Do You Give the Bum Homeless person Money or Cigarrette?

Question

Or just walk on by?

Answer 1

money and a cigarrette

Answer 2

I used to give money, then got older and realized that my cash may not have been the best gift to give someonre in that situation. We don't have many around here that panhandle, but there is the odd beggar here and there. I once drove by a man standing with a little girl who was holding a sign "WILL WORK FOR FOOD". This killed me, as a child was involved (who knows, he could have been using her as cash bait). My best friend was with me and as we passed, we decided not to give money but food instead. We went to the cheapest place to get a few items of canned food and non-persihables, then stopped by McDonald's on the way back to pick up a Happy Meal and something for him. I know we didn't spend $20.00 on everything. When we stopped and gave it to him, he wasn't that thankful, and sat the McDonald's bag on the ground. The little girl looked like she was starving, then at the bag. He mumbled a "thanks" and that was it. It was kind of disheartening. I can only hope that he let her eat and play with the toy after we left. That was the last time I have tried to help by giving...anything other than my tax dollars, of course. In most situations (and I believe it applies to this question also), if someone truly wants help, they will seek it. Sad, but true. BTW, did you happen to see that piece on 60 minutes or 20/20 about people who did this? There was an instance of a man who stood at a stop light asking for money for about two hours (they were hidden as they taped this). After his time was up, they followed him about two blocks only to hop in a newer model SUV that had a suit hanging in it. There were several other incidents where similar things happened. I will never forget that as long as I live. It really makes you wonder what in the heck people are doing out there, doesn't it? Now I just give to local charities.

Answer 3

As a truck driver,people approach you from time to time. And I will help some out. But the professional beggars are out there too. If I do give money,I give it to the person in the name of Jesus. I've found that when I do that,I always get the money back with interest in one way or another. Some people in need sometimes ask me for my address so they can repay me. Just out of curosity I'm tempted to do that just to see if they will,but then again if I do I'm afraid that I would jinx myself.

Answer 4

What goes around...comes around. Most folks are just a paycheck away from being a "bum" or homeless.

Give them money, if you can...but still exercise caution about letting anyone approach you, just as you would in any situation. If you're not comfortable stopping, walk on by.

Answer 5

I'll give them a cigarette or some change. Some homeless people are not bums, and some bums are not homeless.

Answer 6

Cigarettes, maybe. But money? Rarely..... I don't want to be responsible for them dying of an alcohol related illness. Or contribute to a possible Brain injury where they end up with complete amnesia..... If I know for sure it's for food.....sure, it's a done deal.

Answer 7

I walk by. Because you never know that person could be richer than you and just pretending to be a homeless person.

Answer 8

I usually offer to go inside a store/restaurant with them and buy them something to eat. Most of the time they refuse--even after they just asked for money to get something to eat!
I'm not spending my hard earned money to feed their
addictions or allergies (allergic to work!)

Answer 9

I use my intuition if I get a feeling like I should give them money then I give them money if I have a feeling like they are trying to swindle me or they are just going to buy crack then I don't give them money but if it was really cold I would give them a sandwich

Answer 10

Never. Chances are, they will spend the money on drugs or booze. I give money to real charities, not individuals.