the door after only a semester! Pharmacy tech, CNA, venipucture, etc. Given her situation she would easily qualify for a grant. Depending on the institution, free childcare may be available.

Planned parenthood could help her with birth control.

Her mothers blindness would qualify the mother for disability and food stamps.

I believe in a hand up and not a hand down. There was a time when the Salvation Army helped me with utilities and I've never forgotten it. Their generosity to me has been and will be repaid many times over.

Well said, Katwoman.