Homeless people

Er
are you sure it wouldn't be easier to have a go at the other side?
I honestly cannot think of any other reasons to not at least attempt to help the homeless, seeing as the vast majority of them aren't alcoholics/addicts

i suppose you could argue that you'd rather not stop on the street, but instead volunteer at a charity/do a handout where you know that resources are being put to good use?

Mm I don't know. Because I agree with the alcohol part - if you give money to them they'll spend it on alcohol, just not that extreme.. :/

The other opinion is:
"Being without a fixed home, that must be dreadful. Moreover this can happen to all of us. So I sit next to them to talk to them and give them money."

Personally, I'd never talk to a homeless person (Doesn't mean I don't feel for them!)

It's because they are alcoholics or drug addicts that these people are on the streets

do you actually believe that?

Anyone actually got any points to express either one of those opinions though? To justify them or to explain them?

For some french homework I've gotta come up with a 1 minute long transcript/presentation about homeless people. I can take one of two opinions and I've chosen the first:
What do you do when you see a homeless person?
"I don't stop. It's because they are alcoholics or drug addicts that these people are on the streets. I took pity once on a homeless guy from my area offering him a small job. He refused!"

So I guess that's basically the opinion that we shouldn't help the homeless. Bit extreme

Anyway, if you have any points you could give me to contribute - because I am dreadful at thinking up idea points - it would be much appreciated

You can even turn it into a debate if you wish. But I just need a one sided argument for the moment.

Thanks xxxx

Er
are you sure it wouldn't be easier to have a go at the other side?
I honestly cannot think of any other reasons to not at least attempt to help the homeless, seeing as the vast majority of them aren't alcoholics/addicts

i suppose you could argue that you'd rather not stop on the street, but instead volunteer at a charity/do a handout where you know that resources are being put to good use?

A friend of mine once said, it's not only until you hit their level and realise how it is to be homeless, that you will have tonnes of respect for them.

I had to read a book called "Stone Cold" in school a few years back and it gave me a really different perspective on homelessness. Its fiction and some parts are just for drama but overall its a very interesting look on how kids similar to my age are affected...
As for your debate...well you can take the route of its better to contribute it to a organised group such as Shelter to make sure money is spent in a way you find more appropriate..Or say its better to give someone a warm pair of socks than the money for it.

I normally tend to stop though, and I think you've picked the harder topic. Not just saying that because I don't personally agree with you but I think that you've already put forward the only real main argument (That the money will be used inappropriately). Its probably better for you to expand on that one point IMHO if you want to use this argument and want to get the essay done quicker.

Yes they are, a study by the University of Cardiff showed that 80% of homeless people interviewed had a substance abuse problem.

I remember going to Cambridge once and there was a big collection box strapped to a lamppost that said on it something like "85% of homeless in Cambridge would use the money on Drugs, if you really wanted to help them you'd donate to a homeless charity instead"

Do you really blame them for having substance abuse problems in light of the fact their sleeping on the streets, particuarly in the freezing cold, with all sorts of traumatic life experiences rummaging around their heads.