What if he is a genuine case?
2006-06-20 16:43:13 · 19 answers · asked by M G 38 yr man 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
I won't give them everything I have, but I'll give them whatever I'm able to spare.
2006-06-20 16:50:43 · answer #1 · answered by IdiotGurl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, because it is usually a scam. If it is a genuine case, I am sorry, but the bad apples have ruined it for everyone. There are ways for someone legitimate to get back home, even if they have lost their cash and identification.
If they have a job, and friends, in their home city, someone should be able to wire them funds, or their bank should be able to help them. There is also travelers aid, and other local charities. In the worst case, they can hitchhike.
I will not give money to a beggar, especially an able bodied one, under normal conditions. I work for my money, they can too. There are jobs out there. If they have made choices in life that put them into the situation they are in, they need to change their life. I am not going to support them in continuing on a path to nowhere
2006-06-21 07:26:32 · answer #2 · answered by fire4511 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's always a way to earn the money without begging or a phone somewhere for him to call home for help.
If he is genuine, just ask him if he is willing to work in exchange for the cash or trade in something in exchange if he insists on the cash. (You might not really mean it, but no harm just trying asking him that?)
You can also drive him back (if it's nearby) or accompany him to the station and get the ticket for him.
It's better to sure.
I once gave a 10yr old kid some cash because he said he lost his wallet with all his money in it and needed some cash for the bus ride home.
A few min later, I saw him walking out of a store with a big bag of snacks, obviously using the money I just gave it to him.
Now I can't even trust a kid.
2006-06-20 23:52:45 · answer #3 · answered by Stellvia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really difficult to be sure. I have been asked this several dozen times. Sometimes I have given and regretted it. Sometimes I have not given and felt it on my conscience.
The best thing I can say is that I find myself looking into their eyes and attempting to judge their character. Of course, it's an inexact science, but if they seem to be liars I will either say no or give them a very small amount. Or I might try to help them in non-monetary ways (offering them your mobile phone to contact their hometown relatives is useful).
And if they smell like alcohol at all, I usually say no. I'm not a prude and I'm not the judgemental type, but it suggests either a liar or a person with really messed-up priorities...
2006-06-21 06:45:36 · answer #4 · answered by XYZ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Isn't it funny how many of them lost their cash (needed for a train ticket or to use the phone)....I've heard the same line here in America and in Germany...lol....if it was up to me, though I would give each time I meet a beggar...and I don't care what anybody says...I always imagine that that person might need some food-which I don't carry with me at all times... although in the back of my head someone says, " Don't give money...it will be used for alcohol or drugs!"
2006-06-21 01:01:41 · answer #5 · answered by justmemimi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have helped "beggars" in the past, but not by giving cash. If they are without money, and cannot get back home, and I had enough money, I would get them a non-refundable bus ticket. One time, I had a person beg for money to get her baby milk. I took her to a store, bought milk, diapers, and sugar. I then took the mom back to where she was begging. I kept the receipt. I worry that if I give money, it will be spent for cigarettes and alcohol, which I will not purchase for anyone, including myself.
2006-06-20 23:53:33 · answer #6 · answered by wbecca52 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I have money, I give a little. If I don't, I talk for a minute, if I can. If they need a ride, I usually give it, especially if it is on the way. I try to help them get in touch with local agencies equipped to handle the situation. Why, do you need help?
2006-06-22 00:04:49 · answer #7 · answered by NotMySecret 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I always give what I can afford to anyone who asks. It helps to remember that the most important thing is your intent and compassion, not necessarily what the one you give money to is going to do with it. Call it self-discipline in being compassionate.
2006-06-20 23:48:46 · answer #8 · answered by fhornsr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I basically always give money to poor people on the streets and stuff who are begging. I'm pathetic. I can't walk past anyone.
2006-06-20 23:45:35 · answer #9 · answered by smurfette_au2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I never give money unless I absolutely know where it goes, but I would direct him to an appropriate agency (law enforcement) who would be better able to help.
2006-06-20 23:48:13 · answer #10 · answered by knitting_fiend 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do what I can, yes. I'm a trusting and caring person. I don't often have much money but I will give them what I can.
2006-06-21 00:00:21 · answer #11 · answered by ladyangelovely 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋