Reply #66: I know someone who was homeless and taken in by them when he had nowhere to go.

[PeaceNikki]

Drug addicted and on the streets without a pot to piss in. They offered him shelter, food and education with no expectations. None. He didn't have to praise Jesus or recruit or anything of the sort.

Now, I completely understand taking issue with their policies and I do as well. I agree, on paper they suck in that regard. However, I have not heard any real-life anecdotal evidence of them turning someone in need away ever because of their religious affiliation, sexual preference or any other reason at all. In addition, of the "major" charities, I don't think they have execs making "United Way" kind of salaries. Their annual report states that 83 percent of donations goes directly to services, not expenses. That's a pretty respectable number.

Are they perfect? Hell no. Do a lot of their policies suck? Hell yes. Do they help people? Yes, yes they do. No, that doesn't give them a "pass" and yes, we should pressure them to change that... but at the same time they do help people. A lot of people and I can't and won't throw my change down a storm drain as you suggested if the choice is between that and helping people in need. Ever.