When you're walking down the street, it isn't unusual to find someone in old, battered clothing sitting or standing on the curb or on the sidewalk asking for something: a dollar, a penny, a hug, or even a smile. It's becoming more common around the world to see homeless people and while we might always feel like we should be giving them money or food, often we feel afraid.
We feel afraid because we don't know how they're going to be using the money. Nobody wants to accidentally fund a drug or alcohol addiction. Although there are homeless shelters scattered across the United States and the world, there is still an abundance of homeless people who are on the streets every single day around the world - even in some of the most affluent cities.
If you feel like you want to help the less fortunate out, why not give gift cards instead of money? That way you know where they'll use the money you've given to them. I'm not talking about giving them an American Express Visa Gift Card but rather a $10 Gift Card to Subway or McDonalds or anywhere else that sells food.
What's the main reason you should give homeless people a gift card? You're paying in advance for a meal, meaning you will know exactly what they're going to eat, or at least the type of food.
Honestly though, when you give homeless people money, a part of you will always be unsure what the money is going towards, no matter where you are in the world. By giving them a gift card to an actual fast food place or even a restaurant or convenience store where they can get a sandwich or a drink, you will change their life for the better, as well as give you comfort about what you are essentially funding.
$10 can get you a meal and some cookies at Subway or a couple sandwiches at McDonalds.
Sure, people might appreciate it more if you give them cold hard cash, but then you're so unsure where the money is going and you do not want that to play on your conscience forever. But with a gift card, while you don't know when they'll cash it in for some real food, or as "real" as it gets at fast food places, at least you know they will be able to enter an establishment and get a decent meal and for a few minutes be away from the harsh reality they are facing.
Giving a gift card or anything really to homeless people has the power to show them the good in life, to make them feel hopeful about the future and about the kindness that is nestled in everyone's hearts - whether one chooses to acknowledge it is a totally different story.
So take time out of your day and get some gift cards to keep in your wallet, your backpack, or your purse so that the next time you see a homeless person on the street asking for money, you can smile and hand a gift card to them.
Of course, you need to make sure it's loaded with actual money and not just a blank gift card.
A small act of kindness can go a long way.
