Whether to give money to the homeless is a personal choice. In Hamburg, for instance, the police are now more active in taking measures against beggars and the homeless in the city center. According to the Hamburg Senate, begging itself is not prohibited, but it is not allowed to "lie down" or even "sit outside designated areas".
Related topic: In Germany, winter help is organized for the homeless
A charitable organization of the Catholic Church advocates for providing financial support to people on the streets. Those who beg or even live on the streets know best what they need and how they will spend the small amount of money they have. This is the organization's view.
Giving money to the poor is not always advisable
- The issue is that people might use the money to buy alcohol.
If someone is truly dependent, they might need alcohol or drugs to survive.
- On the other hand, anyone who donates money to the poor is investing in another person, in humanity and solidarity.
If a person prefers not to hand out cash on the street, they can also donate money to clubs or initiatives that care for the homeless in the city. This is also a good way to help those in need.
Donating in-kind gifts is not always beneficial. Especially if it's the tenth coffee and sixth bun of the day that the requester has received as a gift. Most likely, these items will end up in the trash.
In-kind donations are only acceptable if the person in need specifically asks for them. Otherwise, it's more like vouchers.
People patronize beggars asking for alms, while depriving them of the right to make their own decisions.
Sometimes beggars fabricate circumstances, such as losing a wallet or having a disability, like blindness. This can be considered fraud. In fact, many cities in Germany now have people with physical disabilities living on the streets or at least pretending to do so.
Meanwhile, the police emphasize that there are no organized begging gangs. It's just that some people behave dishonestly. Some people even feel uncomfortable when they see beggars.
They feel insecure and helpless, preferring to look away rather than face reality and deal with the unpleasant underside of society. Many stories show how quickly it can happen that a normal person ends up on the street.
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Despite the measures taken by the authorities, life on the streets remains challenging for the homeless in Germany. Organizations like the one mentioned earlier are working tirelessly to provide resources and support during the winter months.
Furthermore, exploring opportunities to contribute to 'Life in Germany' for the homeless is crucial. Whether it's through financial donations or volunteering at local shelters, every act of kindness counts.
