[jyl]

What is the problem with her? Psychiatric, drug/alcohol, bad relationship decisions/dependence, lack of employable skills, a string of bad luck and insufficient reserves, terminal flakiness/immaturity/irresponsibility, etc etc?

That probably determines if she needs short term financial help or long term help medical/psych/other help. Short term is easy if you have the spare cash. Long term is harder.

We've helped friends and family with money, several times. The "teach a man to fish" parable is nice, but often used as an excuse to not give a fish, by those who have no intention of teaching fishing either. Ironic to quote Scripture (alleged) as justification for withholding charity. Sometimes a fish is what is needed.

We've also let friends stay with us. Tougher because now it is in a certain way your problem. Also gets into family issues, does your wife care about this person too? Is your house suitable? How about the treehouse (not completely kidding)?

I'd say, start with what is her root problem and work the decision from there.