Do you give money to beggars? If so, how much do you usually give?

Question

I just shake my head and keep walking. I have given before though. I am sympathetic to people that are that sorry I guess.

Answer 1

I don't give them anything, with 2 exceptions.

An ex-girlfriend was once abused by a beggar because she offered to buy him some food rather than give him money, he refused, very forcefully.

Also they had a system in London where you could buy vouchers that they could exchange for food, they didn't want them either.

2 EXCEPTIONS

1) Theres a woman in Exeter, UK, who plays the penny whistle on the street, she can have money off me - she puts most of it in the bank for her daughter.

2) Theres a guy around Leicester Square in London who I dont mind giving whatever he is short of for food, because he goes and buys it straight away .... I sometimes even buy him a pint that he can drink while eating it.

But they are the exception to the rule, they don't hassle people who say no.

Answer 2

My dad used to give a dollar or two everyday to this old man who he would meet on his way to work. Then the old man managed to find my dad's workplace and would look for my dad for donations if he didn't manage to see my dad in the mornings. My dad thought the old man really needed money and eventually would gave him as much as $5 a day. This went on for about a week. Then my dad went back to giving him $2. The old man cursed my dad for being stingy.
I'm of 2 minds when I saw people begging for money. I feel bad cos they might genuinely need the monetary help but at times I can't help but feel that I might had been cheated as I once gave money to a pair of young siblings at a MRT station. Later they ended up in the news, for spending the money they received at the nearest arcade. I felt really cheated.
Thus I now only donate to charities and organisations that are set up for helping those in need.

Answer 3

I can not bring myself to give money to beggars. They only go & spend it on drink & drugs anyway. Sad but true.

I'd rather give to charities where I know the money goes to good use.

My nan had cancer & sadly died 9 years ago & I give money to the hospice she stayed in for a while. I'd much rather give them the money than to a beggar on the street.

Answer 4

Zip

Here is a true story.

I was on the way home from work and following a woman back to the station. There was a beggar on route and this woman had obviously purchased a hot meal from a takeaway for him. When she gave it to him the beggar was abusive and threw the food against a wall where it spilled out across the pavement.

Beggars are never hungry, they just want money to fuel their addictions.

If you have a conscience then give your money to a homeless charity.

_

Answer 5

When I was in Seattle...I would give money to those that played on the street (guitar) or something like that, but normally we hand out blankets and hot drinks in the winter, and water in the hotter months.

Answer 6

It is OK to walk past... There will be someone else coming their way.. But do give at times when you do have a few extra cents.

Answer 7

I have decided to give to beggars and homeless who have a positive outlook, and are open and friendly to people.
I give a pound or two.

I won't give to anyone who looks as thought they might be on drugs or alcohol.

Answer 8

No, I don't. Almost all of them will use it for alcohol or drugs. I donate to charity instead. That way the money will go to deserving people.

Answer 9

That depends on how much money I have. Sometimes I might have to get a buck from them!

Answer 10

sometimes only because some of the beggars can afford a guitar,microphone and an large speaker.i don't think they are poor...