When someone stops you for money.....?

Question

I limit my visits to New York City because someone is always begging for money up there.

I had to go to a nursing home, and stopped to go to the bank first.

Just as I parked, a guy walks over and tells me a hard luck story about how he had a good job, but was fired, and needs $18.00 to get back to Long Island.

He kept insisting he's a hard worker, and he seemed very distraught.

So I offered $5.00 (I always feel I could one day find myself in the same situation).

He said could you give me $5.00 more.

I was in a hurry to the bank, so I gave another $5.00, and he and I departed quicker than a New York second.

And so my question to you is would you have given anything?

Would you have give $18.00?

Or, would you have given your own sob story...like...sorry Bud, I lost my job too, and I'm going bankrupt...or something?

Reminder...I'm talking about New York City here...previously I asked what you all thought of New York City, and the vast majority said it rocks...so I must tell you that when I'm there, I always am a bundle of nerves and I walk fast. I'm getting to hate that place. It's so screwed up.

Answer 1

Just like you said you never know when you may be in that kind of situation. I would try and help as long as the person was not pushy and seem genuine.This man asked for $18.00 which seems like an odd number to ask for if he is just a begger, so he probably is telling the truth. I would try and buy the ticket for him if possible, so as I know the money is going to were he said it was and not for a bottle. Just like when people tell me they are hungry and beg for money. I would rather give them food then money.

Answer 2

I used to give people a few bucks if I had it, but then some guy came up to us in Oklahoma with the same kind of story- broke down and need money for a cab to get home, 2 towns over. We gave him a few bucks, but then the following week the same guy came up to my husband with the same sorry story! What a loser and now I am skeptical of anyone coming up asking for money.

Answer 3

No, I do not give out money anymore. When I was younger and less cynical, I would hand out money easily. However, after years of paying taxes that go towards a myriad of social services that I cannot take part of, I do not give handouts anymore. I know that if I were in a bind somewhere, I have a support network of family and friends that could help me out.

Answer 4

I don't think you should have given him any money. If you want to help with that sort of thing give money to charities, then you know where your money is going and how it will be helping others. When you give money to people on the streets, many of them just want to buy more drugs or alcohol.
So, I'd say not to give money to these people. Instead, either walk away or offer to go with them to buy what they are asking for. Then you will know if what they are asking for is what they really need, or not.

Answer 5

just because someone gives you a sob story doesn't obligate you to do anything about it.
now, i know this sounds cruel, but it's true.
how do you know if that $18 is going to take him home?
he may use it how he told you he would, he may not.
it's up to you to decide to give it to him or not.
i used to know this bum,and he was voluntarily so for longer than i've been alive, and he would always ask me for money to do different things. one day i denied him, and he attacked me.
give a man a fish, you feed him for a day.teach him to fish, you feed him for life.
you don't have to give money to the homeless, because if you think about it, if you keep giving and giving, where will you end up?
whenever you get bothered, tell them where the homeless shelter is and to get help there. if they take your advice, they genuinely want to be helped, if the continue to hassle you, walk away.

Answer 6

I just tell them that I am broke also and keep walking! Some of those beggars make more in a week than I do!

Answer 7

I don't usually give, because I don't want them to know I have money. Also, I am always hearing stories about how rich these beggars are, although I don't know if it's true.

Answer 8

I usually just give them a dollar. If he really needs 18--he'll have to ask 17 more people. If he's a con or something--then loosing a dollar isn't going to kill me.

Answer 9

no i wouldnt have given money harsh i know but there are many homeless selters out there and considerin i struggle to even pay mu owm bills. plus if u work for your money y shouldnt everyone else

Answer 10

i agree with the third person, if it's a con i could afford to lose a dollar and he would have to ask more than one person if he really wanted the money