2007-08-12 08:57:58 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
As I see it, there are three very different types of panhandlers:
The first is the person who absolutely does not want to be homeless but who has been forced to that state by an unfortunate set of circumstances. They often will not beg, but will look for resources that may help them back onto their own feet. Such a person should not be offended by any offer of help, including a food coupon.
Then there are the many who actually should be in a mental institution. Many were once institutionalized but have been forced into the streets by our health care system. These are the somewhat scary people who rant or talk to themselves. Their's is a sad situation. But they are also very vulnerable to alcohol and drugs. I think its best to not give them money and enable their destructive forces. A food coupon would be better.
Finally, there's the group who simply prefer the homeless lifestyle. They simply prefer not to work or take any kind of responsibility. Easier to beg and let life's circumstances control them than to take control for themselves. My sympathy tends to be least for these. Though some are such humorous characters, and harmless, that one may occasionally feel like giving them a bit of change. But they, too, are vulnerable to drugs and alcohol, so a food coupon might be better for them, even if it isn't what they would prefer.
I think you did a fine thing.
2007-08-12 09:27:26 · answer #1 · answered by Tom K 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
you are not at fault for not having change. and the coupon is ok so long as he could get food with no out of pocket on his part. if they were 'buy one get one half price' you gave him something useless. perhaps even insulted him. i know there are many reasons how and why a person becomes homeless, and not all them are ok. i know a teacher going thru a very ugly and costly divorce, he's not fully responsible for the divorce, she played her bit too, but he is homeless nonetheless and he is definitely still a human. i drive to 'his' rest area (where he sleeps in his car) to invite him over to wash clothes, shower, eat, just watch TV, about once a week. he's a good person.
2007-08-12 10:08:51 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's wrong because alot of the time people want to have the money to buy other things, IE drugs and alcohol.
I was alwaysed taught that should you get asked by someone for change you should instead offer to buy some food for them or give them food or the bus ticket/train ticket they need.
I think what you did was very nice and noble of you. You did the right thing
2007-08-12 12:05:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No i do no longer think of this is misguided actual he could desire to apply the coupons which you gave him with the donated quantity of money that he gets from persons and have the skill to get a chit whilst he is going to pizza hut to reserve his pizza and doubtless get his pizza at a low quantity of money.
2016-10-10 01:59:11 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That was a good thing that way you will know if he uses them he actually did want it for food and not alcohol or drugs.
2007-08-12 22:33:02 · answer #5 · answered by kymm r 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No actually that was a wonderful thing. You gave him something that he would have to use for food. instead of a bottle of booze.
2007-08-12 09:10:37 · answer #6 · answered by bill45310252 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The old saying applies. "Beggers can't be choosers..." What's funny is that I walked by a panhandler yesterday, and he said "Spare change for drugs?" At least he was honest.
2007-08-12 09:06:37 · answer #7 · answered by DiLow333 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No, but you don't have to give him anything. The sad truth is that many people who panhandle want money for drugs or alcohol.
2007-08-12 09:02:39 · answer #8 · answered by SHSHSH 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO!!! You gave someone a chance to eat, and didn't risk having him spend it on drugs/alchohol/etc. Go you!
2007-08-12 09:05:56 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well at least you gave him more than he had. You could have just said "NO". U have a good heart and God will reward you for it.
2007-08-12 09:06:12 · answer #10 · answered by Calebs Mom 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋