You just gave money to a transient. How much was it, and did you "think" about it first?

Question

That is, a transient, or a homeless person.

Answer 1

I think urfunny has a good point. Maybe he will spend it on booze. The rest of us have that option too, and it's only more "acceptable" because we've got a little more money.

When my son (now 6) was 1 1/2, still in a stroller, we took him to ride the Seattle to Bremerton ferry. A lot of homeless guys hang out by the waterfront. One guy came up and asked us for change--we didn't have any. Then the guy looked at out son in his stroller. He said "Does your kid have a piggy bank?" We said no, because he didn't. The homeless guy (his name was Bill) said "Hang on" and rummaged around in his pockets for several minutes. He produced about $8 in pennies, nickels and dimes and said "Take this and put it in his piggy bank". Of course we said no, we couldn't possibly! Bill insisted. It seemed really important to him. After a couple minutes I realized that to say no to his offering was unkinder than to take it, even though he really needed that money. To have it in your power to give is as profound a human need as it is to receive what you need. We ended up accepting the change and our son has a piggybank reserved for Bill's money. We will remind him of Bill as he grows up every time he thinks he "needs" something. Make no mistake, we ALL need each other.

Answer 2

I often give money to homeless people, but usually I buy them food. Anyone can be homeless. That "transient" could be you or me in 6 months. Circumstances can bring anyone to their knees. A lot of homeless people are lawyers or doctors or bankers-normal people extremely down on your luck. I'd think again before calling them transients because theyre not. Theyre people who need help.

Answer 3

I think "i'm a young girl trying to make it on my own... I don't have much that I can spare." So then I give them food instead. Like if I have chips or a sandwich or even left overs from a restaurant I just went to, I'll offer it.

My boyfriend even once took a guy to a pizza shop and bought him lunch... Although the guy refused lunch at first (preferring money).

But I guess it shows you whether they want any help or just your money.

Answer 4

There but by God's grace go you. That's like asking what to tip the bellman at a hotel, or a waitress..Many homeless are not loosers by alcohol or drugs, just by life, lack of love, family support and the governments lack of responsibility,at least you gave.

Answer 5

I have done it, no I didn't think about it cause I saw a man I thought was in need of a meal ! Whatever he did with the money was "his" business, even if he chose to use it for things he shouldn't have! All's I know is that I did what was right for me! It wasn't for me to "judge" him , it was me counting my blessings that I wasn't "him"! I think it was $5.00, I'm not sure! If I had it to do again I would, and no I wouldn't think about! Like I said , I'm thankful I'm me!

Answer 6

I don't give money to transients. If they are hungry I will buy them food, if they are cold I will give them my coat, if they are in danger I will offer protection but I will not give them money.

Answer 7

I usually give em a couple of bucks or a couple of cigarettes. My friends are like "He's just gonna spend the money on booze". Guess what? Thats what i spend my money on too!

Answer 8

I don't give money to transients.

Answer 9

Usually a two dollar coin, sometimes a fiver. I don't think about it at all, it's theirs now. What they do with is their business, I'm not going to follow them around to see what they do with it; frankly I don't care; they need; I give; that's it for me.

Answer 10

Half a pound, what I could spare at the time, and no I didnt really think, he just looked very poor.