How much money do you think some of these homeless people make?

Question

Ya know the ones that hold the signs everyday. Do you feel bad a give them money? Or do you just look away. What do you do, why or why not?

I used to help all the time. But then I began to feel used. The same people would come and ask for money, only difference is their sob story would change. I will offer food though but mostly they will not take it. Why is that? It doesn't make any since.

What are your thoughts and feelings on this? Thanks for the feedback. Am I the only on who feels like this?

Answer 1

A killing.

Answer 2

the ones that won't take food probably are already getting food from another source, like a soup kitchen or even a restaurant trash can. it's still food, but accepting food from you just means they are getting food that's maybe a little better. They'd most likely rather have the money so that (if they have children) they can buy things their kids need, like school supplies and such (I hope, anyway). If not, they mostly want money for alcohol or drugs. Hate to make a sweeping generalization like that, and I'm sure there are lots of cases where that is totally untrue, but at the same time, you're talking about a stranger and you have to ask yourself, "How did this person end up in this situation?" It's a strange line, it really is. Usually, I don't offer money to the guys with the signs, I figure, if you're gonna beg, then beg audibly. If I'm walking down the street and a homeless guy asks me if I can help him out, I give him the change in my pocket if I have it. I never pull out the wallet, though. If I don't have change, I usually say I don't, but hey, I'm going up here to buy a CD or something and I'll give you the change from that if you're still here. It's not perfect, but what is?

Answer 3

well, where i live it's kinda rare to see people like this. it's funny you ask this though, cause i did encounter one yesterday. I saw a guy holding a sign that said "hungry diabetic anything will help"...well i turned into walmart, and this man weighed very heavy on my mind and in my heart, so i told myself that if i seen him when i was leaving that i would give him some $$. Well, i took a different route than i usually take out of the parking lot, and there he was standing near the red light after i had been in walmart for at least an hour. so i gave him the last of my cash that i had on me which was $6. i guess you really never know when God is testing us, and being a Christian i felt blessed to be able to give to this man. But in your case, i can see how you would feel about it cause if they don't want to take food, than they really may be abusing the $$ that people are giving them. But if you do something for these people, and it really comes from your heart, just know that God sees everything we do, and that it is pleasing to Him.

Answer 4

Thats odd that you'd ask this question. Just the other day, this lady came up to me and asked me if I wouldn'd mind giving her a dollar for a bottle of juice. She stated that she was a diabetic and needed to drink something. Well, as I happened to be right next to a Dunkin Donuts, I asked her to walk there with me, so I could buy one for her. Well, she's thanking me profusely as we're walking, and pointing out that noone wanted to help her 'cause they assumed she was a druggie. When we got to Dunkin Donuts, there was a line, so we had to wait. Whilst in line, she turns to the lady behind me and starts to talk to her about something or the other. Like a second or two later, I see the lady reach in her purse, and hand her a $5 bill... what'd I do? Nothing. Bought her the apple juice, me a coffee, and went on my way. So, how much do they make daily? sheesh, I don't know. I"m guessing a lot. I do have to say though, that I think most of them are druggies... just do.

Answer 5

20/20 did a segment on this and some of these people make more in one day than the average worker makes. They drive better cars and live in better houses. Of course not all do but I don't give anything to anyone unless I decide to . If they ask I don't but if I see someone that looks like they need a hand then yes I will extend a helping hand.

Answer 6

the amounts vary. Some days are real good and some are meager. I do not continue to give to the same person. I do not give to anyone whose story changes. I do give advice, directions to a place of help or shelter, gloves or hats and food. I have only been turned down once. No regrets.

Answer 7

We give out blankets every year to those in need or take hot coffee/chocolate and donuts to needy people on the streets around the holidays. Most appreciate the generosity. You do have to be careful though of the scams...

Answer 8

They won't take food because they're scared of your germs. Sitting on a street corner asking for money isn't a job most people want to grow up to do, and the last I knew, they didn't offer it as a major in college. Don't give them money. Make them go out just like the rest of us and earn it! McDonald's is right up the road, and Ronald is always hiring!

Answer 9

No. Screw them. The same homeless guy I see daily on my way to work has been trying to get home to Hollywood Florida for about a month now. If you are going to panhandle at least be smart about it and change your story or do it in different areas. Or just get a job.

Answer 10

If they say " do you have some spare change for food. I will offer to buy them something to eat. If they reject my offer the get nothing. I refuse to suppoert someones bad habit when i can't pay for the good things I do. But I do beleive in what you sow you reep. So I give what I can because God has blessed me thus far with what I have!

Answer 11

I don't think they make much because most people pass them by. When I worked downtown, I would carry a dollar in my pocket and the first person who would ask me for money would get it.