I know this sounds alittle crass, but I get tired of homeless people snubbing my generosity. I live in Chicago, and the homeless constantly hit me up for change, but I dont feel comfortble doing that, because you dont know what they might be spending the money on. I usually give snickers bars or sometimes food from my grocery bag or fast food bag if I have extra. Several homeless people have gotten angry with me for not giving them cash in lieu of candy bars or some other foodstuff. What should I do?
2007-12-30 11:54:54 · 30 answers · asked by Brad 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
i think that you're smart. some of the homeless rely on peoples generosity to fund their addictions. food is something they could really use, more than drug or alcohol money. keep giving them food. or in lieu of that, nothing. i'm sure that some of the people you've given food to really appreciate that though. isn't ironic that people who have nothing would refuse something freely given them?!?
2007-12-30 15:28:24 · answer #1 · answered by love-life 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give them anything. The reason they get angry is because they want the cash for alcohol and/or drugs. I know a lot of homeless people from previous jobs I've worked in. It would be a good idea to donate some money to a charity that helps homeless people if you want to help them in a way that they'll appreciate.
I would add that it's very kind of you to have given them a candy bar or some other food when they ask for money, (even though they haven't shown appropriate appreciation of it).
2007-12-30 22:16:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in chicago to ( welcome another chicago ) & yes its Anoying after a Bit, I tried helping some, But there at Train Stations, I take Trains & busses & it seems Like There On each Corner sometimes & hell, WedGo Broke Helping all, although Near Chistmas I handed A Dollar to a few, But heck, Im Not Rich, Just give Out Change To Few Hon, & i live In chicago & i feel sorry for some, But its There Choice, or to walk & find a Job, & Hey, Maybe They Cant, theres homless Shelters & maybe They Perfer Wine & beer Instead of Getting On Time To a Warm housing Unit, I simply Cant Worry About Them.
2007-12-30 20:02:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you are a wonderful person giving to the homeless. I'm proud to be writing this note to you....I don't know regarding your question. I would imagine their teeth are bad and maybe certain foods with sugar might cause them pain. The thing about giving is to just give what you can. If it's money, it's a gift don't worry about what they will do with it....Keep up the good deeds, God will and is blessing you....
2007-12-30 20:38:12 · answer #4 · answered by mj 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the way i think about it is, obviousely there homless for a reason. in most cases its because of an adiction to drugs, cigarettes, alcohol ect. yes, there are a few that cant help but be homeless. but at least 75% of homeless people are are the streats because of themseves. so offer them something if they dont want it then just say ""fine starve" and move on. just know that u tried to do the right thing and if they cant be gratefull then its there fault. good luck.
2007-12-30 20:08:40 · answer #5 · answered by mariam.missy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Years ago a couple of workers at my father's trucking company went for food at a local diner, but before they could get inside they were stopped by a "residentially challenged" individual who was begging for food. Feeling sorry for him a hamburger platter was ordered and was brought out to him. He completely refused the hot food, saying, "I didn't want food, man, I just need money". One of the two guys literally shoved the food into the bum's face, and stole his change cup.
While I cant approve of what happened, I was ROFL and was awakened to what really goes on with the beggars' tactics.
2007-12-30 20:10:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't give them anything. You should just walk on by. Make a generous donation to a homeless shelter or the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities if you wish--they are better able to meet the needs of the whole person. You've just given them a fish. They need to know how to bait their own hooks.
2007-12-30 19:59:22 · answer #7 · answered by colder_in_minnesota 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Would you be helping a alcoholic by giving them a drink?
You help as you can, as you have, but sometimes you will find those who want money for their next swig of booze or hit of drugs, they will not appreciate food when then need money to buy their drugs of choice.
In any case, don't let this discourage you as you are doing Gods work
2007-12-30 20:07:33 · answer #8 · answered by caffine jag 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't give the bums anything!
When you do run into someone who really needs something like food, water, clothes or other necessities then go help them find some and buy it for them. Or give to the Salvation Army who really know who the needy are and who the bums are!
2007-12-30 20:00:35 · answer #9 · answered by mr.richie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say, "Sorry, I have no change to spare, but I do have this candy...IF you are interested." Or you can just walk past them and ignore them like so many people do.
Once I had a lady ask me for money for lunch, I smiled and handed her my leftovers from a restaurant. She burst out laughing, and shrugged and took it. Glad I had it, because she looked like she might have mugged me if I didn't give her money....so I was glad when she laughed.
2007-12-30 19:59:50 · answer #10 · answered by wawawebis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋