Do you give money to people on street corners or that are at stop lights?

[worldcomflunky]

This may seem like a bizarre question but I am just curious. The only reason I am asking is because I am seeing more and more people fall into the category of having to beg for money either on the streets or hang out at stop lights begging for help. I live in Tulsa and until recently I have rarely seen this around here. I remember giving $20 to a guy a few years ago that I seen at a stop light over and over on my way to class to get my MBA when I was going to night school. After about the 6th time of seeing him there at the same spot and same time of day, I finally helped him out under the assumption he really needed it.

I am just curious of what my fellow DUer's opinions are on this topic. Do you give directly to them or is there a better way to help these people? Or do you just assume many people like this are probably conning you and don't really need the help. With the way our glorious Furhers economy is heading, I think we are going to be seeing a lot more people out on the streets like this in the future. I feel guilty everytime I see these people. I get paid WAY to much in relation to what I do at my job and am just lucky nobody has figured it out yet. I am single with no kids and little expenses so I currently can afford to give to people in need. I just don't know if it is best to give directly to them or to help in any other way. What do you guys think about this?

[XanaDUer]

1. Yes,

I have handed them cash.

[silverlib]

6. I do in a different way...

Up until Kmart went away, I bought $5 gift cards and gave them out. We now have a homeless newspaper in town that is ran by homeless people. They speak of their issues and tell their stories. I now donate to anyone selling the papers, as they are all homeless. I don't make a lot of money and my "union carpenter" husband is drawing unemployment. I've heard some of the people on the street corner make more than I do, but then I still wouldn't want to walk in their shoes. A lot of them cannot live under the rules of the Salvation Army or other organizations that put stipulations on their help. The stipulations would not be hard for many people, but are very difficult for some, simply because they live an unconventional life style. Before Regan became president, these people received mental heath benefits, but no more. I can't pass by without doing something.

[XanaDUer]

7. That's a good idea...

I am glad you mentioned Reagan, to me, the president who brought about the mess we are all in now, with some good Clinton years' in between.

I just give 'em the cash, and don't ask them about it. Who am I to say anything to them? If they are scamming, oh well.

THey will get t heir cash Karma back, I guess.

[BlueJazz]

52. I agree, LibertyChick

I just hand them the dough and hope that it somehow makes for a brighter day.

[MuseRider]

2. I have handed cash as well but

it often is better to stop, tell them you are going shopping and ask what they would like. It might be formula for the baby or a loaf of bread. I really worry sometimes that my money would buy booze or cigs and that is really OK if that is what they need but would rather fill their stomachs or the stomachs of their families. Yes, we will be seeing a lot more of this. At times like this it is probably safer than ever to give money, most of the people out there really need it.

[Yentatelaventa]

3. Only after an extensive interview

It flushes out the good, bad and ugly. If you don't have time to tell me your side I don't have time to give mine.

[worldcomflunky]

5. Are you serious? A freaking interview? Surely your joking.

n/t

[Yentatelaventa]

9. Very serious

You ask for a handout and I ask for your story. What's wrong with that?

[worldcomflunky]

17. I guess nothing if you don't grill them to hard.

It's a little hard to interview somebody when your driving around and get stopped at a stop light for one minute. I didn't grill the guy I gave the $20 to a few years back. He said he was a Vietnam vet and he gave me the unit he was in and time served and that is all it took for me. He could have been making it up but there is really no way to know. He looked needy so I gave the money to him. I didn't need him to fill out a form with a list of questions on it. Grilling somebody is somewhat demeaning in my opinion. If you need a 100 questions answered before handing out a $20 to somebody, then you probably shouldn't be handing out the $20 at all. Better to keep it for yourself if money is that important and tight for you. Just my two cents worth.

[twilight]

76. try it sometime ...

I would never ask anyone for their 'life story' in order to give them a few bucks. Jesus, Mary and Joseph! What a hypocrite - an interview eh? What if they can't exactly tell you how they got to where they are? Do they fluck your 'acid test'?

I've been in this boat and the most humiliating thing I ever had to do was go to a food bank and get my old food to eat. To think I had to be 'interviewed' to get a some old food was beyond disgusting.

I swore I'd starve before I'd ever go back. Imagine how that person on the corner must feel - or have you?

:dem:

[worldcomflunky]

79. Huh.....Twilight.....you up my ass or the other guy?

My whole point in my post is I WOULD NOT require a freaking exam in order for me to give somebody money. I agree with you. I think it is demeaning. Preach to the other person that thinks "interviewing" is a great idea just so he can spare/part with a few bucks. Personally, I would kick his selfish ass if I ever met him in person. That is just me. Perhaps he will will soon see the error of his ways.

[Dirty Hippie]

4. Yes

I always give them money. I don't care what they do with it. They can buy beer or drugs if they want to.

BTW: I've spent time with the homeless. You would be amazed at how many of them work. Often the working homeless support those who are to ill (or crazy, or addicted) to work.

On edit: "There but for the grace of God go I"

[Demobrat]

8. I live in a San Francisco neighborhood with it's share of

homeless people and panhandlers. When you walk everywhere like I do, you get to know who they are and their stories. So I have certain people who I help, mostly older people. The younger ones, the teenage runaways, I'm afraid I don't pay much attention to. They have better luck with the tourists.

[liberalmuse]

10. No. But...

I will take them out to eat. When I was really poor and my daughter was just a baby, a guy came up to me asking for money. I showed him all I had in my wallet--18 cents. He took it all.

Nevertheless, I still would give people money after that. I'm a sucker and figure it isn't my place to judge why someone is begging for money. I'd rather be considered a dumbass than turn hard-hearted. The truth is, my daughter is now a teenager and I NEVER have cash in my purse anymore.

[GayboyBilly]

11. NO!!!!

I used to live in Miami and contributed to the panhandlers all the time. We are talking mid to late 80's here. Then there was an expose done showing the majority of the pandandlers lived in the suberbs and were making between 30 to 50 grand panhandling! I was outraged! I am all for helping the needy, but this was the straw that broke the camels back with me.

Since then If I see someone with a sign "saying will work for food", I will offer them a job to do yard work. Most of the time they refuse and just want money! I have even offered to buy them lunch at a reasturant and alot will refuse still just wanting the money. In the two listed above, there have been some to accept either, I have no problem helping them.

I don't just give money anymore. I will do what I can to help, but I am not just going to hand out money.

[Isome]

25. I'd like to know WHAT expose showed THAT!

That sounds like one of those GOP myths, like the welfare queen Ronnie "I can't remember" Reagan made up.

I've seen the panhandlers in Miami coming "home" after "work". They went straight to the homeless shelter on Miami Avenue (which was 1/2 block down from where I used to like in Biscayne View).

[Piperay]

86. Here in Los Angeles they have done exposes

that show the same type of thing. Plenty of panhandlers are just professionals who earn a living that way. I'm for helping those who need it but not those who have turned panhandling into a career. :grr:

[BeachBuckeye]

51. Pardon me but....

"Then there was an expose done showing the majority of the pandandlers lived in the suberbs and were making between 30 to 50 grand panhandling!"

I live here and don't ever remember seeing or hearing such an outrageous expose'. I want to see the film or article and then I want to tell whoever made it or wrote it that they are full of shit up to their eyeballs!

Its difficult to believe that anyone would swollow such a load of crap!

[ProdigalJunkMail]

57. I saw something similar...

something like a 60 Minutes sort of thing with a hidden camera following a couple of panhandlers...taking in like $300-$400 a day. Said one of the prime spots was at the top of the exit ramp for an airport...don't recall the city though.

I used to give as well. When I was working in the restaurant business (waiter extraodinaire!) I saw a homeless person with the 'will work for food sign'. We got a free shift meal and for a couple of weeks, every day that he was out there, I would pick him up and drive him to the restaurant and let him have my meal. One day, one of our dishwashers left to return home to Mexico (it was a family thing) I offered the job to the guy I had been feeding...he said no. Said he couldn't wash dishes. I asked him why. He stated that it was just not something he could see himself doing...it was the last day I picked him up.

I know there are truly needy people out there...but how the heck can you help them when you seem to have a pretty bad chance of helping someone who 'doesn't' need it???

TheProdigal

[onecitizen]

12. Yep all the time........

why not? If I have a few extra bucks I figure I am luckier than they are. I don't think anyone would beg unless they were desperate.

[Terwilliger]

13. You ought to live in the Bay Area

Give them what you can, but more direct involvement and food and clothing donations to shelters are good too.

Getting politicians to come up with a solution to the problem is probably the best thing to do.

[twilight]

77. that is an excellent idea!

When my mother passed away I donated (per her wishes) all of her furniture to a 'rescue mission' that sells the items and buys food and prepares meals for those that are in need - homeless or not.

I can't think of a better way to go with donations. Its direct assistance WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED for those that are in need!

Think about having to answer questions when you have to beg for help. Its horrible and it is beyond reproach.

:dem:

[LuCifer]

14. I'd give this dude some money, even if I was all but broke:

(Oh I hate how my crappy free host won't do off-site posting of pix! GRRR!)

I've almost been homeless I can't count how many times since approx. Jan. 2001 (coinkydue?) and if I had more than 2 nickels to rub together, I'd don't give an S what they buy with it, just so long as they occasionally ya know, get some FOOD. I mean, don't drink you meals y'all. LOOK NO FURTHER THAN BUSH FOR WHAT THE RESULT IS!

Dr. Lu Cifer, unlicensed witch doctor, YAMMA YAMMA YAMMA YAMMA YAAAAAAAAMMA

[LuCifer]

18. damn html codes, let's try this AGAIN!

here's the pic that my stupid computer won't let me post right the first time!

Enjoy. Hey, at least he's honest!

[Clete]

15. I used to but not anymore.

I once gave homeless man five dollars. He accosted me the next day and accused me of stealing five dollars from him. When I pointed that out to him that it was the other way around, he went into a rage. After that every time he spotted me he started coming toward me. I stopped walking on that particular street because it scared me.

I know the guy was nuts, but it has soured me on panhandlers, so I give my charity dollars to institutions that care for the homeless instead.

[Demobrat]

21. You do have to be careful who you stop for.

In my neighborhood I avoid the raging alcoholics and people who panhandle outside bars. It's not that I care what they do with the money, it's the anger that scares me. The people who get my money are the lady sitting quietly on the corner talking to herself and the guy selling Street Sheets by my office. I know them and I know they're harmless.

[corarose]

16. We have a homeless legless vet that lives on the Bridge by my apt.

I give him food, money(what I can spare) and blankets.

He knows me and the others that walk past him all of the time.

He sleeps on the side of the Chicago River by Wacker Drive and State St.

We now have about 5 men that sleep by the blues club and hotel and they have some kids with them.

[Avalon Sparks]

19. Sometimes I do~

And I don't care what they buy with it either. Sometimes I offer them a cigarette. I usually give a buck or two.

I never thought to ask them their story, but usually there's not enough time at the light, really.

I've had a very fortunate life and I'm greatful for that.

I firmly believe what comes around goes around~

I also wait in eager anticipation for Bush* and company to get theirs.
There's no doubt in my mind that they will.

[caledesi]

20. Yes, all the time.

[tridim]

22. There was this one time

a homeless guy at an intersection asked me if I had any tennis balls in my car. I was confused and asked why he wanted tennis balls. He said he wanted to juggle so he could make more money. I didn't have any, so I went to the store, bought a can and gave them to him along with the change. He was a really good juggler. Lesson is, if you're homeless, be creative.

[bicentennial_baby]

23. Yep

I like to give food, but sometomes I'll just throw em a $10 or $20...if I can spare it, who am i to hoard it? I'd probably spend it on useless crap anyway, so I figure it's a good thing.

[corarose]

24. Sometimes I don't have money

They sit right under the building that I live in and I will take them out something to eat.

It's better then watching them starve.

[Mikimouse]

26. Always!

Been there, done that; had a lot of help getting out. It is frightening how easily and quickly we can all end up in that type of situation. I remember an old man who frequented the dumpster in the alley behind my apartment in a west Texas town. He only came at night when no one would see, and went through all the stuff people had discarded the day before. Winter came and one particularly cold evening, he saw me and my neighbors outside and walked over to sell some of the stuff he had found. My neighbors quickly excused themselves and went inside before he got close. I saw myself approaching. I echo the sentiments above: ...there but for the grace...

[Yupster]

27. Just took an antrak vacation

In the San Diego train station, we were there early to catch our train. A guy asked me for change to make a phone call to a shelter while I was in line buying breakfast for my family.

I gave him the change and then a few minutes later brought him the extra breakfast I bought him.

Made me feel good, may or may not have been very important to him, but was good for my 6-year old to see anyway.

I think of the story Jesus told when he told some guys that they would get into heaven because when he was hungry they fed him. They asked him, when did we ever feed you? His answer was that when they fed the hungry, he saw them and the hungry was him. I always see panhandlers as a personal opportunity for me to excercise my religious beliefs.

PS -- Funniest story was at the Staten Island ferry. A guy rode up on a bicycle and asked if I had a quarter to get him on the ferry. He was heading right into the ferry entrance. I said sure and gave him the quarter. He said thanks man, turned around and started peddling into Manhattan. I chuckled and wondered how many times a day he'd have to do that to make enough to make it worthwhile.

[worldcomflunky]

32. Good insight Yupster. I agree with you.

Giving makes me feel good also. The reason for starting this thread was to get an opinion from people on DU if they feel the same way even though the people you give to might not be using it wisely. It's a gray area when you have strangers asking for money on what to do. Now that I am seeing it more and more I was curious as to what everybody else's opinion was on this. Based on the comments on this thread, it looks like a majority think it's better to give and roll the dice than to not give because you think the person has other motives. I will keep that in mind the next time I run into somebody claiming to be needing help. I seen a guy Friday that was at a stop light begging for money but he had what looked like a very healthy dog with him. I didn't give because I thought he was conning people. How does a homeless guy that supposedly can't feed himself have a healthy big dog with him? I didn't give him any money to him so it got me to thinking how many other people might or might not have done the same thing.

[greekspeak]

37. Thank you Yupster

For reading what the Bible says instead of using as a weapon. If all those who used the bible to spawn hate and misery would read it and come to the same conclusion that you did about what it said, the world would be a much better place. Also, I wanted to thank you for teaching your daughter what real "family values" are-helping your less fortunate neighbors, not hating them for thinking them lazy trash.

[Pepperbelly]

28. i give money when i can ...

poor folk usually do.

[The Blue Flower]

29. Instead of money

I always buy the paper that the homeless sell, but I've come up with what seems to help more than cash. I've been volunteering at my neighborhood food bank for two years. We not only give out food, but also emergency financial assistance, hot meals, and donated clothing. So I printed up a bunch of business-sized cards that I carry all the time, in my purse and in my car. Instead of giving cash, which I'm very short on due to my own long-term layoff, I hand out this card which has services, hours, and bus routes listed on it. If they follow up and go to the food bank, they can get more of their immediate needs taken care of for a longer time than the dollar or so I can spare. They always thank me. I live in Seattle.

[Jose Diablo]

30. Yes, I give them money

I guess I don't care if they are 'scamming' me. Most are not and the ones that are, well so what? Its only a few dollars and can make a difference to those that do indeed need help.

Of course, afterwords I kinda feel like I have been scammed, but those feelings pass.

Ya never know, at least I don't.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

31. yes and others ways also...i use to work in downtown manhattan

and in the winters when the days are short and darkness falls early the homeless would begin to fill the doorways of these office building after rush hour (5PM)...whenever i worked late...i would have to step over someone on my way out the door and i always tucked a $10 in a sleeping homeless persons pocket.. one of my coworkers asked "why do you do that when all they're gonna do is buy another bottle"...my response, yes i know, that's why i give them a 10ski, so that perhaps they will have a few bucks left over to buy some soup or a sandwich too.

now i live in upstate ny, and i take my kids to the albany rescue mission at least one day each month to work in the soup kitchen and at the homeless shelter...

don't know why i do it...i just always have :shrug:

[worldcomflunky]

34. God bless you ElsewheresDaughter. You comments make me feel small.

Here I am asking if you SHOULD give to the needy. Your not only giving to the needy with money but you also donate your time and the time of your kids to work in the soup kitchen and at the homeless shelter. Something I have never done. Your post has humbled me to the fact that I not only should give money to the needy but also to volunteer my time also which I have not done at this point. We all should do what your doing. At least those of us that are able to financially and have some time on our hands. Thanks for your post.

[Jim Sagle]

33. A guy came up to me and said he hadn't had a bite in three days,

so I bit him.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

35. Jim Sagle

:spank: ;)

[nini]

36. depends.. I prefer to buy them food

depends on the person and their situation. I will buy them food then hand them a few extra bucks if they don't get weird about it. However, I have just given money too.

I give alot of money to my churches food program so I always tell them where they can get hot meals and other help everyday. I make sure to tell them there won't be any church recruiting - which we don't do.

on a hot day giving them bottles of water is a God send.. getting fresh drinking water is tough sometimes for them depending on the situation.

[SoFlaJets]

38. I have noticed

That in this era of Bush more and more people like me are doing for each other.You got a buck?I give it if I got it.Not to the guys holdin the signs as much as people I meet at gas stations.Last week in the blazing hot Florida sun on the side of the road two elderly black women were broken down.I turned my car around and asked them if I could help.They asked me if I was from the automobile club I said you called them?They did and were still so grateful for my stopping that they insisted I take some money.I said no no-then took it(I had no cash on me at the time).The ladies said they were people of God and told me that they'd pray for me I said thank you I need it.Later in the day I was at a gas station and this old homeless guy was asking me for change and I said wait you have to let me tell you what happened to me today.I told him my story and then gave the guy the 5 bucks.I said it's Gods'money anyway and since I now had some cash in my pocket and didn't need it I gave it to him.It was some kind of a test from above i believe.After the ladies told me I'd be in their prayers my day went great I was in a great mood.It's goin around folks-this greedy administration won't help us so many are helping each other.It's a good thing I suggest if you haven't yet-try it.

[worldcomflunky]

39. Good story SoFlaJets.

I believe giving to the needy is the right thing to do and will bring good Karma. Who knows....it might actually be a test from the big man from up above. Regardless if it is or isn't, it is still the right thing to do. This country is going to need a lot of people willing to help other people out as long as the Bush gang is in charge and f*cking everything up that they touch.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

40. SoFlaJets....pay it forward ...thanks for sharing

:7

[Wonder]

41. On Occassion or until

I happen to see them at the end of the day pulling out of the lot nearest were they panhandle in a luxury automobile.

I am not being sarcastic one of the resident transients in my neighborhood drives a lexus. He saw me spot him one day and since he makes sure to avoid me.

[Nikia]

42. I have in big cities

There are not many pandhandler saround here in rural Wisconsin. My husband and I gave a coworker some food and clothes even though we knew that he reguarly blew what remained of his pay check (It was severely garnished and eventually becamed almost entirely garnished when his rent was being taken out as well) on alcohol and drugs. Although some people's problems may be partly their own doing, they still need basics like food and clothing. If you worry about money going to things that are contributing to their problems or things that you disapprove of, give food and clothing.

[PaPaJohn]

44. Sometimes

I will some of the time. It really depends on the situation. I've been pretty close to homeless a few times and have had to rely on the kindness of friends to get by. I know quite a few homless people and among them, there are all different kinds of situations. I know a couple guys who hold down good jobs during the day, but pan handle near bars at night in order to make ends meet for their families. I also know drug addicts and alcoholics who are just trying to get a fix. There are the truly sad cases of the hungry or people trying to feed their children.

One thing I would tell people is to be careful at night in the bar districts. I've personally seen panhandling turn into strong armed robbery in the blink of an eye.

In my opinion and experience the vast majority of people begging for money really do need some help. If the occasional person scams me out of a dollar or two, big deal.

[AWD]

43. Yes

...and I did so three days ago. Gave 10 dollars to a man who was homeless.

Don't care what he does with it, not my concern. It took shredding his last ounce of dignity to announce to the world thathe was reduced to begging, and my 10 bucks made him smile. Whatever he uses it for is between him and his God.

[worldcomflunky]

46. I agree AWD..

Like I said before....I have seen a big increase here in Tulsa. I will start giving what I can. What they want to do with it, is up to them. Life is to short and you can't take the greenbacks with you. If I have it, I will give it. I started this thread just to reconfirm what I already knew. Just wanted some back up. You guys have provided it.

[Ilsa]

45. Yep.

A young woman with a little girl approached me in a Walgreen's parking lot asking for anything she could put towards their food for the day. I gave her all the cash in my purse except for the $5 I wanted to spend on lunch. We had gotten our 2002 tax refund check in earlier and it was time to share. Not a single regret.

Do what you think is right. Your is heart is growing by leaps and bounds.

[proud patriot]

47. Yes and Food too

:hi:

[Walt Starr]

48. NEVER EVER!!!!!

Most of the time these people are scamming. If you want to help homeless people, donate to a charity to help homeless people. Putting money into the cup of a person standing on a street corner helps nobody except the con man who conned you out of money.

[amazona]

49. with my income in the high four figures...

...I am satisfied that I have less cash coming in each year than most of the pan-handlers I know. Admittedly, most of the ones I've known personally had some little scam like being a street clown or reading Tarot cards on Jackson Square...but seeing that they make quite a bit more than I do, then it doesn't seem quite fair for me to donate. Perhaps one day one of them will donate to me. (Ha. Fat chance.)

[LizW]

50. Yes, I do

And, yes, sometimes it is scary to give to someone who asks you face to face on the street. We've all heard the warnings about opening your purse or wallet. But it's sort of a gut check, you know? Do I really care for people who have been less fortunate than I have?

What would it take for me to get to the point where I would ask a stranger, face to face, for money? That's the place these people are in.

Yes, I do it.

[karlschneider]

53. I live about 40 miles east of you on Ft. Gibson lake and try to avoid

Tulsa, even though it's my "home", as it were. My 'local' town now is Wagoner and I don't see much of any that sort of activity, but my own rule (and I lived in Tampa for 15 years) is that I'll hand out a few bucks to someone who's obviously in need, but I draw the line when they get agressive. It's a tough call; clearly some people begging just want enough money to buy some wine or drugs or whatever. I've been known to throw a Fin to a guy (women never seem to do this) standing on a corner with a sign "will work for ...whatever".
:eyes:

[worldcomflunky]

56. Good old Wagoner huh? Yep....your not to far away.

I once lit up Wagoner for 57 points in the Pryor tourney back in the day of good old 1989. If you ever want to kill some time while your in Tulsa, then let me know. I will buy you a beer and we can talk about the good old days when we did not have to worry about the end of the world. Seems like Junior and his minions make you wonder about that crap every day when you wake up. By the way, Ft. Gibson lake and that area you live in is beautiful. I don't blame you for living there.

[jiacinto]

54. It depends

And maybe this sounds harsh, but a lot of those "panhandlers" are really not homeless and are taking advantage of your generosity. But if the person is a Vietnam Vet I will give them money.

The other concern is that that person is a drug or alcholic addict. By giving cash you may just be enabling his destructive habit further.

It depends is the answer I would give.

[BeachBuckeye]

55. In any way I can

I AM my brother's keeper and I hope he will always remember that he is MY keeper as well. Living one's life without generosity toward the poor is cold and heartless and deserving of whatever scorn one's fellow man chooses to heap upon him. I have always been proud to know that the major difference between Democrats and Republicans is that we are the "WE" people and they are the "ME" people. WE means all of us and if I can give anything at all to our downtrodden brothers then I am grateful that I can do so.

[Nikia]

58. I'd actually prefer to give to individuals

Although I have given to charities and think that many are worthwhile, I prefer to know that all my money, or the food, or the clothing really does get to those in need. I think that giving food or money to a local food bank is an excellent idea if you are uncomfortable to giving individuals. I don't mean to say that giving to large national charities is a waste of your money because they can do a lot of good. Much of that money gets tied up in administration though, rather than helping those in need. All people should be able to have basic necessities.

[thermodynamic]

59. Zilch - here's why

There should be homeless shelters or places people can go if they need a place to stay and be fed.

Homelessness is wrong. Any civilized society worth its salt should help people when they're down.

And Bush's* bit on "faith-based initiatives" is just a smokescreen as far as I'm concerned. Nothing else he's said has come across with much sincerity, so why should I believe him here? Besides, it should not up to the religious who helps who as they'd readily discriminate and that is wrong.

And if these places do exist, let me know so I can send them a check.

[JVS]

81. I agree with you

[jagguy]

60. never

they don't need any more drug or drink.

Save that money for an organization in your area that helps those who need and want help.

If you want to do something for that guy and are able to do it, give him a job. I doubt he'll take it though.

[Nikia]

61. Everyone needs the basics

That is why I recommend food and clothing. That reminds me of a experience in college. I belonged to the campus Christian group and one of the women had spent a term in Chicago. She told of how she met a homeless woman on the street. Students were told not to give panhandlers money so she did not. She sat with the homeless woman in a restaurant and talked with her for an hour and prayed with her. I was rather upset with my fellow student because she ate in front of this poor woman and did not offer to buy her anything to eat. What is ever wrong with feeding the hungry?

[jagguy]

64. nothing wrong with feeding the hungry

but your money is not likely to go for food.

Now if you want to take them somewhere and buy them a meal, more power to you. Don't be too surprized if they walk away.

There is a difference between a panhandler and someone in need.

[corarose]

65. That's disgusting

I would have bought the woman something to eat or If I was short cash I would have still bought her something to eat and I would have not eaten anything.

[Forkboy]

71. "more drug or drink"

hell,that's what I'd spend the money on too...who am I to bitch?

[Syn_Dem]

62. I do what I can

A 15 year old bagger doesnt make much though.

[Northwind]

63. Just this week

There was a guy on he corner down the street from me, with a sign that read:

Need Beer Money

I said what the hell, at least this one is honest.

[ScreamingMeemie]

66. I have bought food, diapers, even once a hotel room...

But rare is it that I give money. Maybe that will change as times get tougher, but I prefer to know exactly what it is I spend the money on. I have no problem in helping others.

[corarose]

67. We have a mentally challenged woman in Chicago on Michigan Ave

I have seen her in front of the record store every single time that I pass there.
She shouts out "Got Any Change" and she is pity-full. No way is this lady begging for drug money or pretending. She has major problems and I think that she also has down syndrome on top of everything else.

[chomskyite2]

68. yes

i try to, except when im broke and need $$ for a ride home. a few times ive asked if they want a slice of pizza, that way they dont buy crack with it.

[ObaMania]

69. Only in D.C. because...

.. I know if I don't they'll cut me. Anywhere else I tell the folks to get a job. I saw on some show where these panhandlers make a killing. I usually yell out the window to them that they can thank our pResident for their situation. Now if they were carrying a sign that read "I've been NEO-CONNED" or "Bush Jr.: Read My Lips, No New Jobs" then that lucky person will have hit the jackpot with me.

[Name removed]

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[Kanola]

75. No I do not.

Before I am flamed as a thoughtless, selfish person let me explain why I do not give out money to the homeless, even if it is for drugs or liquor.

I am a CPS social worker out here in Central CA, and have worked with the homeless when we get referrals of child abuse ( for not being homeless but of allegations of neglect), and am aware of the poverty and drug abuse that occurs with our disadvantaged population. (about 99.9 percent of referrals we go out on is drug related). Our homeless population in the community are well aware of the food banks because we are fortunate to have plenty in our county. If I see a family that needs food immediately, I take food out to their home until they can find ways to access services. The problems with drugs and children is that it leads to neglect of children, because the priorities shift to abtaining drugs on a day to day basis. I have seen many neglected children suffer because their parents have a drug problem (s) impacted by not being able to maintain sobriety because they live in drug ridden neighborhoods.

To sum it up. I have chosen a career to work with people who are disadvantaged, and am content to do the work because I can do it well and treat people with respect and build rapport and diffuse anxiety easily. I am just not comfortable giving my money away when I am highly suspect that it will go to drugs particulary crank and meth.

[worldcomflunky]

78. Good point Kanola.

I think I have read where Tulsa is the meth capital of the world. I am not shitting you. I think per capita we are the proud leader of that little number....

[Aaron]

80. I buy street roots - http://www.streetroots.org/

http://www.streetroots.org/

[jafap]

83. I spent a night on the streets of Portland

Outside of the train station. Too scared to walk the eight blocks to the hotel and too stupid and cheap to call a cab.

I play my trumpet for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. I notice that lots of people who give a dollar seem to be less well off. Well, hey, our station is outside of Wal-mart or K-mart, so we are not getting the upper crust.

As the owner of a used bookstore, I sort of donated, because I got lots of people who would sell me books when they needed money. My own business was never prosperous, but I bought the books just to help people. Once a girl admitted that she wanted the money so she could buy cigarettes.

Once I worked as a temp with this 70 year old. He owned a bunch of apartments, so I figure he was pretty well off, although he did not drive a very nice car. He was a good worker too, I think their first worker of the month. Anyway I saw him once when I was panhandling for the Salvation Army. He marched right into Wal-mart - would not even look at me. It would have just killed him to put 25 cents in that kettle. I am pretty sure that he did not recognize me as the bell-ringer either. If he had, he would have waved or given me a spiel about the uselessness of charity.

I volunteered at the Community Kitchen a few times, but they had rotating church groups and so many people sentanced to community service that they had no need for me. My brother, who manages a hotel and is about to become unemployed, claims that the guy holding the work for food sign down the road from him made about $70 a day. Still, Fargo has got to be a tough place to sit all day by a sign.

[Aaron]

84. That part of town down by the train station isn't very inviting

It used to be worse, I think they've cleaned it up some in the last few years. There's a men's shelter down there that my synagogue serves meals at sometimes, I've been down there once or twice for that. We've got a lot of service for homeless in Portland, from what I've read and the kids I know that have been on the streets. Probably not enough that everyone can get help, but for the kids at least. Some of them choose the street life and begging over the shelters/services, I've known a few adults who did that too. We are short on adult shelter beds though from what I recall.

I've noticed the same thing you have, and I think statistics prove this out, that the poor or mid-income folks give more than the wealthy.

[Wonk]

82. Buy them a meal? I've done that a few times. Give money? No. nt

[Piperay]

85. It depends, I usually don't give

to them but if it is someone older or someone who has a dog or cat with them then I usually give them a buck or two.

[htuttle]

87. Yes. I used to be one of those people.

Back during Reagan's reign, I was homeless (on-the-street homeless, not 'couch surfing' homeless) for about a year.

My general rule since getting back into the rat race has been: first person of the day who asks me for it, gets all of the coin-change in my pocket. Unless I'm on my way to the laundermat, and need it for washing. Then just some of it.

I don't really even care what they use it for -- if they want to go get drunk, whatever. You might not think it's important, but when you're homeless, having even a little R&R can make a world of difference in your mental outlook. I'm not about to pontificate about it and pretend I might not do the same thing were I to find myself homeless again someday.