People begging at the traffic light

Videotape the person if they have an announcer's voice or great singing voice and then post it on YouTube so they get recognized, get publicity, and get offers??

I generally don't give, but there was a couple times I saw people that were asking for particular things -- a sleeping bag, a camp stove. They weren't begging for money, just some things that would make living easier for them.

One time there was a guy at an intersection with a sign that said "I'm not begging, I'm selling keychains". There were made from shoe laces, beads, and split rings. Probably cost a total of $.50 to make, and he was just asking for some donation in exchange for them. Willing to work for it -- that shows a lot more character in my book. I bought one for $10. Still have it in my car.

I'm with David on this one: if someone shows some initiative, I'll try to help.

I used to try to give every time I saw someone who appeared to be in need. Then a former girlfriend's daughter had a project at school that changed my mind. The school got together with a local news station and set-up a deal that would give a "homeless" person an apartment, new clothing donated by a local retailer, and a job. It was supposed to help teach the kids generosity and selflessness. They were turned-down. The people they approached with the offer said that they already made more money from begging than they would from an entry-level job.
Then there was the news article a few years ago about the stock exchange executive who was caught flying (flying!!) to another town, changing clothes and begging on the street. There was never an explanation of why he did it.

Some folks truly need help and don't know what to do. Some are mentally ill and not able to function in society properly. Many others are just taking advantage of our generosity and don't want to bother trying to be "productive members of society". I can't tell who is who, so I don't give on the street. I give to charities that I believe in, and I content myself with that. I'll give to organizations that help the homeless and I hope that's enough.

I'm with you about always feeling like crap about this.  I've never given.  I'd much rather give to an organization I trust that helps with the homeless, which we do. Maybe I should keep a box of granola bars in my car and give those, so at least that way I know they are getting food rather than drugs or alcohol.

I, too, refuse to give money. In the summer I try to keep some water bottles in my car and I will give those out. I have also given out food or even bought some McD's and given that out. Not sure if that could be considered cruel and unusual or not.

never given money but i have given things to those seeking specifics or just handed out a granola bar or two. If they turn that down i know they are not hurting for anything. keeping those and water in the car makes me feel better but my money goes to charities and my church which helps support a traveling homeless shelter.

i sometimes feel bad but i was not looking for a free handout when i was in less than good circumstances growing up (and i did end up spending a few month homeless in high school but i wont go into that.) there are resources out there for those that look for them, or even ask about them.

We have several professional BUMS near our Wal-mart   Will Work For Food,  Homeless VET please help!!! and guess what ?  It is the SAME GUY!!!  I offered him a meal from Wendy's a few times then I noticed the bags behind  the bushes!!!!!! McDonald's, Wendy's, Whataburger!! I no longer feel guilty.  Come On how much is spent on feeding the poor!!!!  Get a dam job already.

One idea if you want to help, but also dont want to be giving people beer money:  Buy gift certificates to McDonalds and keep in glove box.  I also tell people about the local homeless mission (which we support financially and volunteer at).

I used to carry around a case of Clif bars in my car (I would buy an extra one at Costco), and would give those out instead of money.  And when I waited tables I would sometimes carry a few boxes of leftover food in my car after a shift to drop off for a few of the regular guys that lived under an overpass.  Occasionally someone would reject the offer, but people truly in need were appreciative.  I'd much rather give food or water than cash which may or may not be spent in a way that is helpful.

That being said, if I see a homeless person with a dog, it's a very good chance I'm going to give that person a dollar or two.  I'll give them food if I have any, but whether it's food or money, I always specifically ask that they split the proceeds with their companion.  Maybe it's all part of the con for some of them... but hey, I'm a sucker when it comes to dogs I guess.

here they usually ask for money for a soda. I tell them Ill go get the soda with them and they usually refuse cause they DON'T WANT NO SODA.

IF somebody asks for food or something similar Ill do my best to help.  

I never give money because often as not it'll get spent on alcohol / drugs.  But it really upsets me when I see some of these folks out in freezing weather here in the northwest.  For New Years some friends and I were out downtown around midnight.  I saw a guy curled into a little ball, trying to sleep in the doorway of a business.  I tossed my jacket over him before we headed home.

There are organizations (sic) in every community to help people with problems and situations..... give to them....they will look at each person and determine how to help

give it to the person with a cardboard sign (that says he is a vet or wants God to bless you) doesn't  do anything for that person.....except give them repast for that day....not getting them better for the future....something like that.

I drive a city bus every day.  Some people don't TRY to improve their situation....but would rather just live day to day on the giving of Working People.  And what ever goes with that type of lifestyle. 

i live in an area with a very visible, very large homeless population.  i usually have a box of granola bars or dried fruit leather type things in my car.  i give those.  and i give my leftovers from dinner (when i'm walking home) to people sitting outside in doorways/stoops.  i've given clothing or shoes (man, i go through running shoes fast - still good shoes, just not really good for me to run in) to people who are homeless and living in alleys near my house.  i've given my umbrella if they're out in the rain.  and, like others have said, if i have spare cash on me, i'll purchase something if they're selling some wares.  if the people don't want my food, clothing or other material assistance, they must not be too badly off.  

i just don't usually give money directly to people; i will donate to organizations that help with homeless or poverty.  i'm not rolling in the dough, by any stretch of the imagination, but i am aware, daily, of how fortunate i am in life.


 

Edited by novas 2011-02-22 11:44 PM

I'm out in the public sector every day.   There are some individuals that were not born with the same atributes or whatever as me....Ok they get the moniker DD  ( don't dog me out since I'm just trying to tell my story)  Whatever PC.   They work with the local organizations and they maintain a steady job.  Work steady hours, get paid and ect ect.  Not going to be Bill Gates, but they have a job , self worth and something to look forward to....and maintain a respectable life.

But just standing on a corner saying you are a Vet  (insults me, cause I'm a Vet)  or saying God Bless on a sign....like God is going to give me extra stuff if I give you a $1.50?  Get your asssss to the places that get you back on the right/left pass.


Edited by BellinghamSpence 2011-02-22 11:57 PM

Vegas is a magnet for the homeless, as there are tons of tourists with spending money and guilt for being on a fun vacation while others are seemingly having a hard life, and it is cold (at least to us it's cold), and then really hot.

I rarely, no never give money, as I carry mostly plastic, but have given fruit or granola type bars as others have noted.

When I worked in Los Angeles in a computer school, we had a pro begger that stood outside our doorway daily.  I told him to come up and I could get him financial aid to go to school and get a job.  He laughed and told me he made over $30,000 a year tax free and why would he change that.  Begging there was his job.  It kind of made me think I was the fool in this world.

This is only my opinion so not trying to offend anyone. Honestly, giving the person something, either change or McDonalds gift cert, reflects more on me than on them. If someone wants to scam me out of a few bucks, so be it. But if I can drive by someone who might be in real need without giving them something, it says something about me that I don't like. I'm not talking about a chronic, "pro" beggar but someone you happen to come across (or comes across you).

I was in Ft. Lauderdale on business the other day an noticed several homeless at stop lights had on bright yellow reflective vests.  On the back was an advertisement for some 1-800-LAWYER firm.

In FL our homeless are so talented they are sponsored!

I don't give on the street and I don't feel bad about it.  When I give to charity, it goes to or through a charitable organization.  However, I would NEVER EVER EVER roll my window down to a stranger within arm's reach with my kids in the car.  EVER.  I would make every effort not to do it when my kids aren't in the car.

I  never give money to panhandlers, nor do I feel bad for not doing so.  While in some instances panhandlers may use the money for food, a motel room or essentials, there are probably more that use the money for dope or alcohol.   With that said, a number of homeless people have told me that there is no reason for anyone to go hungry in San Francisco because there are so many soup kitchens and food banks all over the city, along with places to drop in and take care of personal hygiene and wash clothes.  In fact, these personal hygiene sites provide the soap, towels, shaving cream, laundry detergent, etc.    

The guys/gals panhandling Union Square and the big traffic intersections can make $300-400/day. For the women panhandlers, they are sometimes panhandling to support some guy's drug habit, and NO they don't get to keep the money at the end of the day.   In fact, some are lucky if they aren't beaten up daily for either not earning enough or simply to discourage them from pocketing a few bucks for themselves. 

You are doing the right thing.

ETA -  I once had a guy on a city street ask me for money for a cup of coffee. A block down the street was a roach coach so I offered to walk down there with him and buy a cup of coffee. He refused.

Another time I had a single dollar in my pocket and I used it to buy a lottery ticket. As I came out of the office building that had the news stand where I just bought the lottery ticket, a man asked me for money. I told him I just spent my last dollar on a lottery ticket and he could have it. In fact, it was still in my hand and I offered it to him. He declined. It hit for $365.

Yet another time my wife and I, along with another couple helped a homeless family get food, clothing, and shelter, and helped the father get a job. He lasted maybe two weeks at the job and was back on the street panhandling. They flat out told us they prefer to live that way.

So, I don't give money to people on the street, And I don't feel bad about it at all.

Edited by mrbbrad 2011-02-23 9:10 AM

Never give... don't think I ever will.  Working and spending a lot of time in DC, if I gave to everyone I saw, I'd end up being the one who was poor and homeless.

I give money to church, and other charities and I always bring an s-load of canned goods to my local 5Ks and such.  Some guy at a red light, not a chance.

The think that kills me most is that I see a lot of these guys and sure, they've got dirty ripped up clothes, but a lot of them also have clipped nails, no beard, and hair cuts??? how is that?

I don't give either. I don't want to encourage them to stay in my area.
One time I was on a feeder at a light and there was a guy wearing a security officer uniform holding a sign that said - "Ran out of gas" I thought, well at least he has a job and is trying so I gave him $5 and a couple months later saw the same guy in the same uniform with the same sign.

Another time there was a woman in a hijab holding a sign with a picture of her in a hospital bed and something about her 4 kids. I ran into the grocery store and got here a Visa gift card. Almost a year later she was standing outside my church with the same sign.