Do you give money or food to beggars?

Question

I do. I can't help myself. I feel so sorry for them.

Do you think it is ok to do so - or not?

Answer 1

YES, there is nothing wrong with that, if they then use the money for something other than food that's there problem, you did your part. It is simply an act of goodness, there is nothing wrong with that.

Answer 2

No, I donate to charity instead. Almost all of the beggars you see will use the money you give them for drugs or alcohol. Some of them make a business of it. The Washington Post did a story about how some of them are picked up in big cars at the end of the day.

Answer 3

Sometimes, I rarely have food on me, so I would be more likely to give some money. I would rather give food, you neverknow what they'll use the money for. I don't really believe most of them buy alcohol or drugs with it, I think it's an overused stereotype some people use so they don't have to feel bad about not giving them anything. It depends on the situation, how the person looks and acts, whether there's a lot of people around. Some homeless people can be very aggressive and pushy, best to avoid them.

Answer 4

I do feed the beggars but I don't give them any money. In today's modern world everyone can get a job but it is our pride that keeps us stuck where we are (excluding the exceptional cases).
I propose that we get rid of beggars by teaching them a skill and let them know that begging is unacceptable, as the saying goes, if a man ask you for a fish it is better you teach him to fish than give him one. That way the man has the skill and he will be able to do it for himself another time.

Answer 5

I will give food but not money. I have seen too many "beggars" in the city con innocent people trying to help. I can't stand the thought of someone starving, though.

Answer 6

I never give them money.I once did give money to a man in crutches.I felt sorry for him.He said he was a war vet and that he was hungry.After I gave him some money he threw his crutches down on the ground and chased after some guy over drugs or something.I vowed never to give money to beggars ever again because chances are they are either drunks or drug users.I will give them food and I will donate to charities that feed and house the homeless.But never again will I just hand them money because that just encourages them to keep begging.

Answer 7

I do to some, if they look reliable I will give them food but never money I also offer to give them enough money for the bus (it is like 35 cents so not enough really for drugs) and you never know being nice to a homeless person can be good for you too. There is this guy in my town and I see him everywhere and I have waved to him whenever I see him for like 10 years and I often buy him breakfast in the morning. Well turns out he is like a millionaire and he bought my market pigs last year and gave the meat to a homless shelter he goes to often. He is sort of like our town mascott and he says he just enjoys living free no house payments or gas prices just who will give them their old shoes.

Answer 8

I think it depends. Some people this is their job. They send their children on the streets to beg for money if you try to give them food they will not take it(not in USA). I have given a woman money once in Columbus and she went right in the store and bought beer. I think if you like to give to charity you should donate to your local food bank rather then give cash.

Answer 9

Seldom. I live near one of the off ramps they do their begging at and I see them at the supermarket loading their groceries into their newer car than mine. Some how that just doesn't sit well with me.

I do give generously to the local food banks and to the gospel mission.

Answer 10

I do. I don't care if "it's ok" or not. I don't feel sorry for them, though. The way I see it, they're people, just like me, no better and no worse, and if they have a need, and I can provide, then I'll do that to even things out. To me, it's a socialist thing - "From each according to his ability to each according to his needs."