How do you respond when strangers appearing to be poor or homeless ask for money?

Question

Do you give them money? Why or why not? Do you live in an area where you are often solicited?

Answer 1

I go to church in the city and that is the only place I get hit up for money - and quite frequently. My church has both a food pantry and a hot lunch program. When people approach me for money for food I send them to the church. When people approach me for money for other things, I have them talk with a particular person in our church who can either give them money (if it is valid) or turn them away if they are just looking for booze money (he seems to be able to tell the difference). That way I don't feel the need to search in my purse and make myself vulnerable on the street, and when I give money or canned food to the church, I am, in a way, helping them.

Answer 2

I live in a city where I am solicited almost every day. When I first moved here I felt compelled to give, because I thought, "I can afford to give, so why not?" But its been five years, and I have stopped feeling anything for these poor unfortunate people. I don't think this is necessarily a good or bad thing, its just what happens when you see it everyday.

Answer 3

If I had it, and they didn't look too dangerous, (statistics state that it takes about 2 weeks before mental illness sets in from living that way,) I'd give them a few dollars. I didn't concern myself with what they were going to do with it. If they bought alcohol or drugs with what I gave them, maybe they'd go ahead and buy food later with someone else's donation.
When I lived in Chicago, I was solicited regularly. I kept a few dollars available where I didn't have to reach into my purse to give it to the homeless. Why? I considered it a form of tithing. I also understand most of us are a major illness, or a couple paychecks away from the same condition ourselves. Everyone on the street isn't a bum; and no one on the street started that way.
Yes, I've heard of the people who make "thousands" that way. Its darned hard work if they get it that way.

Answer 4

Being a teacher and a social worker, I do not hand anyone money, since our area is KNOWN for the high rate of drugs that people take here. If I really believe the person is truly hungry, I explain to the person where to get the help needed, for free, without being on the street. For those who know how I just AM, I give out food at my home to any who come and ask. I've set up clothing for the homeless programs in our city, and set up food for the hungry programs, as well. It is unfortunate, but, in our city, it is drug money that almost every person on the street is looking for. I know the people, I know who is on drugs! I explain where to go to get free medical help, and I make sure they have a way to get to these places. You cannot walk a block in my city without at least 3 people asking for change. Worse yet, most want cigarettes from those of us who pass by. I don't give out cigarettes, only food and healthy drinks. A friend of mine walks around passing out peanut butter sandwiches to those who appear homeless and hungry. My mother, during the depression, gave out so much food, that the people actually drew a square with a circle in the square on her fence. This was to let the other hungry people know that a square meal could be had at 'this' home. My mother always taught me that if a person was standing outside a restaurant and asking for money, saying that the person was hungry, that I was to take the person inside, order a sandwich to eat there, and order one for the person to take with him/her. This has always made sense to me.
It sounds hard of me to say I won't give the people money, but, I will not help to pay for drugs. I will give food, drink, jobs, warm clothing and medical help, but, not the money.

Answer 5

Of course I give money and my mom used to buy food and bring him inside for this homeless and poor guy. He was so nice and always used to be grateful. That was until we had to move to queens. Me and my family only give money sometimes but to homeless people who really need it . My mom also gives away old clothes that we don't want anymore we gave a big bag of clothes to some homeless guy here and he was trying it on right in the street! Haha

Answer 6

I'll often offer to buy them a meal. If they are hungry, they take me up on it. If they just want the money, they'll turn me down.

I live in an area with many homeless people passing through.

Answer 7

We just had this same question or similar one about 1 week back.
So if you saw it my answer is going to be totally something I myself try not to practise.
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Note: After my son came up with this idea, which was give gift voucher to them ONLY (like Mc Donald's, Tim Horton's any but money etc...)
Last Thur I come out from my Gym work out, getting into my car starting it getting ready to back out of spot, up came this man. Looking very under weight, sad but dressed causal looking, raps on my driver's window. I UN roll little with locked doors then he asked," Hello lady, I'm so hungry, I haven't ate since yesterday and could you spare any money?"
(With thought in mind," Gee why me all the time. Well maybe he really is hungry or maybe needs his fix. Doesn't look like druggie or bum. Poor guy.")
I give him $10.00 bill, last 10 but to a good cause.
"Thank you lady, Thank you so much your an angel?" he kept saying as leaving me alone walking towards....

STOP THERE ---- Now for all the good I thought I did or didn't do, for all what was said or not said! I knew not to give money.
But just this once I wanted to believe! Believe in him , believe in me and believe that this world wasn't as bad as we say it is at times.

What did he walk towards? YUP HE DID WHAT I THOUGHT
NOT HIM, HE DOESN"T LOOK LIKE A DRUGGY!!!
WELL WHAT DOES A DRUGGY LOOK LIKE??????
You see I judged, which is the one thing I hated myself. Being Judged.

Would I do ever do this again?
YES- BUT NEVER MONEY BACK TO FOOD VOUCHERS.
Why! Because one day that could be you or I standing there needing something from someone and if you could just help even one person, Then is it not worth it?

Answer 8

Give them a hard time! Seriously, if they REALLY need it, they'll allow you to scold them. If they can't be humble about it, don't give them ANYTHING.

Find out what they are trying to buy. If it's food or any other necessity, chances are they are lying and there is a local organization they regularly use that provides it for free.

I personally give to those who are truthful and say they just want a fix, but only if I have it to give. Anything besides a fix is usually available free through charities.

Answer 9

If I have money on me, I don't mind sparing a dollar or fifty cents. Actually, the last two homeless people I ran into wanted food. . . and a couple cigs. Hey, if I've got it, I'll give it.
And, downtown Houston is prime real estate for the homeless. Yep.
~Kat

Answer 10

I am solicited monthly at the very least. I usually will buy them a meal. If they need gas, then I get them gas. Never give cash.