Though it may seem cruel, the reality is, a handout to ANY MAN THAT IS HURTING OR THAT IS IN NEED, whether you see them on the street, on the job, in your church or in your local community, will do him more harm than good in the long run.

The old saying is true: If you give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. But teach that man to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime. We are, unfortunately, giving out too many fish to men in the form of handouts that will leave them just as hungry tomorrow. These handouts may sustain them for the moment, temporarily putting food in their bellies, money in their pockets and even shelter, but the vicious cycle of dependency is just going to start all over again the next day.

More than a handout, men need a hand up out of their desperate situations. They need assistance developing the real-world skills that can transform them into successful, productive members of society. They need to feel the wonderful satisfaction that comes from knowing that they earned the food they eat, that they are empowered, and that their lives are meaningful. With a little bit of help, people who had all but given up can gain a new lease on life, a new chance at dignity and self-determination.

At MSF, we believe if we can get a brother to comfort his issues that he is facing. By expressing himself to other brothers in a confidential setting and let him know that a another man cares for him and is there for support in the midst of his struggles it can turn his life around. By sharing his thoughts, hurts, fears, victories and tragdies he gains confidence in another man and himself - which in turn encourages that man not to compromise his integrity by doing things that may put him in situations that may have devasting consequences for him and his family. The purpose of "A Hand Up - Not A Hand Out" is to get brothers to release the anger, stress, hate and depression that he may be feeling on the inside - to release it in constructive way so that they can see life differently and think differently. This will help prevent them from ending up in prison, abusing drugs and alcohol, living in the streets, begging  for hand outs and not taking care of there responsibilities. If you give a man a chance to make a difference- he will. This is our goal not to leave another brother behind - by  never looking down on him but lifting him up..