If you see a homeless person asking for money, would you give it to them?

[blackxbarbiex01]

If you see a homeless person asking for money, would you give it to them?

[MrOracle]

NEVER!!!

I have bought meals, given clothing, blankets, towels, and other things, but absolutely never never NEVER give cash. Cash will ALWAYS be used for booze, drugs, or cigarettes. ALWAYS.

If you want to really learn about the homeless, and really help them, find a local food bank, clothing recycler, shelter, soup kitchen, etc. and work there for a while. You'll get to know the homeless people and interact with them and listen to them talking with each other, and even though these are relatively "ideal" situations, you might be surprised at what you learn.

Most "down on their luck" people who become homeless (in the US - other countries vary) because they lost a job or had an illness or whatever, will be homeless for less than 6 months. They will take full advantage of the programs available to them, they'll get a job, they'll get some subsidized housing or rent a room someplace, and they'll work their way back into normalcy.

The people who are "long-term homeless" are almost all one or more of the following:

- mentally ill but healthy enough to sign themselves out of care
- alcoholics
- drug addicts
- people who have zero interest in following any of society's rules: they don't want to have to go to a job, wear any particular clothing, or even wake up at a specific time, and they'd rather live under a freeway than have to follow anyone's rules.

Most long-term homeless fit into several of these categories, and while they would take completely free, no-strings-attached housing, most will not take housing that's offered to them if they're required to stop substance abuse, get a job, or otherwise change their lifestyle. Locally, the city of Oakland has a bunch of housing for the homeless that is unoccupied because the homeless refuse to take it, as it comes with rules.

And giving them cash is only going to enable their addictions.

[zerofuks]

No you should never give homeless people money. The vast majority of it will be used for drugs in it enables their lifestyle making it so they will keep their life on the street not be forced into Going for help with all the services already provide by taxpayers money.

They like their life on the street. They like doing drugs all day high in their tent with no responsibilities and you're just giving them the tools to enable it

There's reason why panhandling and giving stuff to the homeless actually a crime in many areas the problem is it's not in force by some liberal governments because they're too bleeding heart and they actually make money off the homeless.

[DorkVader]

Yes, and I don't care what they do with the cash. I don't care if they go buy their fix or alcohol (because who doesn't have their bad days and need some bye bye time?) I don't need to provide them with things they may not need or want to feel better about what my money gets spent on. How do I know what they want the money for? Not my business.

What IS my business is my faith in n God and knowing that he is working in their lives same as mine. I give cash when I can and without anything more than a smile, and I pray my ass off for that person, because that's the very best I have to offer them. What they ask for and heavenly intervention.

[DorkVader]

Thanks for MHO

[SpacedCharr]

No.

I'll give them food, or coffee, but money only goes to cigs or booze with the homeless in my city.

They have a hard time holding onto cash for any meaningful change. Giving time and money to agencies that benefit them with non-monetary supports like safe shelter, food banks, and employment and reintegration support is more effective.

[NightFlirt]

I am a little odd when it comes to giving money to panhandlers If they are just sitting there holding a sign I am most likely going to walk by them. If however they are singing, playing an instrument or performing in some other way (No matter how good or poorly) then I will most likely give them whatever change I have in my pockets.

[Mamaganja]

I do it at least once a month. I don’t usually carry cash but when I do, I will give it. I’ve been homeless before and it really did help me a lot when people would give me things I needed. Nothing like someone walking up to you with a bag of mc donalds after not eating for a few days.

[Trooper205]

I used to do that. Pretty often! Then I learned about the guy. Turns out, He lurked around the streets DAILY, and was well known by all the shops downtown. My Boss knew him, and kicked him out for asking customers for money, which was driving them away. It also turns out, He was a REALLY good plumber, but never worked, just because it's faster, and easier to "earn" money panhandling. He also was a HEAVY smoker. I remember giving Him a 20, and He asked for a ride to the Gas Station. I knew exactly what He was doing. His name was Paul. Slacker. I never trusted Homeless People from then on.

[SjE78]

having been homeless before... no... never give a homeless person money
do however take them into a cafe and buy them food and a hot or cold drink

as from my experience, many of the homeless people i knew went out and spent that money on drugs and alcohol and were too hammered and intoxicated to find or bother to find a way out of the situation they were in despite given the support they needed to find somewhere they could have a roof over their heads

[meesegoMoo]

I'd have to verify they are homeless, since I've met several men who make their living driving through different towns/cities pretending. I would probably offer food first, if they took that I might give them money.

My grandfather was homeless at different stages of life. He was also a junkie. And an alcoholic. I'd rather not help people hurt themselves.

[isupposethisworks]

No. I used to, but they usually lie and it is a positive reinforcement for bad behavior. If they ask for a specific item tell them you'll buy that item with them and not just hand cash to them I found a job for a begger on the street who was "looking" for one per his sign never showed up just wanted pity and the cash I had.

[DarthMeow]

It depends if i feel like to give or not. I don't know but most of the time i don't feel that i need to give money to some homeless people but on rare occasions my inner voice is like "Give some money to that guy"
I don't know why.
If my inner voice is telling me to give some money I'll do it.

[Daniela1982]

I have been known to do that. But if he has a dog or smokes cigarettes I don't. I'm not paying to feed his dog or pay for his smoking habit. If he has money for that, or also drinking, then he doesn't need my help. Some of these types of people you wonder if they are really in need or just faking because they are too lazy to work for a living.

[Darcia]

Sure I have in the past. I’ve even gone out my way to give them groceries & buying them a warm meal. They aren’t appreciative and can be very rude. Now, when I see them I just give out care packages I’ve made and add a gift card to a grocery store max of $5.

[DianaWest]

I look at them really closely, and i judge whether or not they actually will use the money for necessities. i tend to give money to elderly people most of the time, people who are in wheelchairs, or people who look really battered and defeated. you can sometimes tell who's been at the bottle and who is actually, genuinely in need of some food.

[Cannuck22]

I have against my better judgement. I have been told not to give them money by many people. There are many stories out there about how a lot are cons. There are places and options for them. So I don’t do it anymore. We have them all over our city and you see them smoking and begging for money. Cigarettes are very expensive her in Canada. So there is a clear picture of where some of them use their money.

[BlckGrl]

Oh yeah for sure

[Lotusinwater]

Yes I’ll even give them the shirt off my back if I feel it’s necessary what comes around goes around if I were in there position I’d want help I know some aren’t going to use it to better there situation but some will and that’s a risk I’m willing to take

[Izumiblu]

No. in my opinion panhandling should be a crime.

Occasionally when I see someone that’s obviously in bad shape I’ll give them a little cash but mostly I keep far enough away that they can’t approach me.

[Year3000]

Pretty sure it is, unless your in New York State.

[Izumiblu]

@Year3000 yes and no.

en.m.wikipedia.org/.../Aggressive_panhandling

[Kida317]

No. There are public services for people in bad situations, my tax money are payed for. If those people are not using them - then their goal is not to get up but to fall even lower.

[cth96190]

There are a few homeless people whom I have come to know, through my work in private security.
When I see them, I give them enough money for a meal.

[fdietzman]

Not money. Me and my husband gives homeless people food when we can afford it. We don't know what they could do with the money

[CaptainOverthink]

Only if I had it at hand right then and there. Or maybe sometimes if I feel like I have enough money for myself and feel like sharing.

[Sheyhoney]

Try to give them food or buy them food so I know I’m for sure helping them and not contributing to their drug addiction

[Riley013]

Not money but I will buy a meal instead because you will never know if they just going to spend it over drugs

[AmourHoney]

No. Because I found out that the ‘homeless’ people I have money to actually lived in a house and had a car. I give money to homeless people that don’t ask for it.

[DWornock]

What makes you believe anyone claiming to be homeless in order to obtain money is actually homeless. At one intersection a so called homeless person has been asking for money for the last 5 years. Obviously it pays well.

[RoastedCharms]

If I have extra change, ya I will. I pass by homeless all the time, but I can't always give.

[MajesticTwelve]

Nope, I sure don't. Makes me callous I know but I simply don't trust they're going to use that money for anything but booze or drugs.

[IAMNathanael]

No, I'd probably buy them good with that money. I wouldn't want them to buy drugs or alcohol

[MackToday]

No because I know the so called homeless. They're mental cases all of them. The most hate filled psychopaths you can imagine.

[Lancecanter]

I almost never have cash, but if I have a 1 or 5$ bill, then maybe, depending on how bad I need it. If I am leaving a restaurant with extra food I often give it to a homeless person.

[douride2]

Around here never. Most times it is being used for meth or booze. offer to buy them a meal & not all but most of them will turn you down.

[disgustingweebtrash]

Just give them food and if they ask for money tell them to get stuffed

[BlckGrl]

Yes everytime I pass a homeless person I dead ass cry

[Burtonfan]

Really? I live in nyc. a lot of a scammers. We had a local (appeared homeless) He cleaned windows at the gas station. Dirty, grimy, busted up sneakers. Totally homeless from appearance. He had his BMW parked a block away. Made like 400 a day. So I dont give. We have services. I pay taxes.

[Dchrls78104]

I used to, but then I tired of enabling bad habits (most homeless people in my country are drug addicts) and I stopped.

[Mariel06]

Yes i would. We spend our money in useless things and can't give to people who needs help. It's nice a feeling you helping someone even in a small things you give and share.

[Liam_Hayden]

No. I'll feed one or give a coat or blanket, but money is often just spent on alcohol or drugs.

[lsjr16]

Not really sure cause there is a lot of scammers or people who chose to be on the street. It also depends on how I feel that day

[19LukeM94]

Maybe would buy him a food or sth else they need. People who ask for a cash are probably frauds.

[19LukeM94]

*buy them

[Year3000]

I see hundreds everyday in NYC, I would be broke if I did.

[Sankha20]

I try to help them out as much as I can, but I almost always regret it afterwards.

[Golden_shine]

No, show him police station and school where they like to help people.

[Nikki1989]

Yes, I help them out whenever I can.

[Gatman34]

Nope I need money myself

[AngelLily]

If i had some at that time I would.

[genericname85]

No because Germany has a welfare system.

[Luvme66]

I would rather give them food than money

[DorkVader]

Why?

[Luvme66]

@DorkVader Cause they maybe homeless not just because of some financial crisis... it could be alcohol or some sorta drugs related issues too.

[TBoneTrimm]

Yes. I do it often when I can afford to.

[art84]

It's against the law.

[moonpie89]

Yes , if I had change

[Lunatic1]

Nope, it's illegal where I live.

[Harmseygrace]

Yup I would.

[Perhaps]

Yes.

[420guyinpanties]

Depends

[ask4any]

Yes!

[Smoothshave]

Never...