Do You Ever Give Money To Panhandlers

[lizbud]

They sure seem to be everywhere these days. In shopping centers, and
malls to standing at stop lights with "I'll work for food" signs.

[JenBKR]

I don't see too many around where I live, but when I go into Pittsburgh for an event or something I do see a lot of them. Usually I give them money, but some of them look like they'll just take the money and go to the closest liquer store, so I'm a bit iffy about it. I will go get them some food sometimes too.

[kuhio98]

No, I don't. I do give money to shelters who feed, house and clothe the homeless. That way I know the money went for a good cause and not to buy alcohol, cigarettes or porn.

A guy at the shopping mall had a sign saying he would work for food. I asked him if he would help me clean my windows. No, I can't get on ladders.
I asked him if he would help me mow the lawn. No, I have a bad back.
I asked him if I could buy him a sandwich. He said he'd rather have the cash. I walked away. Evidently he wouldn't work for food.

[cocker_luva]

i never have; I feel bad for them, but always stop to wonder how they got in that position in the first place.

[BOBS DAD]

Yes I do. I don't know what to say about it or what the "solution" is. I don't always though. I guess it depends on the situation - like if the light stops me near enough to them that I don't have to call them over or get out of mu car. Also, if I have some money with me. If I have a $20.00 only, then I won't. But if I have a few bucks somewhere I will.

I have told me kids my philosophy on it (for whatever it is worth). If they are desperate enough and willing to beg, then I should be willing to give them a few dollars when I have it.

About the notion of them actually being "RICH - pretty far fetched but I sometimes hear people say this", I still figure - when I gave of myself, I thought I was helping someone down and out and less fortuneate - the fact that they may have "tricked" me DOES NOT change my act of charity.

Same goes for CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS. If I give believing that they are doing good (and they really are not), it DOES NOT change what I did and my motivations.

[caseysmom]

There's a homeless guy that sits outside one of the grocery stores around here. I buy him dinner and he gladly accepts the food. The clerks in the store say he won't accept money. He is truly down on his luck, even went to college and is trying to save up money to move back east where he is from. She said he had a lot of problems with his family but he is always very nice and has never once asked for anything from us.

[JenBKR]

Bobs dad - you are so right. The acts of charity are done out of the kindness of your heart, and I guess we should trust that the money is being used for good. What's scary is how easy it is for someone to end up on the streets. So many people live paycheck to paycheck, if one little thing happens they can loose everything. So sad.....

[jackie]

No, the last time I gave a guy money in Vancouver, he turned around and bought crack, right in front of my eyes. Never again.

Now when I am home for Christmas, I usually toss a few granola bars or oranges in my purse, but I will never give out cash.

[BOBS DAD]

No, the last time I gave a guy money in Vancouver, he turned around and bought crack, right in front of my eyes. Never again.

Now when I am home for Christmas, I usually toss a few granola bars or oranges in my purse, but I will never give out cash.

WOW... that would be a real turnoff I agree.

Where is Gran Canaria. My daughter, Sarah is in Spain and will be until Wednesday. I guess she has been in Barcelonia, Madrid and somewhere now - I don't exactly know.

Has she been around your neck of the woods??? Her name is Sarah... I'm sure you would remember if you saw her - she's the one with the IPOD!!! LOL!!!

[elizabethann]

No.

[BOBS DAD]

No.

ELIZABETH!!!!!! My... you are being rather outspoken and extremely "wordy" this AM! LOL!!!

[sparks19]

I don't. Usually because I never have cash. but There was one corner where I used to live and there would be a different guy there every week with a sign that says homeless and hungry please help and they were dressed better than I was. I saw a guy with brand new Nike shoes on, a columbia jacket, Nice new looking jeans, he was clean shaven and his hair was clean and trimmed. I just CAN'T bring myself to believe that this person needs food. perhaps they could have bought cheaper shoes or a cheaper jacket. I mean I can't even afford that stuff but I am not out on a street corner asking for food.

They did a news story about panhandlers and how much money they make on average. I don't know how reliable it was because... well... it's the news lol but it was more than I make in a week.

[elizabethann]

ELIZABETH!!!!!! My... you are being rather outspoken and extremely "wordy" this AM! LOL!!!

Sorry. But I just don't give money to panhandlers. I don't even give money to the bell ringers outside of stores at Christmas time (I'm probably going to hell for that one).

I will, however, contribute to the local soup kitchen and have volunteered there on many occasions.

[Ginger's Mom]

I used to, but not any more. I wouldn't mind being "tricked" by someone who has the money or ability to work. But I would mind contributing to habits or vices that keep a person down, and that is what I am afraid would happen. Giving someone on the street food is fine, but giving them a way to remain there is not.

[Glacier]

I do, but only if they are doing something. There is an old guy here who sits on a corner regularly and picks his guitar. He is not a good guitar player, but he's trying to do something! I always throw a couple bucks in his cup.

When I lived in Calgary, there was a newspaper that homeless people could sell. Instead of asking for money, you could buy a paper for whatever amount you felt like giving. I had a favorite young man I always bought mine from. Depending on my own financial situation at the time, I often overpaid alot for that paper!