Does it Matter Where Homeless Spend Money That You Gave Them?

Some people may believe that homeless people spend the money they get from panhandling on booze instead of things they need. But, should it even matter to us where they spend it?

I was reading a story that was published on Big Country Homepage about a TV station in Lubbock who distributed five $25 Visa Gift Cards to random homeless across town. Then, for a full month, they tracked what was spent on the cards. The results of this experiment showed that 42% of the money was spent at a gas station, 20% spent at Walmart, 17% spent at McDonald's, 12% spent at Lowes/Home Depot, 4% at a dollar store, and 3% was spent at Pinkie's Liquor.

Even though the breakdown shows that only 3% was spent at a liquor store, it is worth noting that Walmart and gas stations both sell alcohol and tobacco. So, the homeless could still get their alcohol and smokes there if they wanted to. And, some do.

But, should it even matter to any of us where they spend that money? After all, they are the ones living on the street.

With so many homeless in Abilene, I wanted to hear your opinion. So, take our poll and then leave your comment below.