Should you give it? I know the person standing there makes you feel uncomfortable, and you want to look away. No matter what you do. I hope you will choose to look at them and offer a smile and have a sense of empathy for their plight. Remember that that is someone's child, and no one sets out as a life goal to beg on a street corner.
I know, on some corners, you see the same person day after day. But how many people in Memphis are actually homeless? According to last published point in time, when on a January night the homeless are counted, there were 1,292 people sleeping on the streets of Memphis. Studies show that begging on average yields between 15 and $50 a day. As for the cost of shelter, it ranges from free to $6 a night. Unfortunately, there aren't enough beds for everyone, so should you give the money, it's up to you. I personally support the shelters directly, but I try to always offer a smile. This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.
