AA777 From United States of America, joined May 1999, 2467 posts, RR: 31 Posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 3281 times:
I always feel bad for homeless people, especially now in the winter (for all of us in the N. Hemisphere), they are constantly exposed to the elements. But, some of them are pushy and rude in asking for money. I wish I could give spare change to all of them, but there are too many. Most of the time I just walk by, and of course feel a pang of guilt, but sometimes if I have change or a spare dollar and the person doesnt look like a con-artist, then I give them money. It just sucks because you often dont know if:
-The person really is homeless.
-If the person will use the money to support a drug/ drinking habit instead of food or clothing.
And therefore, you dont know if you should / want to give money to them. I guess I use my best judgment and try to give when I feel its actually needed. Once, I had a guy ask me for a dollar so he could go buy a beer. I told him, sorry man, I'm not giving you money to buy alcohol. Then, my roommate was like, I like your honesty, here ya go. lol...so my action was negated. But I felt like I didnt want to support a drinking habit.........
A346Dude From Canada, joined Nov 2004, 1198 posts, RR: 8 Reply 1, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 3261 times:
When I have change, and am walking downtown, I usually give to whoever asks until I run out of loonies and toonies (no comments about Canadian funny money, please ). To be honest, I couldn't care less if they use it to buy drugs, alcohol, or whatever, because it's not my choice to make and it doesn't affect me anyways. Now that I think about it, I cannot think of one time I haven't received at least a "thanks" or "God bless", and it's always nice when someone is especially appreciative.
You know the gear is up and locked when it takes full throttle to taxi to the terminal.
Searpqx From Netherlands, joined Jun 2000, 4343 posts, RR: 12 Reply 2, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 3260 times:
No - I donate to homeless shelters, food banks, etc., and if someone says they're starving and asks for money for food, I offer to take them to the nearest place and buy them a meal. I've had a couple take me up on it, and I've even paid for a bag of dog food, but I won't give anyone anything on the street.
"The two most common elements in the universe are Hydrogen and stupidity"
I usually don't.
Here in Sweden people can if they want go to the social authorities and get money to get an apartment, food and stuff. I do feel sorry for those who are living on the streets, but if they want they can get a normal life. But most of the times they buy booze for the money instead...
Go3Team From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3266 posts, RR: 22 Reply 4, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 3256 times:
Being on the road a lot, I've seen the same charactors asking for gas money at the same places time after time. The weirdest time someone asked was when I was sitting in traffic on I-90/94 in downtown Chicago, and someone was knocking on peoples windows asking for change - probably the cause of the traffic jam.
Logan22L From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 6, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 3222 times:
There are a few regulars who hang out in Inman Square. I'll sometimes give them some change or a buck, and sometimes I'll go into a nearby coffee shop and pick up a couple of muffins or pastry and give them to them instead of money. It really does matter to me what they are using the money for. Also, one of the guys makes regular neighborhood runs for 5-cent returnables, and I told him when I would always put mine out so he'd be sure to get them (most of the time anyway - there's a bit of competition).
One thing that pisses me off is this lady who lives across the street. They own their house, are selling another house on this street, and they have a Lexus, and I've found her taking my returnables. I told her that those are out there for the people who actually need it, so please let them have them. She looked at me like I had 12 heads. Some people just will never get it.
Matt D From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9502 posts, RR: 51 Reply 7, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 3207 times:
Most of these people don't deserve squat. Every time someone gives them some money, you are just encouraging that much more begging.
Every once in awhile I get approached, being asked for money to buy "food", "gas", "bus fare", "rent", you name it.
If they ask for food, I don't give money. But I offer to buy them some food (I'm not a total heartless bastard). Not surpisingly, they turn me down almost every time.
Greasespot From Canada, joined Apr 2004, 3050 posts, RR: 22 Reply 8, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 3202 times:
Quoting A346Dude (Reply 1): When I have change, and am walking downtown, I usually give to whoever asks until I run out of loonies and toonies (no comments about Canadian funny money, please ). To be honest, I couldn't care less if they use it to buy drugs, alcohol, or whatever, because it's not my choice to make and it doesn't affect me anyways
And being poor is not a crime....I wonder how many in here are 1 paycheck away from living on the street...We could all be there with a little bad luck...
GS
Sometimes all you can do is look them in the eye and ask " how much did your mom drink when she was pregnant with you?"
Myt332 From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2003, 9112 posts, RR: 74 Reply 9, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 3194 times:
A few months ago I was transiting from The Tube to National Rail at Charing Cross station in London. As I'm not a local I was a bit unfamiliar with where I was heading and some tramp pointed me in the direction of the platforms. I walked on but felt compassionate and went back and gave him a pound. He called me a bloody nutter but appreciated it. Anyway I got up to the platforms and I had missed my train by 5 seconds all because of that tramp.
Scamp From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 533 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 3174 times:
I do about half the time. I'm more inclined to give to women than men, although I guess that really isn't fair, but it just seems to be the way it goes. I have also been known to buy food and take it to someone.
Luv2fly From United States of America, joined May 2003, 11957 posts, RR: 51 Reply 12, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 3158 times:
Quoting Greasespot (Reply 8): And being poor is not a crime....I wonder how many in here are 1 paycheck away from living on the street...We could all be there with a little bad luck...
Maybe that is why some people are afraid of the homeless! Myself I wish I could give more or to all of them, the ones who are on the streets with a dog usually get change from me.
AsstChiefMark From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 13, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 3154 times:
Whenever I have to go to downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis, I stop at the liquor store and buy six 200 ml bottles of cheap vodka. Whenever a beggar comes up to me and does what he does best, I hand him one.
Nancy From United States of America, joined May 2004, 467 posts, RR: 6 Reply 14, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 3146 times:
I give to the shelters instead. That way the people can get food, clothing, shelter etc. and they have regular contact with social service workers who can actually help them get back on their feet. Also, when the shelter uses the money to buy things they make the money go a lot further because they have access to second harvest and donated clothing. Many of the beggars here are really pushy. I especially love the guy who comes up us and says " I know I'm black but I'm not going to attack you." F-off for the implication 1) that I am raging racist and 2) the threat implied therein. I especially love the people with signs who are directly across the street from the soup kitchen: "Will work for food" How about walking across the street?
102IAHexpress From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 1154 posts, RR: 3 Reply 15, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 3123 times:
I don’t always have change in my pocket but when I do, I give. Although I’ve noticed that the increase use in debit cards has been bad for the homeless profession. Quite sad really. Generally speaking I don’t deny the homeless, except when I see a fat homeless person asking money. The fat homeless give the regular homeless guys a bad name; I mean is there any other country where you can see fat homeless people asking for money?
FlyingTexan From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 3111 times:
I could go on forever about this. Much of my knowledge on the subject came from dating a social worker for 2 years when I lived in Las Vegas. Assloads of homeless there.
One of thousands of situations: I walked out of the LV Club on Fremont Street, guy asked me for some $$$.
My reply: The only way I know to get $$$ is to work for it.
His reply: Well, I hope your job isn't as hard as pounding pavement all day asking strangers for money.
Â
Quoting Nancy (Reply 14): "Will work for food" How about walking across the street?
Well, Nancy, they don't know where to get a job but know where to get all the free shit. Maybe that homeless person knows the soup kitchen is there, just is not allowed because he had a few beers for lunch (most shelters do not allow intoxicated persons, in fact they have breath machines on hand). Maybe he is 86'd from there.
Uadc8contrail From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 1782 posts, RR: 10 Reply 17, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 3110 times:
Quoting Matt D (Reply 7): Most of these people don't deserve squat. Every time someone gives them some money, you are just encouraging that much more begging.
Every once in awhile I get approached, being asked for money to buy "food", "gas", "bus fare", "rent", you name it.
If they ask for food, I don't give money. But I offer to buy them some food (I'm not a total heartless bastard). Not surpisingly, they turn me down almost every time.
So much for being hungry.
everyone else, I tell to take a hike.
MATTD hit squarley on the head. when i lived in phx i would see these guys at the stop light near sky harbor with their signs saying will work for food,money...i asked 3 of them one day at the stop light if they wanted to help me clear the desert scrub out of my front yard in prep for a sprinkler system and sod and thats all 2-3 hrs tops and told them i would pay money,booze or food...they looked at me and said that they actually didnt want to work,,,just wanted the cash...now i know why they get pop,beer cans thrown at them at that corner.thx god where im at now the city has a law against begging in any form..there are too many shelters here that there is no reason they need to beg except for booze,drugs
ANCFlyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 18, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 3093 times:
Via social programs perhaps.
No other time.
Perpetuates the problem.
I give enough with my tax money anyway . . . nice brand new homeless shelter in downtown Anchorage - with all the bells and whistles too . . . paid for with city tax dollars and some charitable donations.
Chugach From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 1041 posts, RR: 3 Reply 19, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 3085 times:
I give enough with my tax money anyway . . . nice brand new homeless shelter in downtown Anchorage - with all the bells and whistles too . . . paid for with city tax dollars and some charitable donations.
Ditto. Anchorage has panhandlers at most major intersections in the summer/fall, but they disappear when it starts snowing. Quite frankly, I'd be more likely to give a couple dollars to somebody standing on a street corner when it's 10 degrees and snowing with a stiff north wind, as opposed to somebody standing at Minnesota and Northern Lights in the summer when it's 72 and partly cloudy.
A bigger problem here are the drunks passed out on the sidewalks. Two days ago I walked past the 4th Avenue Theater and somebody was passed out in the entryway. However, Anchorage has worked with that problem enough that Fairbanks actually seems to be worse now.
Psa53 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 3004 posts, RR: 4 Reply 21, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 3070 times:
Yes.I usually give change I have collected
in the car around Foothill Bl at 15 fwy going
home.
Lentigomaligna From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 22, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 3047 times:
You're much much better off donating your money to charities that help the homeless than "homeless" people who panhandle on the street-that way you can be sure that your money is put to good use, and most charities can use money much more efficiently than can any of the beggars on the street. As much as I hate to agree with Matt D, giving to people on the street just enables their behavior.
JAGflyer From Canada, joined Aug 2004, 3321 posts, RR: 4 Reply 23, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 3031 times:
I prefer to give food than to give money. I refuse to pay for their drug, alcohol or smoking habit. On a cold day I will buy the person a coffee.
My dad was walking in a shopping complex a few years ago and a poor man with 2 kids came up to by him and asked a guy driving a new BMW for some money for lunch. He got nothing from him. He then asked my dad who gave him $10 to take him and his kids to McDonalds. After this my dad went to the guy in the BMW and asked why he did not give any money? The SOB said "Let him go on welfare". My dad told the guy he was a selfish piece of shit and left.
I'd have waited til the guy got out of the car and put a tack under each of his tires. What a piece of shit he was to tell some guy with 2 kids to "go on welfare" while he drives his new $60,000 car.
[Edited 2005-12-12 02:47:39]
[Edited 2005-12-12 02:48:23]
Supported the beer and soda can industry, recycle old airplanes!
WhiteHatter From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 24, posted (7 years 5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 3021 times:
Quoting JAGflyer (Reply 23): I refuse to pay for their drug, alcohol or smoking habit.
That's the reason I don't give to beggars.
Those reasons, plus many are part of organised begging gangs. Especially in London where women and children are used to pressure punters into giving cash to them. Windscreen 'washers' piss me off totally as well.
I'm by no means uncharitable but I'm not feeding any habit for anyone, or enriching criminals with money I have worked for. There are safety nets available, if they genuinely need food or shelter then it is available to them.
25 SkySurfer: Not since i gave change to one and watched him walk straight into the pub! I see the same faces with the same washed and cleaned clothes all the time,
26 Logan22L: Maybe you'll be homeless someday. I'll be sure to treat you the same way. Enjoy. Â Â [Edited 2005-12-12 03:25:49]
27 LTBEWR: I do not give money to the 'homeless' or anyone begging in the street. As others noted, often they need money for alcohol or drugs, not for a room or
28 Cairo: Giving to beggers and the homeless only helps them remain beggers and homeless. I lived in Dallas for years and would routinely give $1 or pocket chan
29 Gatorman96: Only if they are holding a sign that says "I'm not gonna lie, I just want to get some booze and cigarettes," then I will give them change.
30 AA777: Not that I am advocating his actions (merely playing Devils Advocate), but a large portion of his tax dollars are going to pay for people who use wel
31 StarCruiser: Yes, I do, and I have often invited them into my home for a hot meal. On those occasions when I cannot do so I make sandwiches. To show I'm a real spo
32 A332: Never... As someone who was pretty much out on streets and living the hard life at one point, I never once expected anyone to bail me out... it was my
33 Sudden: I second that! Here in Amsterdam there is a lot of homeless people that begs for money. To be honest, it pisses me off like hell. As Matt27 wrote, th
34 AerorobNZ: When I was in Peru I stepped over them on the street because many were using a strategy that they use the world over that I'm not keen on which is ann
35 Jwenting: I give stuff (old clothes, shoes) and sometimes (Christmas collection) to the Salvation army, and that's it. It goes towards helping those in need dir
36 Kiwiandrew: I am currently living in Belgium and am astounded at the number of beggars in the streets in such a properous country ( though admittedly a country wi
37 KROC: If I cough up my hard earned money to help homelss, its through organizations that can monitor such things and make sure that the homelss are getting
38 WhiteHatter: I'll happily give money to the homeless but not to a beggar. Shelter or Big Issue sellers are two reputable organisations who help the homeless. Givin
39 HAWK21M: Contribution to a Fund does help.Unfortunately there are just too many homeless people out here. regds MEL
40 Slider: I don't as a rule. I have offered food as well and have been refused. Here in Houston, hobos and panhandlers operate a lot on corners at major interse
41 CFCUQ: One of our stores used to be located next to a homeless drop-in center. The majority of the center's clients had a dog, and a cell phone. A buddy of m
42 BigOrange: Never have and never will. I give my money to help friends and family who need it, not to some bum who decides it's easier to rely on handouts for a l
43 Maury: An interesting thread. I worked for 8 years for a large shelter and service provider in San Jose; as their public face, I was often asked this questio
44 Exarmywarrant: I try to keep some envelopes in my glove compartment. Inside are two certificates; one a coupon from a local fast-food store for enough to get somethi
45 PMN: I would never forgive myself if I didn't give something to this guy Paul
46 Bill142: People are constantly asking me for $5 so they can catch the bus. I know for a fact that the bus costs no more then $2.40. I don't mind giving to orga
47 FlyingTexan: Ahhh, the good ole *I give to shelters* thread now. Well, let me tell you something about shelters. There is no such thing as a non-profit. Everything
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). To be honest, I couldn't care less if they use it to buy drugs, alcohol, or whatever, because it's not my choice to make and it doesn't affect me anyways. Now that I think about it, I cannot think of one time I haven't received at least a "thanks" or "God bless", and it's always nice when someone is especially appreciative.
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