If you see a beggar on a city street, what would be the best thing to do for that person?

Question

would you rather give him / her money than food? I pass through this beggar everyday as i go to school. I don't know how to approach him or even how to react, whenever he extends his hand for alms.

talk about giving fish and teaching them to fish..

Answer 1

some beggars in the city streets and other places are very much used to begging and they find it the easiest task than to work physically putting in labour. the best thing for us to teach that beggar to work. when that person approaches you for alms, just show his arm and tell him to work. guide them where they can find a work suitable to them. i feel by giving them money and food, we are making them worst beggars. never sympathise with a beggar. a genuine beggar will never beg for money but for work. try to distinguish, that will give you a clear picture, whom to extend help and not.

Answer 2

I hand out alms. I believe that not everyone can work. Some people are so screwed, they can only do the best they can and begging might be it. Just because someone looks like they can work, doesn't mean the mind is all there. You never know what someone else has gone through or what their troubles are. All I know is I'm glad I have an alm to give. If they buy drink or drugs or whatever with it, I hope I have helped ease their pain. One day back in Reagan's day, somebody cut the main budget and all the folks in the local loonie bin were cut loose, put out on the street with no place to go. Many meandered down to a park. Some were still there weeks later. They had nothing and did not know what to do about it. That guy could be one of those. I also want to thank the homeless lady who stopped me from buying a large coffee at McDs years ago. She explained that I should just pay for a small one because refills were free. So you just never know who may help you out. . .Do the right thing and make the world a bit better.

Answer 3

I bring food. Depending on where I am going on a particular day, there are many "beggars" I see that are regulars. Some I have talked to and know they have families or live in shelters and have no visible means to support themselves- illness, mental disability, or total lack of education.
Food, clothing and blankets I will put in my car for when I am in their areas.
There but for the Grace of God go I.

Answer 4

Most homeless people are either mentally disabled and/or dependent on substances e.g. alcohol or drugs. Many don't wish to be in shelters & are not eligible for assistance.

If you want to help him specifically, I would ask him for his name & pay for a meal for him at a place where he can take the food outside to eat, 1st asking the restaurant manager if you can do that in advance so that he can come in later & order. Maybe you could decide on doing it once a week or once a month or whatever. I wouldn't give him money.

Answer 5

Do you need to approach him? What have you seen others do?

The fact that you pass by daily, could lead to begging from you more heatedly.

I prefer to give food to beggars; and warm or dry clothing. You could give him/her your bag lunch and a bottled drink.

Whatever works for you, that's what you should do. You may find your true calling here or you may find out you have no patience for begging. Good luck.

Answer 6

Direct him towards a homeless shelter. I have never been homeless, only because I have family and friends, but I know there are plenty of government organizations designed to not only feed and shelter people, but also get them back onto their feet. I think the best gift you could give that person is a pamphlet that shows him where the nearest shelters are. The only time they turn people away is when they refuse to help themselves.

Answer 7

I've bought meals and drinks for homeless people before... I tend to opt for that as opposed to giving spare change mostly because you can SEE that you're making a difference to that person's life

Also, I grew up in an area highly populated by junkies and so I'm very weary of where my "help" will go... I tend to believe that helping their habit isn't helping them.

Answer 8

Ignore him. If you have extra money and feel the need to be charitable, there are plenty of organizations you can give the money to instead, including the salvation army. Giving him money will just insure that he will continue to beg on the street instead of getting the help he needs.

Answer 9

look at their shoes. i've got had numerous of them attempt to pull a rapid one and hustle me. the main effortless one is, i've got lost my wallet at my activity internet site and that i want X volume of greenbacks to take the prepare/bus living house. In Philadelphia while i become there for a convention one got here as much as me in a fit with a briefcase with some **** and bull tale and that i regarded down at his shoes and that they have got been very overwhelmed up, unpolished, scuffed gown shoes, and that become the main important tip off. I gave him a dollar in basic terms because of the fact I enjoyed his act. exterior the convention middle a homeless guy got here as much as me and asked me for money, and that i gave him some and that i presented him a cigar, because of the fact i become smoking one. I talked to him for some and he informed me i become the 1st guy or woman that day to handle him like a individual. I informed him it become no ask your self pondering all and sundry around the middle become a conservative professional. i think of adult adult males and ladies can %. up on hustlers the two.

Answer 10

offer him to earn a meal by raking the dead leaves from my lawn.