give a man a rod not a fish ... what do you think?

I agree with you, but in some cases the people may need both. They need to eat (or have shelter, or whatever they need) NOW, then they would be better able to learn whatever they need to continue to be productive. I have noticed that this has been tried in California and other states in the welfare system. The problem is that the people designing the programs that are supposed to help people get on their feet and take care of themselves have never even seen the people they are dealing with. I wish that they (whoever they are...) would look at the problems from the inside-out, not the other way around. What they are doing is not effective because they do not know the populations that they are working with. Some are already skilled, but have other problems. Some have never even filled out a job application. Some have degrees and can't find a job. At least where I live, they put all of these people together, treat them like they are idiots, teach them all the same thing (whether they need it or not), and expect that this will be helping them get out of the system and become successful. It simply does not work...they way it is set up.

I do agree with your saying. It is a lot better to educate someone than to give him money. It is a lot better to make someone self sufficient by having education. HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope the the true joy of Christmas fills your heart. Peace upon you and your family. © ronaldinu 2008

Absolutely, it's right. However, sometimes you just can not do that. Take me for an example, some of my friends know that I am good at some subjects we study and they want me to help them to pass the exams by give them my anwsers to them. What should I do? I always tell them that the exams are not so hard that they could manage pass them by themselves if they work a little harder. But, they only want my anwsers. That's a pity and always puzzles me.

I think there needs to be a perfect balance of both. We absolutely need to work on how we approach the "problem" of homelessness. Programs that work towards getting them back on their feet through education are exactly what we need.