Why do most homeless people lie?

Question

when they ask you for money? Every time I've been approached on the street by a homeless person, they always give some long drawn out story that is obviously not true. Do they think we'll believe them? Why can't they just ask, "Excuse me ma'am, but I haven't had a drink in two days and I'm getting desperate. Can you spare a dollar?" Honestly, I'd be more inclined to give them money if they would just tell me the truth.

OK, let me rephrase my question: Why do most homeless people WHO HAVE APPROACHED ME lie?

Several weeks ago my husband and I were walking downtown one evening and we were approached by a fairly clean/neat looking man. He said he was homeless, diabetic, had just been released from the hospital, and was very hungry. He asked for money for some food. I gave him the change I had in my change purse. A few minutes later as we were on our way up the street, it hit me...if he were diabetic and had just been released from the hospital, why wouldn't THEY have fed him there?

Also, I was behind a car one day a few weekends ago at an intersection where a man was standing with a sign, "Hungry. Spare change?" The car in front of me gave him a McDonald's cheeseburger (We saw them pull out of McD's). He opened the wrapper, looked at it, and threw it down toward the freeway. Apparently he wasn't THAT hungry if he's throwing away good food...

Answer 1

I think it's because they're really desperate for money. Probably by lying they feel they hav a bettr chance on getting money.

Answer 2

Have you ever spent the day with someone who's homeless?

Spend some time volunteering in a local shelter rather than giving money away.

See what you get from that and see how many people you believe actually lie. Regardless of their lying or not, the person asking you for money is probably interested in some measure of survival. Consider what they want, consider what they really do need, and help them get it, or don't. If they feel they need money to survive the money's for something right? Why assume it's drugs? or drink? If it's escape, maybe they need some counseling. You'd do more for them giving a donation to a local church, hospital or other non-profit attempting to help that same person cope.

Answer 3

Well, for starters, you're operating on the erroneous assumption that most homeless people have alchohol/drug/mental issues. A lot do, and a lot do not. Whether they are drunks/drug addicts/crazy because they are homeless, or homeless because they are drunks/drug addicts/crazy is worth discussing, but not in this forum. Having patience with people and being non-judgmental is worth more than looking on in disgust. Either you have compassion, or you do not. If you do, help them. When I help, I don't help with cash. Just a personal choice for me. I help with food, information, just kind words, or what I'm really good at, and that's listening. Sometimes one of the big things people want is just to be acknowledged as human beings. I totally do not care if you are a drunk, drug addict, or are crazy. You are a human being. Period. If I can help, I surely will. I don't care if it's your fault or not, how you became homeless. Doesn't matter. What matters is that you need to be acknowledged. Everyone matters.

Answer 4

Would you give a homeless person money to buy booze? That's why they lie. Not ALL homeless people need money for drugs or booze. They're just down on their luck and in need of extra help. Then again alot choose that life so either way it's back to the same question and answer. It's really up to you to give or not what ever the answer is.

Answer 5

Some of them are drug addicts and they lie to get money for more alcohol/drugs, but believe it or not, sometimes they dont lie. You dont realize what you be convinced to do when you need to survive. Have you gone a week on one meal? while living in the streets? My family was homeless a couple years ago, thats why I ask - many people ask this question not realizing what its like - we all have some form of PTSD from the whole 2 year situation.

Answer 6

how do you know that they aren't telling the truth, what give you the right to judge them at all! who do you think you are god? if there was a god the homeless people would have a place to live and they wouldn't go hungry. sounds like you have a very cold heart towards others and that will be your down fall in your life.

Answer 7

I NEVER give them any money. I've had to pull out the mace to get these parasitic addicts away from me.

Saw a guy the other day, holding a sign that said "Camping Dog God Bless" He could barely stand and he had no dog with him. He glared at me as I pointed out the numerous "Help Wanted" signs all around.

Don't want to work? STARVE!

Answer 8

They know most people will not give them money if they are honest. I'll give to homeless shelters and soup kitchens, but I won't give anything directly to a homeless person, since I assume the money will go for alcohol or drugs.

Answer 9

i really don't think it is fair to say that most homeless people lie. put yourself in their place (if you can) and see what you would do if you were in that situation! to stop this problem when i am asked to give them money i tell them instead that i will get some food for them and i have done this. you would think that i have given them the world for a hamberger, fries, drink. this world just simply needs more compasion for others and i hope that act of kindness will continue for the less fortunate.

Answer 10

I think there is a little too much generalization here. Just because I live on the streets, (I have recently), does that mean that I'm a drunk? I have been on the streets and sober. I am too proud to panhandle, but would you really give money to someone so that they could get booze?

Answer 11

I normally don't give panhandlers money, but one old homeless guy came up to me and said, "Hey buddy, could you spare some change? I need a drink!" So I gave him a couple of bucks.