what do you do when someone is begging for money on the sidewalk?

Question

We are supposed to give to others who are less fortunate than us. I try to give, but sometimes I feel like they are every where.

Answer 1

FIRST, I LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE PERSON. I HONESTLY BELIEVE EVERYBODY GETS A "GUT FEELING" ABOUT EACH INDIVIDUAL HE ENCOUNTERS IN THIS KIND OF SITUATION. SOMETIMES YOU GET A "YES" AND YOU GIVE TO THE PERSON. SOMETIMES, IT'S A "NO" AND YOU JUST MOVE ON... YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO READ YOUR OWN FEELINGS. THAT REALLY HELPS YOU TO DECIDE. TODAY I SAW A YOUNG MAN IN A WHEELCHAIR REDEEMING BOTTLES AND CANS AT THE SUPERMARKET. I CAME UP BEHIND HIM AND GAVE HIM ALL THE SPARE CHANGE I HAD IN MY WALLET. I THOUGHT: WHEELCHAIR, TRYING TO GET MONEY BY TURNING IN BOTTLES AND CANS, MAKING AN EFFORT, &C., AND THAT ADDED UP TO "YES." I AM ON A FIXED INCOME, SO I REALLY NEED TO THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE I HELP ANYONE THAT WAY. THE WAY HE THANKED ME TOLD ME EVERYTHING. I AM STILL FEELING GOOD ABOUT IT. IF YOU SENSE TENSION BEFOREHAND, DON'T DO IT. SOON, YOU WILL SENSE A "YES" ALMOST THE MINUTE YOU LAY EYES ON THE PERSON.... HAVE A GOOD SUMMER. BEST FROM GORDY IN SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE.

Answer 2

I know people who work for the salvation army. Their job is neverending, so they know what you're talking about.

Three pieces of advice:

1) Try to work it into your budget to somehow help those less fortunate. Giving locally is more rewarding because sometimes you can see the results.

2) Don't believe the lies about the undeserving poor. Do you want to be the kind of person who would deny help to someone who needs it, just so you don't accidentally help someone who doesnt?


3) it is TOTALLY FREE to be kind a respectful to those less fortunate than you so rudeness is totally unacceptable.

Answer 3

I give them nothing. Though half of the homeless have mental problems, the others just refuse to work. I feel that if they can stand in front of a store and beg for money they can can go into that store and ask for a job.

There are all kinds of assistance for the homeless and plenty of county health agancies around.

My wife and I have conflicts about this all the time she gives and I don't. She feels compelled to give and I keep my money were it is.

Half have mental problems, and half have no want to work. I feel that the govern should stop sending aid to other countries and start taking care of their own.

Answer 4

Sometimes, if it is cold out, I'll buy them a coffee or something. I try to give those less fortunate something. I don't like seeing poor people, but it really puts things into prospective, and it really makes me thankful for all of the things that I have.

Answer 5

You're right. You feel like if you give and give and give that's too much giving. Give them money, and sometimes tell a white lie and say something like "sorry, I don't have any money on me."

Answer 6

I pass on by. Unless they're missing SEVERAL limbs, in which case I'll give them some money since it truly isn't their fault they are in that situation.

Answer 7

I try to give whenever possible..i would want someone to do the same for me.

Answer 8

tell them that you have no money. if enough people say that then they will have to get a job and have a better life, if not then the worlds pop. will decrease.

Answer 9

as long as your hearts in the right place by wanting to help out thats the most important thing.

Answer 10

i wouldn't personally i know it sounds bad but you have no idea if they are just putting on a show to get money or what but it's up to you