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.

[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.

[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.

[GreyhoundGirl]

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

I couldn't agree more. I only saw one when I was on vacation in the states. I don't see many here. That's probably because were I live, if people want money...They smuggle goods. There is so much smuggling here.... You would be SHOCKED !

[catland]

No - pretty much for all the reasons listed. The people working the freeway off-ramps are "professionals" - they consider this to be their occupation.

I stick with charities.

[dukedogsmom]

Nope. Sure don't. I'll offer to buy them some food but that's it. No money for beer, ciggs or drugs will be given by me.