Do you give money to homelsess people?

Question

Do you give money to homeless people who stand on the side of the road and beg for it or do you feel that you just want to tell them to get a real job? Why or why not?

Answer 1

I have before when I could afford it. There aren't any homeless where I live that I you see in public. But, when travelling, I have given change to them on the streets or even given money to the ones off the interstate exits.

Why? Because "There but for the grace of GOD go I."

EDIT ADDED: To the idiot below named Jolly1, yeah motivates them to break into your freaking house for food, mug you on the street, or steal your car. People like you should be stripped of every single item you own and then see what kind of job, etc.. you can get when you can't even shower or brush your teeth. Geez...

Answer 2

There is a scam that somepeople play attempting to feed off people's guilt complex and panhandle. It's something that has been goin' on for a few ....well let's just say thousand...years now.

I completely understand the poverty of this land but can not understand why some people would beg for hours to gain hand outs. There are thousands of charities out and about in this country alone that will work to better another in a poor condition.

The real question I struggle with is whether or not I could get away with panhandling a few hours a day like these people. Think about it. If you can get 10 cars an hour to stop and give you a dollar that 10 dollars an hour. That money is untaxed an unreported so it becomes a straight exact 10 dollars an hour. You don't have to pay taxes on it and all you had to do was hang on a highly passed interesection and pose. Could life be any easier than that?

I do not give money to homeless, unless they are holding a signb that reads directly that they are trying to buy beer. Honesty is always the best policy in my book . :P

Answer 3

I usually act as the spirit moves me at the moment.

Much of it depends on the person doing the asking and more often, not asking, and how I perceive them.... I spent some time homeless and living in my car (and had to travel across country) due to reasons I had no control over at the time and it was an eye-opening experience!

There may be some that make healthy livings begging, but I can tell you, the majority of homeless in our country look only to get their "need"... a bottle of T-bird for the alcoholic or a meal if there is no soup kitchen available. So very many of our homeless are mental patients that cannot function well in our society, but do not qualify for the aid programs either. Many have a "tragedy" in their past that they are unable to deal with for whatever reason. The stories are as varied as the numbers of people you see sleeping on the grates and under the bridges. I listened to a lot of those tales and got to know a large number of those supported by the charity of others. It changed my view of them completely. I also received some of that charity in the form of gas, food and clothing and was thankful for it! I have made a practice of repaying it anytime I see need and can share what I now have.

Most of those aggressive 'beggars' you see in the business districts are probably not the true 'homeless'... they very well could be just plying their 'trade of choice'. Them? Just depends if their approach has style or value... most seem to try to annoy or guilt you into paying them to leave you alone and in their cases... No, I don't give to them.

Answer 4

I typically do both. I usually buy a newspaper and suggest they look at the Classified section as I hand them the money.

And no, I'm not kidding.

I have also, on occassion, taken the opportunity to give them business cards for local employment agencies and have also made the effort to give them food and water when I thought it was necessary.

I understand that some of them abuse the charity offered by others but disagree with the insensitivity shown by some people.

Answer 5

I don't, because they usually buy alcohol or cigarettes with the money. Also, they made the choice of being homeless, and if you disagree with me, there are always shelters that provide clothes, food, and a place to sleep for the homeless, but they still choose to go on the street with signs saying i need money for food.

Answer 6

I give money to some homeless people. you can look into their eyes and tell who the ones are that need it.. there are not enough shelters in this state to house homeless.. A-lot of homeless people are mentally ill and there is no help for them because The states close the places that can help them.. I do give alot of my hard earned cash to them. I once gave 100 dollar bill to one. I regret that because i probably killed him by him drinking himself to death.. I had a very close family member who had it all until one day he snapped and lost everything and he turned out to be mentally ill. he lived on the streets and it killed me but he could not hold a job. we tried to get him help but as i said there are not enough places to help the mentally ill.. so yes when i see that look in their eyes i pull out my wallet. it could be your son your daughter your dad or nephew or even your best friend. think about it and give a bum a buck

Answer 7

Yes I gave money to a homeless man. He was digging in the garbage can at a resturant. The owner forgot to lock the can. I pulled up and gave him 5$ for food. He smiled and thanked me! The manager came running out screaming that he had called the police, and I was in trouble. I said, "for what?" he wouldn't say, but said he had my licence plate #. Well the homeless man said asshole, and took off on his bike. The cops pulled up, and accused me of buying drugs! What witness? One man's word? I didn't even have any drugs on me!

Answer 8

Sometimes give some money , and my time too. I know several people from the streets and we have nice conversations, last week I invited one to have coffee, people were like huh why are you inviting him to coffee if he smells bad, I dont care I dont have to give explanations I told them, he is a Human being that deserves dignity and respect and is a nice person, thats what counts.

Answer 9

I give money to our local homeless guy. He pulls weeds for me every other week. He makes about $30 for a couple hours work.

Answer 10

i give... most are mentally ill. Each year there are more and more mental wards closed down. PS. About your other question. Yes, I am handicapped. I have cancer and am only 34. I still need to shop, I still need to eat, and I don't expect others to do what I can still do for myself. In a way, I am offended by your question, on the other hand, I am happy that you don't have to experience what I do each day... You have been blessed, and you don't know it.