Homeless cartThis has always been a really tough one for me: I’m walking down the street, minding my own business, and someone (usually looking really roughed up) asks for money. It’s a conundrum for me: clearly, lack of money is a serious problem for this individual, and I can spare a few bucks. On the other hand, I have no idea where the money would go once I give it. To drink? Drugs? Organized crime? Or just a sandwich or a warm place to sleep for the night?

Similarly, on many street corners in midtown Manhattan, homeless advocates (who often look homeless themselves) have set up a little table and red bucket, shouting relentlessly “Please help the homeless! Just a penny! Just a penny will help someone in need!” Yes, it might. Or it might perpetuate a problem without addressing the underlying issue.

And what is the underlying issue? Perhaps lack of education. Perhaps a completely screwed up family situation, that led to a downward spiral of self-destructive behaviors and hopelessness. Perhaps it’s mental illness that makes it difficult or impossible to function in a structured environment.

But frankly, I tend to prefer to put my charitable dollars there, toward the underlying problem, if I can. Habitat for Humanity actually builds physical houses for people who have none (and requires them to commit to help building the house themselves!). I don’t like their extremely religious overtones, but I can’t argue against their good work.

Likewise FINCA provides micro-loans ($50 or so) to people in developing countries. The recipients use these loans to buy a goat and sell the milk, or set up a fruit stand, or any number of other small, sustainable businesses that allow them to direct their own destiny and lift themselves out of poverty through their own intelligence.

Seems to me these charitable enterprises target some of the root causes of poverty and suffering, and so I like to see my dollars go there, toward more permanent cures to what ails humanity. At least, that’s my theory.

And yet, passing someone who’s suffering in front of my face on the street as I pass by, my noble theories don’t seem quite as noble. Sure, the woman in Zimbabwe needs my help to feed her kids. But this homeless guy right in front of me needs help too, and does’t seem to be getting any.

A difficult issue for me. What do you do? If you give, how do you give? And what is your thinking behind it? Do you prioritize gay and lesbian causes? Do you give as the mood strikes you? Or do you have some organized plan and stick to it? Fill us in.