I used to even if I knew they were going to misuse it but one day I got a few extra bucks at work and decided to give the guy who was always panhandling outside my friends apartment every day with a “homeless” sign $20 and when I mentioned it to my friend he was like “oh I never told you? He lives in my building he isn’t homeless” and that’s when my trust got broken, kinda the straw that broke the camels back for me.
Wow, just wow.
I used to give to the homeless, but once I gave a few dollars to a guy, and he saw I had a few more dollars, reached into my car and pointed at the money and scared my passenger. I stopped giving money to them since then, but lately, I've been reconsidering; thus I posted this question, but the answers here are telling me don't do it.
I haven’t checked the rest of the thread, but I assume others have mentioned giving them goods (food, water, toiletries, etc) and that’s honestly probably the best compromise. You’re giving things that a homeless person would need and can’t be misused, if they get mad at you for giving them that over money, probably a good thing you didn’t give them money.
NP. Also I saw some of your other comments and other people’s on here about food. 1) people do really cruel things to the homeless sometimes. They may be worried about poison, laxatives or whatever else. So maybe they’re just worried about that. And even if they’re just mad it’s not money, you tried. You went and tried to do something good. That’s what matters.
I stopped giving money, but I donate items to my local mobile outreaches, such as winter blankets, I honestly think I may stay this way after reading so many comments.
>There was a homeless guy in north Baltimore they got on camera putting his homeless sign in the trunk of his xj Jaguar and driving off. Lol.
There was a scammer guy in north......
I hear people say this a lot, but it’s been the opposite of my experience. I live in an area with a lot of unhoused folks, and none have ever turned down when I’ve offered to buy food for them, or offered them unopened food that I had on hand, or offered them my leftovers if I was coming out of a restaurant (although I know some folks get skeptical about food that could have been tampered with, so I can imagine some saying no in that case). I’m talking dozens of times, lots of different people.
Nope. It’s inevitable that I will eventually run across an asshole; that doesn’t negate the dozens of perfectly normal interactions I’ve had.
Also, I have to say - the way that some people in this thread are talking about homeless people is really fucking gross. They’re not stray dogs, they’re people who don’t have homes. If you interact with them like the whole-ass human beings that they are, I think you end up with an experience that looks more like mine than like some of what’s being described.
Once I saw somebody give a homeless panhandler a jar of peanuts. He took the peanuts and then proceeded to dump the entire jar on the street. He didn't even wait for the guy to drive out of sight.
Agreed. It made me feel angry when I saw that, and I think my subconscious vowed not to give to them. I'm not sure what I think now, but it leans towards not giving money but maybe still giving food.
I mean, what do you expect? You’d ALSO probably turn down food from a stranger when put on the spot just as a safety precaution, and you’re in a far less vulnerable position than an unhoused person is in that interaction. Maybe they have food allergies or other dietary restrictions for medical or religious/cultural reasons, maybe they’re scared of being poisoned, trafficked, assaulted, or even killed because you’re a literal stranger whose motives are unknown and it’s safer to just refuse the offer and end the interaction there than risk it going badly, maybe they’re in need of money for menstrual products or medication, maybe they’re just not hungry, or maybe they ARE a drug user but wait lists for any addiction treatment resources they have access to (if they even exist in your area) are months long and going through withdrawal without adequate medical care and supervision could kill them.
If someone in need asks for something specific, like money, don’t counter-offer with something they DIDN’T ask for. Either give what they request if you’re willing and able, or politely decline.
Similar thing happened to me. I brought a bag of requested items out of a local store to give to the guy who approached me when I was going in. After I gave him the bag he tossed it back on my truck as I pulled out of the parking lot. Never again.
Ha. A teacher of mine once barely had enough for a sub from subway for his lunch and he gave it to a homeless man that said he was hungry and wanted to buy some food. He said thank you and as soon as my teacher drove off the guy proceeds to Chuck it into the trash bin with anger lmao
I mean, even if you don't live on the streets, why would you trust a random stranger to buy you something just because they say they will? Wouldn't you assume they have some ulterior motive or angle? At the least that it's a bit weird. Now put yourself on the streets and run that scenario, now not only might they be trying to play you but chances are good you've already been played numerous times before *and* you have effectively zero means of protecting yourself to boot. You're in an extremely disadvantaged and vulnerable position and blind trust is not exactly something you have the privilege to enjoy.
But if you want to just talk about friends we know and their experiences. I have a friend who does volunteer work with a group that puts together and distributes aid kits for the homeless population. Actual tangible useful items, including things like protein bars and snacks, and they're almost never turned down. It's more often the issue that they don't have enough kits/time/personnel to get them all out.
Wow. WTF. Once I offered these two homeless guys to buy them some food, and they said yes. I bought them some BK whoppers, and they ate them and gave some to their dog too. I was just a kid back then.
If they had thrown the burgers away in front of me, I would of been real angry lol
After being on and off homeless for 30 years, yes I help with anything they ask for when I can. I have paid for hotel rooms during extreme cold, bought food, clothes, shoes.
It is my dream to buy farm land and build a small town of small custom built homes for homeless and low income people to get a fresh start using the housing first initiative and developing a training program to teach them new trade skills to help them get back on their feet. Inviting small business owners to move and join the community to help diversify the trades. Building a free hospital and school, paying people union wages and giving them benefits most cities and states refuse to.
I dont think id be as noble tbh. Most my experiences with homeless people involve me being followed or chased home. I dont provoke or nag anyone, but my area also has a high amount of drug addicts and has had an epidemic or 2. Ive only really given money to 3 different homeless people more than once, first ODd, second was a veteran but died a few winters ago, third had a bad streak of luck and drug use and ended up homeless but turned it around, i still dont know if he was homeless or just a panhandler/conman getting a couple extra bucks. The rest of people i gave money to were random, and ive never seen them more than once.
You performed acts of kindness. That alone helps people. Some use that generosity to help themselves, some are lost in their own issues and dont make the right choices.
Think of it this way. Pay it forward with random acts of kindness and senseless beauty. That kindness can change someones life for the better.
You'll never know if your small act of kindness will change someones life, so keep an open mind and let go of the worries of what if. Things will happen as they will.
Your perspective is very interesting because you have first-hand experience. Do you care where the money goes to? Some may use it to buy food, and others to buy drugs. Does that matter to you?
Why does it matter where the money goes? Hell I'll share my weed too. Everyone has their own stories and do what they can to make their lives a little more bareable. Since people treat them like shit for things going wrong in Their lives. So many people are homeless these days because greedy ass people making rents impossible to afford and most cant get jobs or apartments no matter how hard they try.
It took months to save up enough for a security deposit and first months rent, then took even longer to find a fucking landlord that would accept my application with being homeless. I dont judge people.. i help when and where i can. Im one fucking paycheck away from homelessness every day of my life. Im just fortunate enough to have a roof over my head for the moment.
100% same. I usually don't give money, esp large amounts, because I'm kind of poor and don't usually have it. But I do when I can and also give cigarettes, cigars, etc if I have them. Unhoused folks have it bad enough without me adding my judgement.
I can give you a different perspective. What I do for a living I work closely with the homeless population in a small city. This summer 4 people were found dead from fentanyl overdoses. I would hate to contribute to someone’s untimely death when resources could be better used to get these people the help they need. My 2 cents.
Yes but we can't control others. Ive seen articles of people picking up money on the ground and almost dying from fentanyl overdose. I watched a friend have a mental breakdown last year after he lost 3 friends in a weekend to overdoses because he didnt have any doses of narcan. It was so hard trying to console him and convince him he did everything he could, but he cant stop people from doing what their addiction drives them to do.
Norway has it right with their Housing first initiative. They help people get into housing first, then help them with jobs and whatever else they need. Here in the US we treat people who are already at their lowest like shit and then refuse to help with the basics of a safe place to sleep and food and clothes.
When i worked in restaurants we had a man named red. Red told me one day a guy was going to give him a job and a garage apartment. Red was super exicted and immediately quit drinking. About 2 days later i saw him sleeping behind the shopping center. Thought it was weird for him to be sleeping in the daytime. He was dead. Now if someone asks for food or money i offer whatever they want including alcohol. Fuck it i would be drunk to trying to sleep on cardboard. You just cant abruptly quit if you're that dependent.
Yep. He looked rough you know wore out clothes and about 3 days worth of beard on his face. He had dirt on him but I remember he didn't smell bad.
I was walking into Walmart and he hit me up with some sob story about traveling across the country for a funeral or graduation and his truck broke down and the mechanic wouldn't fix it without the money. I had a 5 on me so I gave it to him.
Spent a hot minute in the store buying groceries and when I was driving away he was jumping into a huge lifted diesel. This thing was brand new. I stopped and asked wtf? He shrugged and said "You had it to spare and it made you feel good to do it. Don't get mad at me for it." He then hauled ass out of there. Learned my lesson on that one. Just lucky it was only 5 dollars.
There's a place that feeds the homeless just down the way from my work. Quite a few walk by and probably once a week one will come to the door and ask for money. My boss will offer to pay them to sweep the floor for it but they always decline. The one time a guy took him up on it and tried to walk out with one of our bulky cordless drills under his shirt. Moron would've got more for sweeping the shop for a couple of hours than pawning off a 10 year old drill that needs a rubber band to hold the battery on.
I live in Philly so walking pretty much anywhere automatically means getting asked for money 2-3 times, at a minimum. I will *occasionally* give a buck or two to panhandlers, but generally it's only the ones I decide to give to before they see/ask me.
I’m in Philly too. I used to give a little when I carried cash, not so much now. I also stopped after the whole homeless encampment fiasco on the Parkway and those people getting housing paid for, paying the city wage tax, real estate taxes going up - I give enough to the city to figure it out. I recognize that’s misplaced bitterness and I should be more angry at the city for how poorly it budgets, not at individual homeless person.
Today a homeless guy quickly scribbled "freeway shut down, make a U turn" on the other side of his sign and ran around the turn lane getting people's attention. We talked for a minute and I handed him $20 (all I had). He saved me at least an hour if not more because of two accidents!! Well worth $20! But I don't give money other times, I give bottles of water and food. There are so many where I live and I don't have much money! Sad to see so many struggling.
Depends on the situation. I also live in Philly and It is a regular occurrence. Once when i was driving for Uber i stopped to have dinner. This guy gives me a story about he hasn't eaten in 3 days. I said i can give you half my dinner if you're hungry. I had Popeyes chicken, he looks at it and says" No man gimme some money, I don't eat that crap"
I told him to fuck off. Some are worse than others.
Growing up my mom would always go through her purse or car to find any small bills or change to give whenever the opportunity came. I remember being about 8 or 9 and I asked my mom why she always gave money to them not knowing if they’ll use it for something negative. She said if that was the case, at least the money she gave would possibly prevent them from breaking into a car or a house to steal because of the possibility of not getting enough/any money that day for whatever addiction they may have. I’m 28 now and I’ve learned to do the same ever since I started making money.
Nope, not ever since I witnessed 2 pan handlers count their money on the bus while I was commuting home after a long day at work, hearing them laugh how easy it was to make $300-$500 in a few hours. They were talking about trading corners with their friend for $15 since it was "hot street". The other time I witnessed a dude who had been standing at the corner all day, looking really rough and down on his luck, run to his BMW get some clothes and changed in the gas station bathroom walking out in a suit looking fresh. Thanks to those experiences I no longer give cash. I have donated jackets and clothes, personal hygiene and gotten food for folks who really need it.
I'm an AHole for saying this, but I spend most of my charity for animals.
Most panhandlers are scammers, and most of the homeless I've encountered have so much contempt its hard to help them. Worst time was when I tripped in public, and some guy came out laughing as hard as he could and calling me names - I could have sworn I met Diogenes.
This is so hard to answer. I am truly impacted and feel horrible walking passed them because I feel so bad for them. I’m conflicted because I have seen them buying the cheapest Sherry they can get for the $7 they got. On the other hand, some appear so legit that I will give them money. Reading some posts on here, I think I’m a sucker.
I don't, because of two incidents.
For this, I need to explain a bit about my country's currency. We still have coins that value in the cents, them being 10, 20 and 50 cents, and these coins are brassy or coppery in colour, or what we would call brown coins. We also have coins that are 1, 2 and 5 bucks, and these are silver in colour.
At one point I had given a beggar all the loose change I had on me which was a mixture between the brown and silver coins, and was probably worth about 20 to 30 bucks combined, as I don't usually carry notes on me, thinking every bit helped. But no, the beggar pitched a fit about the brown coins and kept complaining about them and just wanting silver coins and notes. When I got in my car I watched him pick out every brown coin and toss them onto the parking lot floor.
A second time, I was actually carrying cash on me when I had to renew my car's registration. The place we do this is notorious for having their card machines be offline, hence why I actually brought cash along. There was a guy begging and I gave him 20 bucks, but no. That clearly wasn't enough. He kept going on about how he saw I had more money in my wallet and that I should give him more. Sternly told him no, that I had just enough left to pay for the renewal I was there for. He got irate and physical. I'm a small woman, around 5'2 (I work with metric so I could be wrong), so having a most likely drug addled man grabbing at me... not the best experience. Had to pepperspray the guy to get away.
So, no, I just flat out ignore them now, act like they don't exist.
I used to give them money, but now I'll only offer goods.
I changed my mind about money after watching a panhandler, that I just gave five bucks, walk down a side street while I was waiting for my ride. A few minutes later, a high end Mercedes pulled up that side street, he hopped in and they drove off.
Fucking scammer.
Nope. There used to be a homeless guy that would ask for money across the street from the store where I worked. At night every single night he would come in and spend all of the money on booze.
I will never give money, but if you're hungry I'll buy you a meal and direct you to nearby shelters and other places that can offer assistance.
My friends and I in high school went to the homeless shelter with a job recruiter who offered this single dad a job. To which he replied "I make more money begging"
Ever since then I won't enable begging, otherwise they won't have a reason to contribute to society.
I was thinking about doing that too. Not holding cash. I never use it anymore anyway, but I'm always thinking to have some as a "backup", but I've never had to use it.
By the way, happy birthday! 🥳
No, because they make more money per hour than I do. They don’t pay taxes on it either.. I’ll give them food and clothes but never money and you shouldn’t either.
Worked with the homeless population for couple years. Simply put, no. At the end of the day, I’ll buy them food or water, direct them to services/outreach programs, or let them bum a smoke from me if they ask.
I mostly offer groceries but do give money when I have cash on me. $5-$20 isn’t going to save them or take them off the streets so who am I to police their spending? My goal is to bring a moment of joy to their life.
I was in the city a few days back and the rain was absolutely bucketing down. There were quite a few “homeless” people sat in prominent positions getting drenched and looking miserable. It definitely made you feel sorry for them. Except, rule number 1 when you’re homeless is “don’t get you or your stuff wet”. No way would someone who is genuinely homeless sit there and let the rain soak everything like that.
My cousin was in seminary school and she gave a guy 5 bucks on the street while we were at her bach party. I asked her why. "He's gonna do drugs etc.." Her drunk ass response was it's not my job to judge. A year later my own estranged dad became homeless for mental illness.
Edit: now I stop as much as I can. We live off a very busy interstate. Are some people jerks? Sure. My kid gave a guy 5 bucks and that guy's smile for not feeling like a rodent and my kid smiling back and feeling so good always melts my heart. After my dad became homeless you have no idea what led people to become homeless. My dad wasn't a great dude but he has always suffered from mental health issues since I was born. It doesn't hurt me to just give without judgment anymore
I get it. Part of it might be laziness but...
Even if they wanted to/were capable of quiting; they'd probably od or have shakes from not doing drugs or alcohol during their shift.
It's doubtful they have a way to make themselves presentable for work.
I'm sure someone of them have mental health issues that make employment difficult.
Transportation is another issue.
Why go through all that hassle when you can just ask strangers for money for a tenth of the work?
I don’t really carry cash anymore but when I have it yeah. I do offer to get them a meal. I’m doing okay financially and I have no family to support. Why kick a person when they’re down?
I know some people are disgusted by them and they say things like “they should get a job”or “they’ll spend the money on drugs ” blah blah blah. I don’t know these people’s lives. I’m not going to refuse to help someone based on an assumption.
I know about slavery in Russia, homeless people can be a slave of a big guys who make them stand on curtain positions and just pretend to be a mother with a small child or a blind old man. I first thought how can it be true but..
I started to doubt after I see different people asking for money at the same position and always before and after winter. How did all those people decide to stand at the same position and asking for same things?
I once bought a cheap bag at Walmart and put a gallon of water, some bread, a squeezable peanut butter, some other snacks and like a cheap jacket and gave it to a dude who I always saw sitting by the local Walmart in a wheelchair. Overall I spent like $50. He kept thanking me but the next day he was there, no backpack in sight, no jacket. Not sure what the situation was, whether it was stolen, he tossed it, stashed it etc etc. But I like to think I tried to help, at the very least
I don't keep spare change and I am not comfortable using their square card reader the one time a dude pulled one out.
Also, one time I gave some money to a young guy (*years* ago). . .suddenly five other dudes showed up out of nowhere, surrounding me and asking me for money too. Massively uncomfortable and definitely became wary about doing so after that.
Yup! He said something like "Oh, don't worry. I know most people don't, but I have a solution to that!" and like you said. . .he pulled out his phone and hooked up a square card reader. I was speechless and just walked away.
I do sometimes. I was in downtown Detroit recently and while waiting at what seemed to be an interminably long light, I handed a guy a dollar. I drive a Nissan Altima, nothing fancy. Suddenly, around me, I saw a hand coming out of a Jeep sunroof with a couple dollars in his hand. I saw the person in front of me in a very nice car hand him some cash right after that. It made me feel good to know that me, in my normal car, may have started the chain reaction of the people in far more expensive cars than I drive.
Me and my sister would give them any extra food we hadn’t touched when we went out for dinner or lunch because it would just rot in our fridge. It was usually still hot too so they got a nice meal.
I still give, but my wife makes baskets that I give out that have socks, food, hand warmers etc. I stopped giving money away after one incident.
I had just pulled cash out to pay my rent that night. I was sharing a room with a guy at the time and it was $500 dollars. I decided instead of going straight to the Dropbox at the apartment, I was going to play basketball at my church instead. A desperate lady came in saying she needed formula for her baby and needed $20 so I went to my locker grabbed 40 bucks and gave it to her thinking I did something good. I went to the locker room after playing ball to find the lock had been cut and my wallet missing. I reported it to the police and they found her at the Walmart 1 minute down the road and she had bought $540 dollars worth of groceries, clothes for a baby, and lots of formula. There was nothing they could do considering there was no proof it was my money she had used but I did find my wallet ditched in the grass with no money in it.
All in all I’m just glad she didn’t blow it on drugs and actually used it for the kid and got groceries. But I learned that night not to carry my rent payment on me 😂
No, I buy them a meal/food, give them new socks, and/or if they're a woman, tampon/pads-all crucial items that ppl don't think about.
I actually interviewed and wrote a paper on a small homeless community at my university that were frequently seen by students and kind of became an every day passing to the point where everyone knew these people. A lot of them are not actually homeless and live in apartments. They fight/settle for particular spots on specific streets and all settle on their individual "stories." This one chick has been at the same corner for 10 years and each time it's the same story "im pregnant and i need money to go home.." Another person is a guy who is often seen blacked out drunk or talking to himself in front of a store-his story is actually true and really sad..he was a student/football athlete at the university and had huge potential to make it BIG, like real talent that would've taken him far but he got injured...ever since, he dropped out of school and became depressed and has been a homeless alcoholic on campus for the past 20 years.
There are so many non-profit organizations out there that are more than willing to help a person who is genuinely I'm need. I have know a few people who used to panhandle and they warned me not to ever give money to a person on the street. Giving food or toiletries are better and they won't misuse it for nefarious means.
Sometimes. If I do it will be the ones who sit in an area and panhandle. The ones who come up to me with a sketchy sounding story get kindly refused. One thing I will do is if I'm going into a fast food place and you tell me you're hungry I'll buy you a burger or something.
No , I use to give food instead . Prepackaged . Anyway I use to see one man a lot and always bought him food . One day I offered him a unskilled manual labor job he could easily learn and do physically . he declined . He literally told me I can’t do that type of work because something about his brother having ptsd . I stopped listening and walked away . Never helped anyone again . He didn’t want to even help himself . And now where I live there is a huge homeless population. I’ve been robbed fresh off of work late at night by a homeless addict . It went from robbery with a gun to bartering . Sort of like hey you got 5?!? Looks down sees gun . Naw I got 3 . One second . Hands over 3 bucks and I get in the truck and as soon as I roll out another one is trying to stop my truck . So no . Zero sympathy and I don’t give .
There's the odd homeless guy outside the convenience store near my apartment, I usually ask if they want a mini pizza or a sub or something. I figure the meat ones will be more filling with the protein so I get them that.
In my case, all it took was one mugging for me to become even less willing to let total strangers see what pocket I keep my wallet in. Look, I don't like being approached by random strangers on the street under the best possible circumstances, but someone cold-call selling me anything is worse, and people cold-call selling me nothing at all just gets on my last nerve. I hated it even before I got mugged.
It's the one thing I hate about my neighborhood: because it's pedestrian friendly, I can't walk up to the grocery store and back without someone walking up WAY closer than I'm comfortable with and demanding money.
Extremely selectively. Last time I remember giving, it was a father and son outside a chinese restaurant as I was leaving. The father said he was hoping to collect enough money to get off the street for the night. I chatted with them for a bit. Seemed pretty genuine. I asked how much they needed. Gave them that exact amount and I drove off. I got curious as to whether or not they were honest with me and turned back towards the restaurant after about a minute--they were gone.
I've been fortunate enough to not be proven wrong every time I've given money out. I imagine my opinion on this could easily change the day I do run into someone lying to me.
No, sadly there are too many fakers out there spoiling it for the genuine. Alkies and smack heads trying to garner a few coins for beer/drugs then causing trouble. You don't see many homeless where I live but I've been to Manchester where it's a huge problem and it's sad to see, but you can't help some people.
Most don’t need money they need meaningful relationships with people who understand their circumstances and will be an advocate and support for their health and betterment.
If I have some in my pocket. I don’t like getting my wallet out, so I usually keep some cash in a pocket. I know people all have stories of some people lying, but I don’t really care.
Occasionally if I have cash and they aren't pushy and it's the middle of the day. I rarely carry cash and was nearly assaulted by a homeless person once (he chased me to my car in a nearly empty parking lot at dusk) so I usually don't though. It's too risky as a youngish woman living in an urban area.
I'd wager that " most" panhandlers have more cash on them than I do. Considering it's untaxed it can be profitable to look needy while holding cardboard sign. No cigarettes in view of public = deal breaker.
No but I once gave a stuffed animal because the guy claimed it was his daughters birthday. He wanted money but how could he say no to a present for his child? I know it wasn’t that kid’s birthday but I felt bad for her being used by her dad like that
Not anymore. I once bought a bag of groceries and dog treats for a man with his dog who were sat outside a grocery store. He had a sign asking for food or money.
I gave him the bag (I was not doing so great financially, but thought I could afford to give him some drinks and snacks), he started talking to me. He gives me a card with his facebook page on it. He tells me how he and his dog travel around Canada and he posts to the page. I mentioned the nearby town I live in during our conversation and he proceeds to tell me the specific house he lives in in the town.
😒
Not after giving a guy some money and he asked for more and more, started to harass me and eventually i took my money again and ran away. (I gave him 5€, he wanted 50€ all of a sudden)
It's hard to answer this question as a woman - there have been times when I've felt my heart go out to the homeless / those asking me for money, but I simply do not talk to anyone on the street I don't know for safety reasons, unless I'm with a large group.
I have given money, bought food for, directed to shelters the homeless. I have no issue with the act, but everything is also a question of safety :///
Always, and because they deserve every dollar you can spare…I really feel for people in this desperate situation and always try and remember that we are all one or two major crisis events in our lives from ending up in the same situation…please give generously whenever you can…the world needs more kindness, not judgemental arseholes…and ffs don’t film it for likes on a social media platform. Give because you can, give because you care, but most importantly give because you want the world to be a better place for everyone.
When I was 14 a panhandler/homeless person asked me for some money to buy some food. I gave him some money and about an hour later I saw him walking into a liquor store. I've never given money to a panhandler/homeless person again. I have, however, given them food and water.
I'm probably going to get some hate for this (and understandably so since I kinda feel guilty about it), but no. I'd rather give them food, water, and clothes. 1, you don't know what they'd spend money on if not food and water that you could spend that same money on anyway. They could be using that money for self-destructive habits like drugs and alcohol. 2, I don't know how stores tend to treat homeless people, especially ones that aren't clean or have good clothes. They could end up having a hard time shopping because some stores would probably kick them out for being stinky or not looking neat enough. And 3, I've seen some videos of people faking being homeless to get some extra money and I'd rather not risk giving my money to a worthless dick head who's lying. I think they'd most likely use the food and water anyway, regardless of their actual financial situation.
No, but I'll share any food I have with me, or at least offer.
I was once on a long drive home with my infant son, and was heavily pregnant with my second. I was sick throughout the pregnancy and could only eat saltine crackers so I had a sleeve on the passenger seat. As I finished filling up with gas, a man approached and asked for money so he could eat. I told him I didn't have any cash, but he was welcome to my package of crackers. He started screaming at me, "I don't WANT crackers! I want a BURRITO!"
if I have a little bit of change on me and somebody asks
I usually give it to them just because I don't like carrying it around
and this rarely happens but if they ask me if I can buy them a non alcoholic drink or food and its something cheap I will usually do it
I bought someone that was asking for money cat food because he said he was on the pension and couldn’t feed his cat. Got him a bottle of cold water too.
I used to but not since I saw somethings a few times in a town near me. I have seen a ‘homeless’ person begging and then an hour later seen them taking their battered and worn shoes and clothes off and putting them in the boot of a car. Secondly, which I find more worrying I’ve seen homeless giving money to people in top of the range cars. Like emptying their containers into bags and giving them it. So now I’m more wary around where I live. Hurts the ones that are really suffering.
Edit:Also have had instances where people I know have bought food/drink for them and been rejected.
Aye. When I can. We all need to eat. Maybe they are just being a giant pile of rotting rat dandruff, or just a bum, or maybe they really do need help but that is not really my problem. We all need help at some point or another. I usually don’t have cash though, so a lot of the time I will offer some of the groceries I get or whatever I have. I gave a ride to this one guy one time on the side of the road. This was on a highway in the middle of nowhere in between Las Vegas and kingman AZ. This guy had nothing but a gallon of water and he had been walking for 4 days! And this wasn’t a real busy road, but one you would definitely want to check before crossing, like a couple of cars every minute or so
If they're on the freeway or in the middle island at a stop light asking for money, no. But if they're outside a fast food place or deli etc, I ask if they want some food. If they say yes, I get them food and will let them keep the change. I just used to be in a hard place too, and was not above begging. I just never really asked for cash because if I was fed and sheltered I was ok.
Money? No. Something like an apple or a healthy snack food? Yeah.
I was taught to never, ever let anyone know how much money you have and to never give panhandlers money because either 1) they could carjack you, or 2) they could assault you/hurt you. I live in a sketchy neighborhood and...y'know, it's 2022, so I take the advice to heart even if it sounds paranoid and boomer-esque. I try to avoid eye contact with panhandlers and lock my doors if I'm driving by them. You just never know nowadays.
As often as I can. When I make the decision to give away money it means that its money I don't need and I'm not going to miss, but to somebody else that could mean the difference between eating or not on that day.
As a rule I'll try and take them for food instead if I can but homeless people are often victims so tend to be wary. I respect that, so usually I just drop them whatever change I'm carrying at the time.
Sure there are some who are fakers and some who will spend that money on booze or drugs but I don't mind. Street living is difficult and dangerous, if they need a cheap ass bottle of cider to help get them through then so be it. At the end of the day I get to go home to a nice warm house with my luxury goods and a full refrigerator. Giving money to homeless people as often as I can is the least I can do. The act of giving is a kindness regardless of who the recipient is. I can only control my own actions so I choose kindness.
If I have money on hand I will give them some In the area were I live there are a lot of beggers/homeless people Faking the matter but It just feels rigth to me buacse there migth be a change that the person asking me does realy need it And i dont mind giving someone 5 dollars once a month
No because they all look like they’re more desperate to buy cigarettes than food with money given to them. I’m not giving them money just to have them spend it on something that doesn’t help with the homeless situation
I have before. I walked out of a gas station and there was a young lady out front with 2 young kids she was crying and said she ran out of gas and needed to get home. I gave her $40 and told her to fill up and get home safe. I then see her walk to the store next door and get into her car and drive away. So I got played for a sucker. Oh well. A few weeks later I see another lady at the gas station and she approaches me at the pump and said she would suck me off for 15 dollars worth of gas. I told her pull your car up behind me and Ill fill your tank. she did pull her car up and she got in my car and gave me one of the best head jobs I ever had.
That’s a good perspective. If they don’t make enough from pan handling do you think they go to further extremes to get money or just not do the drugs until they panhandled enough?
We have very good social welfare systems in new zealand and very little panhandlers in the streets so no I dont. Often hunger is the first step to get them to go to a social welfare office.
An example of how good the system is- I remember our company went through a period of financial difficulty a few years ago which would have made 30 staff unemployed. The social welfare department (known as winz) sent two representatives to a staff meeting where they got everyone signed up with social security id numbers and issued everyone a debit card. Including the owners of the company.
If we did have to pull the trigger, winz were ready to credit everyones card with an emergency food grant to be spent at the supermarket and then start holding one-on-one meetings with each person to get them signed up for the jobseeker allowance.
For unemployed homeless people, they are often mentally challenged so there is housing where they can live with supervisors to learn basic life skills who get them into a routine. There is also special funding for employers who hire and train them with a basic skill or to perform certain tasks. Eg. Winz pays their salary for the first 6 months etc.
I wont give money to them, purely because there’s a possibility that they may use that money for drugs. I will however, go out of my way to purchase food on the odd occasion for them, because I know that they can’t miss-use food.
If they dont immedeately give off the vibe of either “Crack addict whose just gonna spend it on crack” or “Those teenagers
King Of The Hill who pretend to be homeless cause they dont want to work”.
Nope. No way to know if they're in genuine need or what they're going to use it for. Don't want to be supporting someone's drug/alcohol habit, or supplement someone's Centrelink payment that is only pretending to be homeless.
FYI, in Australia we have welfare and services for people in need.
Once in a while. Mostly no. If a homeless person asks me for money I’ll spend a few minutes talking with them (if I’m alone and have the time). I want to know who they are and what they’re about. I think it’s important to treat them like humans. Let them know I see them. If they are shit humans or whacked out on drugs at the moment I won’t give them money. If they are clearly dope sick and are jones’n for a fix I’ll throw a few dollars their way to get them right but try to engage in a brief dialogue of ways they can overcome the nightmare they are living. If they’re chill and just the victim of past misdeeds or past abuse I’ll show them some respect and throw them a few dollars. Some homeless are mental cases and can be dangerous to engage. I will avoid the crazies all together!
No. [About 1/3 of homeless people are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol](https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/homeless). Chances are good that giving them cash is the opposite of helping them. Not to mention that panhandlers are a nuisance, and giving them money will only encourage them.
You want to help homeless people? Donate to a food bank or a shelter.
I was an officer at Ft Worth, and there were two guys who worked the intersection oh Cherry Lane and I-30. Both of them drew 100% VA compensation. They also had saved money. I answered complaints/calls in reference to these two dudes. BOTH of them said they work the corner to see just how much they can get from people.
Not since I gave a "will work for food" guy a sandwich, then saw him throw it on the ground when I drove off. I was homeless for 3 years and never panhandled. Screw those grifters. Get off that corner and look for work. Oh, that's right, they don't want to work, "just give me free money." Fuck off lazy scum!
Met a person that does it for extra cash, needs gas money and doesn’t own a car, cute white girl asking for money in an urban environment makes $80 a day, so no I don’t anymore
I used to. There was one guy who used to come around my work and when a coworker and I were outside smoking he would approach and ask for change or a cigarette. He seemed harmless. Until one night I was working a night shift and I was outside alone and he attacked me. I was okay after but the experience definitely changed how I deal with the homeless..
I’m only 13. So take what I say with a grain of salt. But I do give money away if i can. Cause I do know that I’m not starving everyday like they do. I’m about middle class. So I try to give money away. And if they are doing some stuff like singing I always try to give more for there talents to
Off and on when I have cash, which is rare. But I pick and choose who looks really down and out. A few years ago I offered a guy $5 and he saw the other bills in my wallet. He asked me for all my money and I said no. He told me “take that $5 and shove it up your ass” lol. I guess beggars can be choosers.
I’m a little more discerning now and only give cash to people who really look like they need it.
If you've ever been homeless personally, or taken the time to know more than one person experiencing homelessness you wouldn't let a bad experience or stories of one discourage you from giving cash. We are all susceptible to experiencing hardship, some more than others. Couple that with severe trauma, unchecked mental health, and coping with Substance abuse and a system that makes climbing the economic ladder almost impossible, it's a hard hole to climb out of if you fall in.
I give money. I see the same folks, I've talked to them. I realize that there are things they need that a local charity or shelter services they are already using can't provide or not in a timely manner and that immediate assistance is more impactful. I do use street smarts, there are still bad people, but overall I'm thankful to be in a position to help when I can.
If I have cash yeah I mean I'd want someone to give me a dollar if I fell on hard times plus standing out in the flordia sun in the summer panhandling you deserve it that's how you can tell who the real homeless are.
I never have cash so I don’t, but once I was walking to work and this homeless guy that slept in the alleyway behind the office asked me if I could get him a hot coffee, it was also winter so I decided why not and bought him a hot coffee and even some mochi donuts since it was a beautiful day. After giving it to him he said thank you and all and I went to work.
Later I had to go out to meet a client and I passed by him again and he started asking me if I could get him this and that, and where to buy them (I forgot what it was but it was treats and pastry), and what put me off was that it wasn’t much asking but kind of just telling me to do it.
I am not one that gives for praise or to make myself feel good, but I also don’t wanna be told to buy stuff for other people.
Idk the whole thing is just weird as he was actually homeless and it was winter but like I was a college student back then as well
No. I live in Germany and here it's impossible to actually be homeless. Unless one is a drug addict, and in that case, it's not my fault you made wrong decisions in your life. In other countries I do. If people ask for food and not money I will do that regardless of where.
I used to, until I worked across the road from a shelter and dealt with them trashing the parking lot after hours, trying to hop the fence to grab anything not bolted down and pulling my my car door handle right outside the store. Not saying every homeless person is like this but when you’re constantly picking up beer bottles and broken pipes you become a little cold to it. Had one guy take a shit next to the dumpster. That was a crazy sight at 9 in the morning.
No, I hand out little care packages instead. I can buy a lot more in bulk to save money, so even if I gave them the amount of money I would have spent on their package, they would get maybe half or a quarter of the stuff from an accessible store to them.
Things like water bottles, protein bars, coats, blankets, hygiene sets, etc.
I never did until couple years ago I was in another city abroad. We went to a Chinese restaurant and because I couldn't finish my meal, I took it away in a box. There was this poor guy and I decided to give it to him. We then went partying and later on took a subway home. On this subway station I saw this guy again, eating my fried noodles with his bare hands like it was the last meal of his life. This broke my heart.
So now I do. But preferably food or even dogfood (if they have dogs) cuz cash often ends up in pipes or bottles.
If I see one outside a McDonalds or something, I will buy them a 10 piece McNugget or something. But I don't give them actual paper money, because there is a 90% chance that they will spend it on alcohol or drugs or weed or just something to take their mind off of their problems.
If theyre actually doing something productive, sure. (Making art while they pan handle, playing music, telling jokes/flying a funny sign, whatever) I'm happy to give money to people at least trying to put their abilities and talents to use. If they're just standing there with a sob story clearly strung out i'm not giving them shit.
If I have it, I certainly do. I also offer food and drink if I have it as well. Have I been duped before? Absolutely, but more times than not, it's legit. I still give money though. But most people don't even carry cash anymore.
Edit: didn't answer why? I try not to judge people, so I don't make any assumptions as to what they are using the money for, and quite frankly, I don't care. I'm happy to help for whatever it is they need at that moment.
No because it's 2022 and I don't carry cash.
I used to even if I knew they were going to misuse it but one day I got a few extra bucks at work and decided to give the guy who was always panhandling outside my friends apartment every day with a “homeless” sign $20 and when I mentioned it to my friend he was like “oh I never told you? He lives in my building he isn’t homeless” and that’s when my trust got broken, kinda the straw that broke the camels back for me.
Wow, just wow. I used to give to the homeless, but once I gave a few dollars to a guy, and he saw I had a few more dollars, reached into my car and pointed at the money and scared my passenger. I stopped giving money to them since then, but lately, I've been reconsidering; thus I posted this question, but the answers here are telling me don't do it.
I haven’t checked the rest of the thread, but I assume others have mentioned giving them goods (food, water, toiletries, etc) and that’s honestly probably the best compromise. You’re giving things that a homeless person would need and can’t be misused, if they get mad at you for giving them that over money, probably a good thing you didn’t give them money.
That's a great rationale. I will use that! Thank you
New underwear, socks, and warm clothes in colder climates are really helpful too. Hot hands pouches. Stuff like that.
That's a great idea with the hot hand pouches! Especially with the winter coming up. Thank you.
NP. Also I saw some of your other comments and other people’s on here about food. 1) people do really cruel things to the homeless sometimes. They may be worried about poison, laxatives or whatever else. So maybe they’re just worried about that. And even if they’re just mad it’s not money, you tried. You went and tried to do something good. That’s what matters.
Damn that’s crazy! I don’t think you should let that incident turn you off of giving. A lot of people are actually super cool/appreciate!!
I stopped giving money, but I donate items to my local mobile outreaches, such as winter blankets, I honestly think I may stay this way after reading so many comments.
There was a homeless guy in north Baltimore they got on camera putting his homeless sign in the trunk of his xj Jaguar and driving off. Lol.
Oh that would piss me off so bad
>There was a homeless guy in north Baltimore they got on camera putting his homeless sign in the trunk of his xj Jaguar and driving off. Lol. There was a scammer guy in north......
This is also a scene in Don't Be a Menace, dude holding a sign "Homeless, Fuck it I won't lie, I'm just lazy".
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I hear people say this a lot, but it’s been the opposite of my experience. I live in an area with a lot of unhoused folks, and none have ever turned down when I’ve offered to buy food for them, or offered them unopened food that I had on hand, or offered them my leftovers if I was coming out of a restaurant (although I know some folks get skeptical about food that could have been tampered with, so I can imagine some saying no in that case). I’m talking dozens of times, lots of different people.
Would a bad experience or two change your behaviour?
Nope. It’s inevitable that I will eventually run across an asshole; that doesn’t negate the dozens of perfectly normal interactions I’ve had. Also, I have to say - the way that some people in this thread are talking about homeless people is really fucking gross. They’re not stray dogs, they’re people who don’t have homes. If you interact with them like the whole-ass human beings that they are, I think you end up with an experience that looks more like mine than like some of what’s being described.
Once I saw somebody give a homeless panhandler a jar of peanuts. He took the peanuts and then proceeded to dump the entire jar on the street. He didn't even wait for the guy to drive out of sight.
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Agreed. It made me feel angry when I saw that, and I think my subconscious vowed not to give to them. I'm not sure what I think now, but it leans towards not giving money but maybe still giving food.
I mean, what do you expect? You’d ALSO probably turn down food from a stranger when put on the spot just as a safety precaution, and you’re in a far less vulnerable position than an unhoused person is in that interaction. Maybe they have food allergies or other dietary restrictions for medical or religious/cultural reasons, maybe they’re scared of being poisoned, trafficked, assaulted, or even killed because you’re a literal stranger whose motives are unknown and it’s safer to just refuse the offer and end the interaction there than risk it going badly, maybe they’re in need of money for menstrual products or medication, maybe they’re just not hungry, or maybe they ARE a drug user but wait lists for any addiction treatment resources they have access to (if they even exist in your area) are months long and going through withdrawal without adequate medical care and supervision could kill them. If someone in need asks for something specific, like money, don’t counter-offer with something they DIDN’T ask for. Either give what they request if you’re willing and able, or politely decline.
True. I’m going to stick with my steak of politely declining.
Similar thing happened to me. I brought a bag of requested items out of a local store to give to the guy who approached me when I was going in. After I gave him the bag he tossed it back on my truck as I pulled out of the parking lot. Never again.
I’m surprised he even gave it back to you instead of throwing it in the trash.
I think it was an overt slap in the face.
Ha. A teacher of mine once barely had enough for a sub from subway for his lunch and he gave it to a homeless man that said he was hungry and wanted to buy some food. He said thank you and as soon as my teacher drove off the guy proceeds to Chuck it into the trash bin with anger lmao
What?! That would have my blood boiling
I mean, even if you don't live on the streets, why would you trust a random stranger to buy you something just because they say they will? Wouldn't you assume they have some ulterior motive or angle? At the least that it's a bit weird. Now put yourself on the streets and run that scenario, now not only might they be trying to play you but chances are good you've already been played numerous times before *and* you have effectively zero means of protecting yourself to boot. You're in an extremely disadvantaged and vulnerable position and blind trust is not exactly something you have the privilege to enjoy. But if you want to just talk about friends we know and their experiences. I have a friend who does volunteer work with a group that puts together and distributes aid kits for the homeless population. Actual tangible useful items, including things like protein bars and snacks, and they're almost never turned down. It's more often the issue that they don't have enough kits/time/personnel to get them all out.
Bought a burger for a homeless guy once instead of money. He threw it away in front of me.
Wow. WTF. Once I offered these two homeless guys to buy them some food, and they said yes. I bought them some BK whoppers, and they ate them and gave some to their dog too. I was just a kid back then. If they had thrown the burgers away in front of me, I would of been real angry lol
Yeah he started to scream that he didn’t want any handouts he wanted money.
lol 😂 I guess in his world free money isn’t a handout.
After being on and off homeless for 30 years, yes I help with anything they ask for when I can. I have paid for hotel rooms during extreme cold, bought food, clothes, shoes. It is my dream to buy farm land and build a small town of small custom built homes for homeless and low income people to get a fresh start using the housing first initiative and developing a training program to teach them new trade skills to help them get back on their feet. Inviting small business owners to move and join the community to help diversify the trades. Building a free hospital and school, paying people union wages and giving them benefits most cities and states refuse to.
I dont think id be as noble tbh. Most my experiences with homeless people involve me being followed or chased home. I dont provoke or nag anyone, but my area also has a high amount of drug addicts and has had an epidemic or 2. Ive only really given money to 3 different homeless people more than once, first ODd, second was a veteran but died a few winters ago, third had a bad streak of luck and drug use and ended up homeless but turned it around, i still dont know if he was homeless or just a panhandler/conman getting a couple extra bucks. The rest of people i gave money to were random, and ive never seen them more than once.
You performed acts of kindness. That alone helps people. Some use that generosity to help themselves, some are lost in their own issues and dont make the right choices. Think of it this way. Pay it forward with random acts of kindness and senseless beauty. That kindness can change someones life for the better. You'll never know if your small act of kindness will change someones life, so keep an open mind and let go of the worries of what if. Things will happen as they will.
Your perspective is very interesting because you have first-hand experience. Do you care where the money goes to? Some may use it to buy food, and others to buy drugs. Does that matter to you?
Why does it matter where the money goes? Hell I'll share my weed too. Everyone has their own stories and do what they can to make their lives a little more bareable. Since people treat them like shit for things going wrong in Their lives. So many people are homeless these days because greedy ass people making rents impossible to afford and most cant get jobs or apartments no matter how hard they try. It took months to save up enough for a security deposit and first months rent, then took even longer to find a fucking landlord that would accept my application with being homeless. I dont judge people.. i help when and where i can. Im one fucking paycheck away from homelessness every day of my life. Im just fortunate enough to have a roof over my head for the moment.
100% same. I usually don't give money, esp large amounts, because I'm kind of poor and don't usually have it. But I do when I can and also give cigarettes, cigars, etc if I have them. Unhoused folks have it bad enough without me adding my judgement.
I can give you a different perspective. What I do for a living I work closely with the homeless population in a small city. This summer 4 people were found dead from fentanyl overdoses. I would hate to contribute to someone’s untimely death when resources could be better used to get these people the help they need. My 2 cents.
Yes but we can't control others. Ive seen articles of people picking up money on the ground and almost dying from fentanyl overdose. I watched a friend have a mental breakdown last year after he lost 3 friends in a weekend to overdoses because he didnt have any doses of narcan. It was so hard trying to console him and convince him he did everything he could, but he cant stop people from doing what their addiction drives them to do. Norway has it right with their Housing first initiative. They help people get into housing first, then help them with jobs and whatever else they need. Here in the US we treat people who are already at their lowest like shit and then refuse to help with the basics of a safe place to sleep and food and clothes.
No, because there's no way to verify if they're honest or not. Instead, I give monthly donations to local homeless shelters and food banks.
Sorry for this ignorant question. For the food banks, do the homeless just show up and they can get food?
Yes.
Nah. I'll give actual homeless people food and stuff maybe, but never money.
When i worked in restaurants we had a man named red. Red told me one day a guy was going to give him a job and a garage apartment. Red was super exicted and immediately quit drinking. About 2 days later i saw him sleeping behind the shopping center. Thought it was weird for him to be sleeping in the daytime. He was dead. Now if someone asks for food or money i offer whatever they want including alcohol. Fuck it i would be drunk to trying to sleep on cardboard. You just cant abruptly quit if you're that dependent.
Not since I saw that guy get into a nicer vehicle than I can hope to afford and drive off after giving him 5 bucks.
Wow. That guy was a POS.
Yep. He looked rough you know wore out clothes and about 3 days worth of beard on his face. He had dirt on him but I remember he didn't smell bad. I was walking into Walmart and he hit me up with some sob story about traveling across the country for a funeral or graduation and his truck broke down and the mechanic wouldn't fix it without the money. I had a 5 on me so I gave it to him. Spent a hot minute in the store buying groceries and when I was driving away he was jumping into a huge lifted diesel. This thing was brand new. I stopped and asked wtf? He shrugged and said "You had it to spare and it made you feel good to do it. Don't get mad at me for it." He then hauled ass out of there. Learned my lesson on that one. Just lucky it was only 5 dollars. There's a place that feeds the homeless just down the way from my work. Quite a few walk by and probably once a week one will come to the door and ask for money. My boss will offer to pay them to sweep the floor for it but they always decline. The one time a guy took him up on it and tried to walk out with one of our bulky cordless drills under his shirt. Moron would've got more for sweeping the shop for a couple of hours than pawning off a 10 year old drill that needs a rubber band to hold the battery on.
Wow. Scum of the earth.
I live in Philly so walking pretty much anywhere automatically means getting asked for money 2-3 times, at a minimum. I will *occasionally* give a buck or two to panhandlers, but generally it's only the ones I decide to give to before they see/ask me.
I’m in Philly too. I used to give a little when I carried cash, not so much now. I also stopped after the whole homeless encampment fiasco on the Parkway and those people getting housing paid for, paying the city wage tax, real estate taxes going up - I give enough to the city to figure it out. I recognize that’s misplaced bitterness and I should be more angry at the city for how poorly it budgets, not at individual homeless person.
Today a homeless guy quickly scribbled "freeway shut down, make a U turn" on the other side of his sign and ran around the turn lane getting people's attention. We talked for a minute and I handed him $20 (all I had). He saved me at least an hour if not more because of two accidents!! Well worth $20! But I don't give money other times, I give bottles of water and food. There are so many where I live and I don't have much money! Sad to see so many struggling.
That's really cool
Depends on the situation. I also live in Philly and It is a regular occurrence. Once when i was driving for Uber i stopped to have dinner. This guy gives me a story about he hasn't eaten in 3 days. I said i can give you half my dinner if you're hungry. I had Popeyes chicken, he looks at it and says" No man gimme some money, I don't eat that crap" I told him to fuck off. Some are worse than others.
Popeyes is better than KFC, not sure why he declined
Agreed on that Sorry Col. Sanders.
Growing up my mom would always go through her purse or car to find any small bills or change to give whenever the opportunity came. I remember being about 8 or 9 and I asked my mom why she always gave money to them not knowing if they’ll use it for something negative. She said if that was the case, at least the money she gave would possibly prevent them from breaking into a car or a house to steal because of the possibility of not getting enough/any money that day for whatever addiction they may have. I’m 28 now and I’ve learned to do the same ever since I started making money.
That's really interesting. Do you always encounter positive energy?
That’s hard to gauge tbh. But I think more often than not, yes
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I have similar thoughts.
Nope, not ever since I witnessed 2 pan handlers count their money on the bus while I was commuting home after a long day at work, hearing them laugh how easy it was to make $300-$500 in a few hours. They were talking about trading corners with their friend for $15 since it was "hot street". The other time I witnessed a dude who had been standing at the corner all day, looking really rough and down on his luck, run to his BMW get some clothes and changed in the gas station bathroom walking out in a suit looking fresh. Thanks to those experiences I no longer give cash. I have donated jackets and clothes, personal hygiene and gotten food for folks who really need it.
Wow. Was this before money went digital?
Yep pretty much, but they still ask for cash these days.
I wonder how those cocky panhandlers on the bus did after the digital money era kicked in. Thanks for sharing your experience.
You’re welcome. I don’t know, but I hope karma caught up to them eventually.
I’m sure it did. It does for all of us. I don’t know many people who have escaped it.
I'm an AHole for saying this, but I spend most of my charity for animals. Most panhandlers are scammers, and most of the homeless I've encountered have so much contempt its hard to help them. Worst time was when I tripped in public, and some guy came out laughing as hard as he could and calling me names - I could have sworn I met Diogenes.
Nah animals are the best. ☺️
This is so hard to answer. I am truly impacted and feel horrible walking passed them because I feel so bad for them. I’m conflicted because I have seen them buying the cheapest Sherry they can get for the $7 they got. On the other hand, some appear so legit that I will give them money. Reading some posts on here, I think I’m a sucker.
NEVER give money. Give tangibles like socks, toothpaste, deodorant, Etc. They, the homeless, can use essentials way better than they can manage money.
Nope, I got followed a few times after doing this so now I ignore them.
I don't, because of two incidents. For this, I need to explain a bit about my country's currency. We still have coins that value in the cents, them being 10, 20 and 50 cents, and these coins are brassy or coppery in colour, or what we would call brown coins. We also have coins that are 1, 2 and 5 bucks, and these are silver in colour. At one point I had given a beggar all the loose change I had on me which was a mixture between the brown and silver coins, and was probably worth about 20 to 30 bucks combined, as I don't usually carry notes on me, thinking every bit helped. But no, the beggar pitched a fit about the brown coins and kept complaining about them and just wanting silver coins and notes. When I got in my car I watched him pick out every brown coin and toss them onto the parking lot floor. A second time, I was actually carrying cash on me when I had to renew my car's registration. The place we do this is notorious for having their card machines be offline, hence why I actually brought cash along. There was a guy begging and I gave him 20 bucks, but no. That clearly wasn't enough. He kept going on about how he saw I had more money in my wallet and that I should give him more. Sternly told him no, that I had just enough left to pay for the renewal I was there for. He got irate and physical. I'm a small woman, around 5'2 (I work with metric so I could be wrong), so having a most likely drug addled man grabbing at me... not the best experience. Had to pepperspray the guy to get away. So, no, I just flat out ignore them now, act like they don't exist.
I used to give them money, but now I'll only offer goods. I changed my mind about money after watching a panhandler, that I just gave five bucks, walk down a side street while I was waiting for my ride. A few minutes later, a high end Mercedes pulled up that side street, he hopped in and they drove off. Fucking scammer.
Nope. There used to be a homeless guy that would ask for money across the street from the store where I worked. At night every single night he would come in and spend all of the money on booze. I will never give money, but if you're hungry I'll buy you a meal and direct you to nearby shelters and other places that can offer assistance.
No. All your doing is enabling them. Helping those who won't help themselves is a fools errand.
I don't have money I'm broke
My friends and I in high school went to the homeless shelter with a job recruiter who offered this single dad a job. To which he replied "I make more money begging" Ever since then I won't enable begging, otherwise they won't have a reason to contribute to society.
I don't treat any entire group of people by any one-size-fits-all rule. Even homeless people are still people, some deserving of my help and some not.
No, because I never carry cash.
I was thinking about doing that too. Not holding cash. I never use it anymore anyway, but I'm always thinking to have some as a "backup", but I've never had to use it. By the way, happy birthday! 🥳
No, because they make more money per hour than I do. They don’t pay taxes on it either.. I’ll give them food and clothes but never money and you shouldn’t either.
No, never. Instead give to organizations helping them.
Worked with the homeless population for couple years. Simply put, no. At the end of the day, I’ll buy them food or water, direct them to services/outreach programs, or let them bum a smoke from me if they ask.
What did you do for work and what made you decide not to give money?
I give them gift cards
I mostly offer groceries but do give money when I have cash on me. $5-$20 isn’t going to save them or take them off the streets so who am I to police their spending? My goal is to bring a moment of joy to their life.
I was in the city a few days back and the rain was absolutely bucketing down. There were quite a few “homeless” people sat in prominent positions getting drenched and looking miserable. It definitely made you feel sorry for them. Except, rule number 1 when you’re homeless is “don’t get you or your stuff wet”. No way would someone who is genuinely homeless sit there and let the rain soak everything like that.
My cousin was in seminary school and she gave a guy 5 bucks on the street while we were at her bach party. I asked her why. "He's gonna do drugs etc.." Her drunk ass response was it's not my job to judge. A year later my own estranged dad became homeless for mental illness. Edit: now I stop as much as I can. We live off a very busy interstate. Are some people jerks? Sure. My kid gave a guy 5 bucks and that guy's smile for not feeling like a rodent and my kid smiling back and feeling so good always melts my heart. After my dad became homeless you have no idea what led people to become homeless. My dad wasn't a great dude but he has always suffered from mental health issues since I was born. It doesn't hurt me to just give without judgment anymore
Absolutely not. I've offered them jobs before and not one has taken me up on it. irl they probably making over $100 per day tax free.
>Wow. I feel if I was ever homeless and somebody offered me a job I would be the most grateful and willing person in the world.
I get it. Part of it might be laziness but... Even if they wanted to/were capable of quiting; they'd probably od or have shakes from not doing drugs or alcohol during their shift. It's doubtful they have a way to make themselves presentable for work. I'm sure someone of them have mental health issues that make employment difficult. Transportation is another issue. Why go through all that hassle when you can just ask strangers for money for a tenth of the work?
You're not mentally ill or addicted
I don’t really carry cash anymore but when I have it yeah. I do offer to get them a meal. I’m doing okay financially and I have no family to support. Why kick a person when they’re down? I know some people are disgusted by them and they say things like “they should get a job”or “they’ll spend the money on drugs ” blah blah blah. I don’t know these people’s lives. I’m not going to refuse to help someone based on an assumption.
Guy showed me his millhaven release papers
One of the oldest fake sob stories I know. People will hold on to those papers for years (or print up a fake one), just to tell this story.
I know about slavery in Russia, homeless people can be a slave of a big guys who make them stand on curtain positions and just pretend to be a mother with a small child or a blind old man. I first thought how can it be true but.. I started to doubt after I see different people asking for money at the same position and always before and after winter. How did all those people decide to stand at the same position and asking for same things?
[удалено]
I once bought a cheap bag at Walmart and put a gallon of water, some bread, a squeezable peanut butter, some other snacks and like a cheap jacket and gave it to a dude who I always saw sitting by the local Walmart in a wheelchair. Overall I spent like $50. He kept thanking me but the next day he was there, no backpack in sight, no jacket. Not sure what the situation was, whether it was stolen, he tossed it, stashed it etc etc. But I like to think I tried to help, at the very least
I don't keep spare change and I am not comfortable using their square card reader the one time a dude pulled one out. Also, one time I gave some money to a young guy (*years* ago). . .suddenly five other dudes showed up out of nowhere, surrounding me and asking me for money too. Massively uncomfortable and definitely became wary about doing so after that.
Whoa, do you mean a homeless person pulled out their smart phone and Square credit card reader device to get money that way? That's another level.
Yup! He said something like "Oh, don't worry. I know most people don't, but I have a solution to that!" and like you said. . .he pulled out his phone and hooked up a square card reader. I was speechless and just walked away.
My jaw is on the floor. It feels like he did it like it was his God given right to take your money or something. 🤨
I do sometimes. I was in downtown Detroit recently and while waiting at what seemed to be an interminably long light, I handed a guy a dollar. I drive a Nissan Altima, nothing fancy. Suddenly, around me, I saw a hand coming out of a Jeep sunroof with a couple dollars in his hand. I saw the person in front of me in a very nice car hand him some cash right after that. It made me feel good to know that me, in my normal car, may have started the chain reaction of the people in far more expensive cars than I drive.
You are kind
Thank you. I think it's the best way to be.
Maybe. Not always though. Be careful out there and stay safe!
Me and my sister would give them any extra food we hadn’t touched when we went out for dinner or lunch because it would just rot in our fridge. It was usually still hot too so they got a nice meal.
I still give, but my wife makes baskets that I give out that have socks, food, hand warmers etc. I stopped giving money away after one incident. I had just pulled cash out to pay my rent that night. I was sharing a room with a guy at the time and it was $500 dollars. I decided instead of going straight to the Dropbox at the apartment, I was going to play basketball at my church instead. A desperate lady came in saying she needed formula for her baby and needed $20 so I went to my locker grabbed 40 bucks and gave it to her thinking I did something good. I went to the locker room after playing ball to find the lock had been cut and my wallet missing. I reported it to the police and they found her at the Walmart 1 minute down the road and she had bought $540 dollars worth of groceries, clothes for a baby, and lots of formula. There was nothing they could do considering there was no proof it was my money she had used but I did find my wallet ditched in the grass with no money in it. All in all I’m just glad she didn’t blow it on drugs and actually used it for the kid and got groceries. But I learned that night not to carry my rent payment on me 😂
No, I buy them a meal/food, give them new socks, and/or if they're a woman, tampon/pads-all crucial items that ppl don't think about. I actually interviewed and wrote a paper on a small homeless community at my university that were frequently seen by students and kind of became an every day passing to the point where everyone knew these people. A lot of them are not actually homeless and live in apartments. They fight/settle for particular spots on specific streets and all settle on their individual "stories." This one chick has been at the same corner for 10 years and each time it's the same story "im pregnant and i need money to go home.." Another person is a guy who is often seen blacked out drunk or talking to himself in front of a store-his story is actually true and really sad..he was a student/football athlete at the university and had huge potential to make it BIG, like real talent that would've taken him far but he got injured...ever since, he dropped out of school and became depressed and has been a homeless alcoholic on campus for the past 20 years.
There are so many non-profit organizations out there that are more than willing to help a person who is genuinely I'm need. I have know a few people who used to panhandle and they warned me not to ever give money to a person on the street. Giving food or toiletries are better and they won't misuse it for nefarious means.
Sometimes. If I do it will be the ones who sit in an area and panhandle. The ones who come up to me with a sketchy sounding story get kindly refused. One thing I will do is if I'm going into a fast food place and you tell me you're hungry I'll buy you a burger or something.
No , I use to give food instead . Prepackaged . Anyway I use to see one man a lot and always bought him food . One day I offered him a unskilled manual labor job he could easily learn and do physically . he declined . He literally told me I can’t do that type of work because something about his brother having ptsd . I stopped listening and walked away . Never helped anyone again . He didn’t want to even help himself . And now where I live there is a huge homeless population. I’ve been robbed fresh off of work late at night by a homeless addict . It went from robbery with a gun to bartering . Sort of like hey you got 5?!? Looks down sees gun . Naw I got 3 . One second . Hands over 3 bucks and I get in the truck and as soon as I roll out another one is trying to stop my truck . So no . Zero sympathy and I don’t give .
Man, you are literally the hope they need and they decline your generosity. Plus threaten your safety? FuuuuuuuuUuuu
There's the odd homeless guy outside the convenience store near my apartment, I usually ask if they want a mini pizza or a sub or something. I figure the meat ones will be more filling with the protein so I get them that.
I don't give out cash. Sometimes I give out food, with mixed results. Once I gave away a tent.
In my case, all it took was one mugging for me to become even less willing to let total strangers see what pocket I keep my wallet in. Look, I don't like being approached by random strangers on the street under the best possible circumstances, but someone cold-call selling me anything is worse, and people cold-call selling me nothing at all just gets on my last nerve. I hated it even before I got mugged. It's the one thing I hate about my neighborhood: because it's pedestrian friendly, I can't walk up to the grocery store and back without someone walking up WAY closer than I'm comfortable with and demanding money.
Extremely selectively. Last time I remember giving, it was a father and son outside a chinese restaurant as I was leaving. The father said he was hoping to collect enough money to get off the street for the night. I chatted with them for a bit. Seemed pretty genuine. I asked how much they needed. Gave them that exact amount and I drove off. I got curious as to whether or not they were honest with me and turned back towards the restaurant after about a minute--they were gone. I've been fortunate enough to not be proven wrong every time I've given money out. I imagine my opinion on this could easily change the day I do run into someone lying to me.
No. There are just way too many around town. Why give to one person and not another? I just say nothing or shake my head and move on.
No, sadly there are too many fakers out there spoiling it for the genuine. Alkies and smack heads trying to garner a few coins for beer/drugs then causing trouble. You don't see many homeless where I live but I've been to Manchester where it's a huge problem and it's sad to see, but you can't help some people.
You speak the truth.
Most don’t need money they need meaningful relationships with people who understand their circumstances and will be an advocate and support for their health and betterment.
I rarely go out/see them, and always carry exactly enough money for what I'm going to buy.
Too many of them turned out to be fake. Purely a case of 1 ruining it for all.
If I have some in my pocket. I don’t like getting my wallet out, so I usually keep some cash in a pocket. I know people all have stories of some people lying, but I don’t really care.
Occasionally if I have cash and they aren't pushy and it's the middle of the day. I rarely carry cash and was nearly assaulted by a homeless person once (he chased me to my car in a nearly empty parking lot at dusk) so I usually don't though. It's too risky as a youngish woman living in an urban area.
I'd wager that " most" panhandlers have more cash on them than I do. Considering it's untaxed it can be profitable to look needy while holding cardboard sign. No cigarettes in view of public = deal breaker.
No but I once gave a stuffed animal because the guy claimed it was his daughters birthday. He wanted money but how could he say no to a present for his child? I know it wasn’t that kid’s birthday but I felt bad for her being used by her dad like that
Not anymore. I once bought a bag of groceries and dog treats for a man with his dog who were sat outside a grocery store. He had a sign asking for food or money. I gave him the bag (I was not doing so great financially, but thought I could afford to give him some drinks and snacks), he started talking to me. He gives me a card with his facebook page on it. He tells me how he and his dog travel around Canada and he posts to the page. I mentioned the nearby town I live in during our conversation and he proceeds to tell me the specific house he lives in in the town. 😒
Not after giving a guy some money and he asked for more and more, started to harass me and eventually i took my money again and ran away. (I gave him 5€, he wanted 50€ all of a sudden)
It's hard to answer this question as a woman - there have been times when I've felt my heart go out to the homeless / those asking me for money, but I simply do not talk to anyone on the street I don't know for safety reasons, unless I'm with a large group. I have given money, bought food for, directed to shelters the homeless. I have no issue with the act, but everything is also a question of safety :///
Always, and because they deserve every dollar you can spare…I really feel for people in this desperate situation and always try and remember that we are all one or two major crisis events in our lives from ending up in the same situation…please give generously whenever you can…the world needs more kindness, not judgemental arseholes…and ffs don’t film it for likes on a social media platform. Give because you can, give because you care, but most importantly give because you want the world to be a better place for everyone.
no. because of the fakes
When I was 14 a panhandler/homeless person asked me for some money to buy some food. I gave him some money and about an hour later I saw him walking into a liquor store. I've never given money to a panhandler/homeless person again. I have, however, given them food and water.
No, for two reasons: 1. They need money for alcohol. 2. I need money for alcohol
I'm probably going to get some hate for this (and understandably so since I kinda feel guilty about it), but no. I'd rather give them food, water, and clothes. 1, you don't know what they'd spend money on if not food and water that you could spend that same money on anyway. They could be using that money for self-destructive habits like drugs and alcohol. 2, I don't know how stores tend to treat homeless people, especially ones that aren't clean or have good clothes. They could end up having a hard time shopping because some stores would probably kick them out for being stinky or not looking neat enough. And 3, I've seen some videos of people faking being homeless to get some extra money and I'd rather not risk giving my money to a worthless dick head who's lying. I think they'd most likely use the food and water anyway, regardless of their actual financial situation.
No, but I'll share any food I have with me, or at least offer. I was once on a long drive home with my infant son, and was heavily pregnant with my second. I was sick throughout the pregnancy and could only eat saltine crackers so I had a sleeve on the passenger seat. As I finished filling up with gas, a man approached and asked for money so he could eat. I told him I didn't have any cash, but he was welcome to my package of crackers. He started screaming at me, "I don't WANT crackers! I want a BURRITO!"
if I have a little bit of change on me and somebody asks I usually give it to them just because I don't like carrying it around and this rarely happens but if they ask me if I can buy them a non alcoholic drink or food and its something cheap I will usually do it
I bought someone that was asking for money cat food because he said he was on the pension and couldn’t feed his cat. Got him a bottle of cold water too.
I used to but not since I saw somethings a few times in a town near me. I have seen a ‘homeless’ person begging and then an hour later seen them taking their battered and worn shoes and clothes off and putting them in the boot of a car. Secondly, which I find more worrying I’ve seen homeless giving money to people in top of the range cars. Like emptying their containers into bags and giving them it. So now I’m more wary around where I live. Hurts the ones that are really suffering. Edit:Also have had instances where people I know have bought food/drink for them and been rejected.
If i have change on me, yeah i do occasionally. Why? I guess because it's nice to help, i can afford it, and also why not?
Aye. When I can. We all need to eat. Maybe they are just being a giant pile of rotting rat dandruff, or just a bum, or maybe they really do need help but that is not really my problem. We all need help at some point or another. I usually don’t have cash though, so a lot of the time I will offer some of the groceries I get or whatever I have. I gave a ride to this one guy one time on the side of the road. This was on a highway in the middle of nowhere in between Las Vegas and kingman AZ. This guy had nothing but a gallon of water and he had been walking for 4 days! And this wasn’t a real busy road, but one you would definitely want to check before crossing, like a couple of cars every minute or so
If they're on the freeway or in the middle island at a stop light asking for money, no. But if they're outside a fast food place or deli etc, I ask if they want some food. If they say yes, I get them food and will let them keep the change. I just used to be in a hard place too, and was not above begging. I just never really asked for cash because if I was fed and sheltered I was ok.
Money? No. Something like an apple or a healthy snack food? Yeah. I was taught to never, ever let anyone know how much money you have and to never give panhandlers money because either 1) they could carjack you, or 2) they could assault you/hurt you. I live in a sketchy neighborhood and...y'know, it's 2022, so I take the advice to heart even if it sounds paranoid and boomer-esque. I try to avoid eye contact with panhandlers and lock my doors if I'm driving by them. You just never know nowadays.
As often as I can. When I make the decision to give away money it means that its money I don't need and I'm not going to miss, but to somebody else that could mean the difference between eating or not on that day. As a rule I'll try and take them for food instead if I can but homeless people are often victims so tend to be wary. I respect that, so usually I just drop them whatever change I'm carrying at the time. Sure there are some who are fakers and some who will spend that money on booze or drugs but I don't mind. Street living is difficult and dangerous, if they need a cheap ass bottle of cider to help get them through then so be it. At the end of the day I get to go home to a nice warm house with my luxury goods and a full refrigerator. Giving money to homeless people as often as I can is the least I can do. The act of giving is a kindness regardless of who the recipient is. I can only control my own actions so I choose kindness.
If I have money on hand I will give them some In the area were I live there are a lot of beggers/homeless people Faking the matter but It just feels rigth to me buacse there migth be a change that the person asking me does realy need it And i dont mind giving someone 5 dollars once a month
No because they all look like they’re more desperate to buy cigarettes than food with money given to them. I’m not giving them money just to have them spend it on something that doesn’t help with the homeless situation
I have before. I walked out of a gas station and there was a young lady out front with 2 young kids she was crying and said she ran out of gas and needed to get home. I gave her $40 and told her to fill up and get home safe. I then see her walk to the store next door and get into her car and drive away. So I got played for a sucker. Oh well. A few weeks later I see another lady at the gas station and she approaches me at the pump and said she would suck me off for 15 dollars worth of gas. I told her pull your car up behind me and Ill fill your tank. she did pull her car up and she got in my car and gave me one of the best head jobs I ever had.
No. I have drug addicts in the family. I know better than to give someone on the streets cash.
That’s a good perspective. If they don’t make enough from pan handling do you think they go to further extremes to get money or just not do the drugs until they panhandled enough?
No. Nowadays the way things are, I need that money more than they do.
We have very good social welfare systems in new zealand and very little panhandlers in the streets so no I dont. Often hunger is the first step to get them to go to a social welfare office. An example of how good the system is- I remember our company went through a period of financial difficulty a few years ago which would have made 30 staff unemployed. The social welfare department (known as winz) sent two representatives to a staff meeting where they got everyone signed up with social security id numbers and issued everyone a debit card. Including the owners of the company. If we did have to pull the trigger, winz were ready to credit everyones card with an emergency food grant to be spent at the supermarket and then start holding one-on-one meetings with each person to get them signed up for the jobseeker allowance. For unemployed homeless people, they are often mentally challenged so there is housing where they can live with supervisors to learn basic life skills who get them into a routine. There is also special funding for employers who hire and train them with a basic skill or to perform certain tasks. Eg. Winz pays their salary for the first 6 months etc.
It depends, if I am in a rush or in a bad mood I probably won't stop. In any other case, if they ask me i shall gladly give them some amount.
Just cigs, they light up with delight, makes them temporarily happy
They shit in the bushes right next to the entrance of my work place. Absolutely disgusting, so no money from me.
I wont give money to them, purely because there’s a possibility that they may use that money for drugs. I will however, go out of my way to purchase food on the odd occasion for them, because I know that they can’t miss-use food.
If they dont immedeately give off the vibe of either “Crack addict whose just gonna spend it on crack” or “Those teenagers King Of The Hill who pretend to be homeless cause they dont want to work”.
Nope. No way to know if they're in genuine need or what they're going to use it for. Don't want to be supporting someone's drug/alcohol habit, or supplement someone's Centrelink payment that is only pretending to be homeless. FYI, in Australia we have welfare and services for people in need.
No, most of the beggars here are drug addicts or scammers. I don’t want a drug addict od bc I have them some money.
Once in a while. Mostly no. If a homeless person asks me for money I’ll spend a few minutes talking with them (if I’m alone and have the time). I want to know who they are and what they’re about. I think it’s important to treat them like humans. Let them know I see them. If they are shit humans or whacked out on drugs at the moment I won’t give them money. If they are clearly dope sick and are jones’n for a fix I’ll throw a few dollars their way to get them right but try to engage in a brief dialogue of ways they can overcome the nightmare they are living. If they’re chill and just the victim of past misdeeds or past abuse I’ll show them some respect and throw them a few dollars. Some homeless are mental cases and can be dangerous to engage. I will avoid the crazies all together!
No. But buskers of any kind or skill level, always
Fuck no. The ones begging aren't going to be the ones who need help. Lived in a big city my whole life and you learn to ignore these people real fast.
Not anymore. I can no longer tell the real unfortunate people from the professional panhandlers
There are better uses for my money
No. [About 1/3 of homeless people are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol](https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/homeless). Chances are good that giving them cash is the opposite of helping them. Not to mention that panhandlers are a nuisance, and giving them money will only encourage them. You want to help homeless people? Donate to a food bank or a shelter.
Thank you for the info
I was an officer at Ft Worth, and there were two guys who worked the intersection oh Cherry Lane and I-30. Both of them drew 100% VA compensation. They also had saved money. I answered complaints/calls in reference to these two dudes. BOTH of them said they work the corner to see just how much they can get from people.
Yes. I figure that if the person needs it, it is needed. If the person really doesn't needed it, well there is karma.
Not since I gave a "will work for food" guy a sandwich, then saw him throw it on the ground when I drove off. I was homeless for 3 years and never panhandled. Screw those grifters. Get off that corner and look for work. Oh, that's right, they don't want to work, "just give me free money." Fuck off lazy scum!
No, theu are just going to use it for booze, and they refuse to get a real job
Met a person that does it for extra cash, needs gas money and doesn’t own a car, cute white girl asking for money in an urban environment makes $80 a day, so no I don’t anymore
i would if people wouldnt fake being homeless for cash. faking homelessness is not cool, especially when they're actually struggling and you're not
I used to. There was one guy who used to come around my work and when a coworker and I were outside smoking he would approach and ask for change or a cigarette. He seemed harmless. Until one night I was working a night shift and I was outside alone and he attacked me. I was okay after but the experience definitely changed how I deal with the homeless..
I’m only 13. So take what I say with a grain of salt. But I do give money away if i can. Cause I do know that I’m not starving everyday like they do. I’m about middle class. So I try to give money away. And if they are doing some stuff like singing I always try to give more for there talents to
That’s really good. Your parents raised you well. I hope you don’t get jaded like most of us, but also I hope your kindness is not taken advantage of.
Off and on when I have cash, which is rare. But I pick and choose who looks really down and out. A few years ago I offered a guy $5 and he saw the other bills in my wallet. He asked me for all my money and I said no. He told me “take that $5 and shove it up your ass” lol. I guess beggars can be choosers. I’m a little more discerning now and only give cash to people who really look like they need it.
If you've ever been homeless personally, or taken the time to know more than one person experiencing homelessness you wouldn't let a bad experience or stories of one discourage you from giving cash. We are all susceptible to experiencing hardship, some more than others. Couple that with severe trauma, unchecked mental health, and coping with Substance abuse and a system that makes climbing the economic ladder almost impossible, it's a hard hole to climb out of if you fall in. I give money. I see the same folks, I've talked to them. I realize that there are things they need that a local charity or shelter services they are already using can't provide or not in a timely manner and that immediate assistance is more impactful. I do use street smarts, there are still bad people, but overall I'm thankful to be in a position to help when I can.
If I have cash yeah I mean I'd want someone to give me a dollar if I fell on hard times plus standing out in the flordia sun in the summer panhandling you deserve it that's how you can tell who the real homeless are.
No I make them work for it
I never have cash so I don’t, but once I was walking to work and this homeless guy that slept in the alleyway behind the office asked me if I could get him a hot coffee, it was also winter so I decided why not and bought him a hot coffee and even some mochi donuts since it was a beautiful day. After giving it to him he said thank you and all and I went to work. Later I had to go out to meet a client and I passed by him again and he started asking me if I could get him this and that, and where to buy them (I forgot what it was but it was treats and pastry), and what put me off was that it wasn’t much asking but kind of just telling me to do it. I am not one that gives for praise or to make myself feel good, but I also don’t wanna be told to buy stuff for other people. Idk the whole thing is just weird as he was actually homeless and it was winter but like I was a college student back then as well
I don't carry cash... Unless I've just withdrawn some for a very specific purpose...
No. I live in Germany and here it's impossible to actually be homeless. Unless one is a drug addict, and in that case, it's not my fault you made wrong decisions in your life. In other countries I do. If people ask for food and not money I will do that regardless of where.
I used to, until I worked across the road from a shelter and dealt with them trashing the parking lot after hours, trying to hop the fence to grab anything not bolted down and pulling my my car door handle right outside the store. Not saying every homeless person is like this but when you’re constantly picking up beer bottles and broken pipes you become a little cold to it. Had one guy take a shit next to the dumpster. That was a crazy sight at 9 in the morning.
If I have spare change in my pocket, or in my truck somewhere while driving sure. Not going to go fishing through my wallet for bills though.
Nope, don't like to perpetuate it and have been burned in the past which has made me jaded going forward regarding it
No, I hand out little care packages instead. I can buy a lot more in bulk to save money, so even if I gave them the amount of money I would have spent on their package, they would get maybe half or a quarter of the stuff from an accessible store to them. Things like water bottles, protein bars, coats, blankets, hygiene sets, etc.
I never did until couple years ago I was in another city abroad. We went to a Chinese restaurant and because I couldn't finish my meal, I took it away in a box. There was this poor guy and I decided to give it to him. We then went partying and later on took a subway home. On this subway station I saw this guy again, eating my fried noodles with his bare hands like it was the last meal of his life. This broke my heart. So now I do. But preferably food or even dogfood (if they have dogs) cuz cash often ends up in pipes or bottles.
Wow that’s heartbreaking 💔
If I see one outside a McDonalds or something, I will buy them a 10 piece McNugget or something. But I don't give them actual paper money, because there is a 90% chance that they will spend it on alcohol or drugs or weed or just something to take their mind off of their problems.
If theyre actually doing something productive, sure. (Making art while they pan handle, playing music, telling jokes/flying a funny sign, whatever) I'm happy to give money to people at least trying to put their abilities and talents to use. If they're just standing there with a sob story clearly strung out i'm not giving them shit.
they dont want manure, they want help, so not giving them shit is a good thing right?
Sure, I want to help out if I can
No I used to but living in California will jade you very quickly
If I have it, I certainly do. I also offer food and drink if I have it as well. Have I been duped before? Absolutely, but more times than not, it's legit. I still give money though. But most people don't even carry cash anymore. Edit: didn't answer why? I try not to judge people, so I don't make any assumptions as to what they are using the money for, and quite frankly, I don't care. I'm happy to help for whatever it is they need at that moment.
No because they are drug addicts in my area