I used to, but I don't anymore. Why? As I was walking by a bus stop one day, I gave a guy some change. But he and a few of his boy then followed me down the street and around the corner and attempted to rob me. I ran and was able to loose them. But they ruined it for all honest panhandlers.
Not really sure what category this fits in.
2006-09-06 18:21:09 · 20 answers · asked by Subconsciousless 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
You shouldnt let that get in the way of helping others. For all you know, you not giving change to someone one day when they're hungry as hell could result in them commiting suicide on account of being fed up with the life style. The world is crazy...every small decision changes lives of others and the cycle continues! But when you have the oppertunity to help someone you should, believe it or not, that right there is a gift!
2006-09-06 18:30:30 · answer #1 · answered by Fearfully & wonderfully made 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've actually worked in several homeless situations, and therefore have been trained extensively in this area.
What I learned - never give money to a homeless person.
1. You never know where the money is going.
2. They (if they are thieves) are simply asking to see if you have money, so that they can rob you.
Now... I know that it is never right to generalize or judge people based on their appearance or situation, but in cases like this it is always better to be "safe than sorry".
In several ministries I have worked in, we made hundreds of sandwiches for the homeless. In the bags we included:
*a soft apple (a hard apple is not good on teeth which have not had good dental work) for nutrition
*a PB&J sandwhich
*a juice box (caffeine is a diarretic, and is not good on the tummies of many of the homeless; also, many of the homeless have mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, and that doesn't mix well)
*and a cookie (well, because everyone deserves a cookie!)
This was most successful in Toronto, and other big cities where the homeless are easy to "find". However, ministries like this are simple, and are easy ways to fill a stomach.
Mostly, though, homeless people want a smile. So many of them go a whole day without their existence even being acknowledge. Smile; ask them how their day is going; shake their hand. Let them know that, despite their current condition, they are of value in the world.
2006-09-07 01:39:06 · answer #2 · answered by off_broadway_mystify_them 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not. One Xmas Eve, I walked up Grant Ave. in Frisco, and 3 hippie types asked for change. I gave them none. Later, I walked down Grant, and they were in front of me counting money. One said he'd buy a bottle of Old Granddad whiskey. They had as much cash as I did. Once, I was tired of hearing bums. I was in a $2250 suit and wore a $26,100 watch when some guy asked for change. I told him I had no place to stay and hadn't eaten for days. He pulled out a big wad of bills and gave me $4.
2006-09-07 01:31:06 · answer #3 · answered by miyuki & kyojin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No ways, so they can see how much I have in my pockets, and at the same time give the dishonest people the chance to rob me. If they want change they should go to a supermarket or something/anything that handles money.
2006-09-07 01:51:52 · answer #4 · answered by sweetdivine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't give to beggars anymore too, unless they are honest about what they are going to use the money for.
I was in Houston, Texas and at an intersection, a beggar held up a sign (that I could understand) that read "need money for beer." I stopped and gave him five bucks and thanked him for being honest about what he was going to use it for. If I had beer with me, I would have given it to him.
It's always good to be honest.
2006-09-07 01:25:46 · answer #5 · answered by Loc P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been hosed to many times to give money any more. When I was in school my friends and I use to buy hamburgers. If you actually wanted the money for food you were more than happy to take food but alot of them wanted the money for booze or drugs and wouldn't take any burgers.
2006-09-07 01:28:17 · answer #6 · answered by Holly B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes
Somtimes if they have a good lie.
If its some old drifter who tells me he's short 17c having enough for smokes.
Sometimes, I'm just moved to.
Sometimes I'm moved to whirl around and yell , "Get the f#ck away from me!"
2006-09-07 01:58:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the situation, and where I am at. Like you, I am afraid to make myself a easy mark for someone. But there have been times I was a lifesaver for someone, and I was glad to help.
2006-09-07 01:25:48 · answer #8 · answered by BuffyFromGP 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I can buy them a meal,
a candy bar, or soda,
I'll do that instead, or if
my gut says yes, I'll 'spare
a dime'. But there are those
times when something just
tells me no, don't.
2006-09-07 01:33:18 · answer #9 · answered by vim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Too many "bums" are not poor at all. Some make great money panhandling, and pay zero taxes.
2006-09-07 01:25:35 · answer #10 · answered by sheeple_rancher 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋