When is the last time you gave a homeless person some money?

[MCheetah]

I don't give homeless people money. Give them a dollar and they'll start asking you for $5. I learned that the hard way when there was this hot homeless Australian chick living in my city. She played her keyboard outside the subway station at 2nd and Market. She was a total scammer, though.

Not that she wasn't homeless; but she had a boyfriend supporting her (who lived with his parents) and was only using that money for herself. She could've moved back in with her stepparent anytime she wanted, but chose to "sleep in her car" because it was more lucrative for her than getting a job. And also being cute in her early to mid twenties with long black hair, also helped her cause. She basically made more money being a moocher and practicing her keyboard skills than working an honest 9-to-5. But the issue is, she lied to people.

I found that there is a LOT of fake homeless people where I live. At 9pm, they get off the subway, stop going from car to car soliciting people for money, and get out their iPhones and start chatting away. I've seen it happen. I'd guess maybe 35-40% of the homeless population in Philadelphia are scammers.

So NO ONE should give homeless people any money! Buy them food or something. If they're truly homeless, they'll appreciate the food. If they're scammers, they'll scoff and reluctantly pretend they want it. But don't enable bad habits from people who are often homeless for a reason (drug addicts and weak-willed).

[Wiredone]

I always carry care packages in my vehicles for the homeless. they contain a pair of socks, gloves, granola bars, $5 gift cards for food establishments like mcdonald's or burger king, hand sanitizer, a face mask, samples of deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Sometimes I put in $5 cash too. Any time I see a homeless person I give them a care package.

[Darcia]

I work in downtown so I see lots of homeless people. They can take $2, $3, $4, $5 to buy kush that incense weed. It’ll knock them out all day sleeping or high on the street and sidewalks. The last time I gave a homeless man money it was only 25 cents because he asked for 25 cents. I’ve given homeless people food half eaten on and food that I shopped at the store. I try my hardest not give any money because I know most are not homeless. They can get greedy asking for $20-50 like um.. no. Just tonight I had a homeless person try to give me a cheese danish. Of course, I didn’t want it he got so frustrated and threw the danish. I believe if they truly needed money they would have money.

[bobalife]

The last time I gave a homeless person money was last month. This is just an endearing post ❤️ I wish there’s more people who can think about the homeless population and the high increased it has been over the past year due to covid. I’ve been making care packages for them, but haven’t got the time to complete it and donate it yet.

[ColHathi]

I don't remember when the last time was, actually. First of all I don't have spare change on me usually, and I can't afford to help either. I'm struggling to keep myself afloat as it is.

But even if I could afford to help, I'm not sure I would. At least not in the form of handing out spare change. I don't think that's the solution. It's a societal issue, so society as a whole should help and deal with it, in my opinion, through a governing body (that we in turn pay for in taxes ofc) or another organization that hopefully isn't corrupt. So if that's a priority to you, I think it'd be better to urge your government to help.

Another reason why I don't like handing out change is because - like you said "they'll rob you in turn". I don't expect any of them to just rob me, lol, but I remember visiting some country down south, and I walked past a homeless man that I really pitied and wanted to help, but I didn't. Then I looked back because I was reconsidering, and I saw that he'd gotten up and given his cup with the change to what looked like thugs. Don't get me wrong, he didn't look happy about his situation at all. He couldn't look more miserable in fact, but I'm just saying there are people (like those thugs) that are going to try to take advantage of other people's misery and misfortune. Scam artists and straight up thugs.

[WindAtMyBack]

Never that I can remember. First of all, there is no way to know if someone is homeless unless you actually know them. People assume that someone is homeless when they see them on the street panhandling. In most cases they are probably not homeless.

If I give someone money, it's not going to be to a panhandler, or someone soliciting for money in any way. Most of them are scammers and I've heard every story imaginable. If I give someone money or buy them food, it will only be a circumstance where I feel they really deserve it.

By the way, I've been on the receiving end, both money and food. I never solicited though. People saw me and assumed I needed it. I guess I looked like I was in pretty bad shape, which was probably true. That doesn't change what I said though. If anything it enforces it.

[Vviiccttoorr]

Honestly it’s great you have a good heart, I try to be kind as well but, it is important to know that there are scammers and that they take advantage. However, don’t let that take away the fact that there are truly homeless people out there and it’s good to help them out. Now just know that you don’t have to go crazy and give them loads of cash like 100 dollars but, something as little as 5 is ok. Giving food or clothing specifically is better though in my opinion because, sometimes homeless people will take the cash and use it for bad things like drugs or cigarettes. So giving them what they need directly is better. Do keep in mind, the scammers though.

[Kaamraj]

Instead of helping directly with money I try to do something which is more sustainable. Many of the homeless kids in my country are actually forced by gangs to beg on the street, so anything you give them, they are forced to turn it over to their bosses. Until recently there were reports about kidnappings, forced amputations, drug use, and trafficking of kids for this purpose and I definitely dont want to perpetuate that. What I do is often times give biscuits, blankets, small packets of rice and lentils to such people which I know they will use right then. I also carry around some mops as if there is someone who genuinely wants to wipe windows for some change then he can use a clean mop or a small bucket.

[Jjpayne]

It's tough but it's hard to trust them.. I want to be in a place and hopefully soon when I can just randomly have bottled water in my car with a paper of food pantries and shelters rubber banded to it. That would make me feel much better than money. Especially when one of my friends said it was a legit thing to make money off of saying you were homeless. Almost like getting paid for having a job type thing and that makes me really unsure... Especially when they are wearing nice clothes or even over the top tattered clothes

[Effably]

Unfortunately where I live "homeless" people are rarely homeless but rather part of organized groups. As such it has been a very long time since I gave anything directly. Indirectly happens more often albeit most charitable organizations are difficult to trust. What with the red cross being exposed for only delivering sub of 10% of the donations to the intended recipient etc (this was ages ago).

It should also be noted that a homeless person here is, in effect, homeless by choice. That may sooumd cruel but reality is that they can go to the nearest office and be set up with basic living accommodations, food, cellphone, health care and so on. By no means a luxurious or particularly desirable living but a good step past living in the streets. As such it isn't a very pressing or present issue for people here.

[Jake1415]

I was never really the person to go out much so I rarely, if ever, got to see a homeless man. Even then, my parents were by me and would say sometimes " they are just trying to scam you or are going to by something to smoke after" or something along those lines which to be fair, we aren't really in the type of city you could walk around the block and see a homeless man there type. We drive almost everywhere except across stores if they're side by side and even then, there in aren't really and homeless men here so I never really do, BUT I would like to if I got the chance and I thought I might make a difference because I don't want to do it and it be waisted on beer or something he can smoke... Good question, h w.

[kingofthellamas]

In the UK its not a good idea to do this. I understand you feel all warm inside when you do so though. The UK actually has a lot of provision for homeless people and pathways back. But we also have a lot of people who don't want to take the help, or who aren't genuinely homeless. We also have a lot of beggars who are not homeless but want money for a drug addiction. By giving money to bggars is making the matter worse. Its better to buy a copy of The Big Issue or give your time to a soup kitchen. Giving money is not helping.

[Anonymous]

I’m homeless. I live in my car currently. Luckily I just got a decent job that I start on Tuesday. I’ll probably only need to be homeless for another 4-6 months. But as for asking for money. I would genuinely end my life before I asked anyone to support me. It took me a long time and a lot of pain blood and sweat to be able to buy this car to live in. And no one helped me. And some years from now when I’m living good doing things I love, and having friends and living life, I’ll know I suffered through it alone, all by myself.

[lightbulb27]

I gave $5 2 months back, but also asked what they needed and got donations from neighborhood. ended up giving many bags full of clothes and blankets and such to two homeless people/families and gave rest to goodwill.

I sometimes stop, sometimes not.

More of them out there... and it is a lonely spot to be in. Think about the logistics of how far that $20 goes. It doesn't go far anymore.

Thank you for having a heart. The homeless were little children once just like everyone else... just lost and down.

[CrazyGirl2]

In my family we don’t give the homeless money, they say that they want food, but if you offer to buy them some Mc Donald’s... Most just refuse! But I STILL offer them a McDonald’s $5 gift card (I keep about 10 of them in my purse) although a bunch of homeless either flat-out refuse the card, or toss it out, many do keep it and are grateful! So keep giving and if they are idiots about it, that’s in them!

[marrk]

Vote G? I usually give food and ask if they would like it (you never know someone’s allergies) They’re always grateful. I know in my town we have food pantries and my church goes one step further and helps people apply for jobs and with making rent/a bill or even how to pay bills

[ArrowheadSW]

Not very often because they advise against it in the city where I live. However there was one who had some window cleaning supplies with him and he offered to clean my car windows. I had just washed my car so it didn't need it but I gave him some money anyway just for his effort. I talked to him for a minute and he obviously had some mental health issues. Interesting to see the actual person, rather than just see them as homeless people from a distance.

[dawsonnata]

I never give them money. Usually if I have something to eat and drink I'll roll down the window and hand it out.

If I don't have anything, and/or they look really hungry, I go through the nearby drive through and get something then go back with it

[wineme2014]

I really only help them if I see them physically being homeless. Like they're not sitting on the corner with clean clothes and a backpack. But actual homeless, I see them in homeade shacks or sleeping in the park and will take them food and water. Some "homeless " people make it a day job to take money from others, taking it away from those who actually need it.

[SjE78]

was 3 years ago when i had some spare change on me, and knew he was gonna grab a hot drink with it... other than that i dont usually carry loose change around, and as such also dont prefer to give out loose change anyway... i would rather go and buy them a hot meal and drink rather than give them the cash anyway...
I have been duped before, never again.

[Hannah_le]

Here’s the thing. I’m not a person who treats another being horrible for fun. So if I do or don’t it’s not my problem they aren’t doing anything to me. I do try to help out esp when I see handicapped old person n they move one street to couple min away type thing I help them out. I do try too unless they look like addicts but even so who cares it’s like $5 or less and just I treat a human being how I’d like to be treated.

[hahahmm]

The last time was when I saw a homeless guy dressed up in nice clothes because he was trying to get a job. I have a lot of respect for people who try. For example, if I see a homeless person selling something they made by hand I'm 1,000 times more likely to give them money.

There's way too many scammers out there for me to waste time giving money to beggars. Besides, women keep them well paid. Never knew a woman who wouldn't give a homeless person money.

[Apple1996]

I do help out the homeless but only if they actually seem homeless. Like will get people that knock on our car windows and ask for money. When that happens I always say no. Like if you're actually homeless you got time to sit on the sidewalk and ask for money. I'm more willing to give them something compared to the crazies that are frantically running around a parking lot banging on windows.

[JuliaStyles]

I used to but then there have been so many exposes of fake pregnant women asking for help and it turns out they drove away in a Mercedes. They have the same people hanging on freeway off/on ramps day after day and you wonder if they are really needy or just too lazy to work. I imagine that after taxes you make less in a day than they do. So I give my money to homeless shelters or food banks. That way I know the money really goes to truly needy people.