I've been approached by several people who've seemed homeless. But my family and friends say that they're fakers. So everytime I'm approached, I say that I can't help them in any way because I don't have even control over my bank account, which is true since my parents think 17 is too young for a boy to be handling his own bank account. Anyways, are these people really poor or are they acting? Because every time I say I can't and walk, I have this terrible guilty feeling right at the bottom of my stomach. So what should I do? I think my family is wrong and right at the same time which has resulted in me getting very confused!! So what should I do next time?
2007-01-28 07:20:23 · 19 answers · asked by Me Y 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I think it's great that you want to help, but you should never give them money. Unfortunately, alot of those that do beg for money, end up using it for drugs. You could offer to buy them some food/drink instead.
2007-01-28 07:25:00 · answer #1 · answered by Danru 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If they won't let you give to these people then ask if you can donate something to homeless charities instead. This may ease your conscience a bit.
I agree with a lot of your friends. You can't be sure if these people are really poor or just faking it to get your money. It's hard in the world to gauge if someone is honest about their situation but, don't feel too guilty.
Having a conscience is good, it shows you don't just think of yourself all the time.
Have you thought about asking your family if they will let you volunteer with a local church or charity to help the homeless? This might be another way of easing your conscience whilst, actually, doing something to help the less fortunate in the community. You may even meet a lot of these people, you see asking you for money, and see things in a different light.
2007-01-28 07:30:05 · answer #2 · answered by Alf B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most people are not 'acting' as such, but may have a drug and / or alcohol addiction. Therefore it is not a good idea to give money, but you could give a donation to a charity such as 'Shelter' or find out if anyone is selling 'The Big Issue' in your area. It's really good that you are thinking about issues such as homelessness, maybe you can find other ways to help, such as volunteering for a local charity maybe. Anyway, here's a couple of websites to look at:
http://england.shelter.org.uk
http://www.bigissue.com/
2007-01-28 09:00:37 · answer #3 · answered by Jude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most beggars are fake. My husband will stop and ask them to be ready and he'll have someone pick them up in the morning to go work and they can make a lot of money but they will not do it. They always make stupid excuses as to why they can't be ready. I also have an ex friend who always had weed always had cigarettes and you can look at them and see they aint starving, they haul around in different places taking turns begging for $$.They have signs that say they are homeless and they are not. I can't stand that her and her gang. It is a scam!! There are help groups and shelters that true homeless people get help from.
2007-01-28 07:57:55 · answer #4 · answered by Melissa M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Could you maybe point out the way to the Salvation Army, or the nearest homeless shelter?
They shouldn't be asking someone who is still a teen. Most likely scamming, or needing drug money.
2007-01-28 14:02:54 · answer #5 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's very commendable. They must know that you have lots of money. I think you should put all your trust in your parents, who are probably right. When you next pass a library, go in and get some information sheets on the nearest rehabilitation for drink and drugs and nearest job centres. When they next approach you, hand them these leaflets and wish them good luck with their lives.
2007-01-28 07:37:39 · answer #6 · answered by ambertottie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
These bums are making a fortune in duping people. Don't ever give as they will never let you alone and will pass your description on to other bums !
And remeber there are a lot of people like them that are on benefits also but they don't go out scrounging, they are scum and should be taken off the streets.
The UK is full of agressive migrants begging on the streets intimidating people, it wants stopping.
2007-01-28 07:30:40 · answer #7 · answered by tucksie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No don't give them money buy them a hot drink and something to eat , or gloves ,socks anything like that to help them to be a bit warmer because any money could be spent on drugs or booze then your not helping them
2007-01-28 09:39:23 · answer #8 · answered by Black Orchid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing is to assume that they are cheating and ask them to go to Job Centre for crisis loan, social funds, or churches for help. To be honest , in this country, there is no such thing as homeless, they are liars, completely liars. I have several ethnic minority people also claim homeless and they get a council house. They are millionaire in India and China. Dont be stupid.
2007-01-28 07:27:39 · answer #9 · answered by Beckham 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Buy them a sandwich. They can't sell it and you get the feel good factor. Oh, and if they have a dog, buy it a can of dog food. If you give money you can't be sure how they will spend it. If they are genuine they will be grateful for your gift of food.
2007-01-28 07:26:38 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋