Those less fortunate.... - Page 2

KatieKate1244 · #16 01-13-2006, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AGDee

I'd rather give directly to the soup kitchens/food banks that directly help the poor because then I know it's being used for a good purpose.

This is what I do. There's a huge homeless problem in my hometown, and it's due to the fact somehow we got named as a "homeless friendly" location. For about the past ten years, they've all mainly lived downtown and camped out on the Ohio River, but Huntington is starting to revamp the downtown, and they're trying to get rid of them. Quite honestly, I do wish they would go away. It's mean, but when I go to work downtown, I'm always heckled by them, and they don't ask for money--they ask for sex, or if I have drugs. One of the resturants has an outdoor eating area, and the homeless will go and yell obscenities at the diners. The very first day of my very first job in high school, my co-worker and I sat and watched Russ (who was buried under a bunch of dirty facial hair) sit and drink mouth wash. It's just a huge problem, and it does affect people's willingness to conduct business downtown, or do anything, for that matter.

Most of the legit homeless (like those who lost their jobs, house burned down, etc.) go to the city mission outreach, which is very extensive in my town. Most of the homeless who cause problems are not from my area.

FSUZeta · #17 01-13-2006, 08:35 AM

i have purchased food for people who looked a little down on their luck. i would not give them money.

my husband once offered a job to one of those men holding a sign "will work for food". the man just looked at him and said that he could make more money standing on the street corner than doing manual labor and he didn't get his hands dirty . after that, we have never given cash to a homeless person-food yes, cash no.

Senusret I · #18 01-13-2006, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SissyC0109
Odds are that they're some kind of lowlife.

I've been trying to figure out a really nice way to call you a bitch for the past few minutes, but I can't do it. Sorry.

There's just no nicer way to put it.

Lindz928 · #19 01-13-2006, 10:33 AM

I grew up in a big city (Dallas).... I refuse to give money to beggers and pan-handlers. I work for my money, I see no reason why I should give it to someone who is doing nothing but standing on a street corner.

Call me a bitch if you like, but it's how I feel.

I would be much more likely to buy someone food than to give them money- but I have yet to encounter that situation. Besides, I'm a woman, and if it's nighttime or I'm by myself, I would consider it a pretty stupid thing to stop and talk to a begger. I'm not going to claim that they are all rapists and pedophiles (cause that's just ignorant) but I do think it very possible that they would not be above mugging me.

*story: A friend of mine saw a homeless man with a dog once and tried to give the man dog food for his poor pet.... The guy refused it and said something rude.

Lil' Hannah · #20 01-13-2006, 10:59 AM

I usually only get hit up when I'm going into the bagel shop near my apartment. Sometimes I'll say "I'm paying with a card but do you want something to eat?" sometimes I'll give them some money when I come out. I don't always give to panhandlers, but I try to when I have a little extra change on me. If they're using it to buy a beer I honestly don't give a crap.

Honeykiss1974 · #21 01-13-2006, 11:03 AM

If I have some change in my pocket or already in my hand, i will give it because I do not believe in taking my wallet out in front of stranger people asking for money (doesn't matter if they are homeless or not). I know too many people who have been robbed by doing that.

Sometimes I have been moved to just go up to them and give some money. But for the most part, I financially support my church's homeless ministry as well as other organizations, so I will always stop and chat (to see what their need is) and try to direct them to other resources that can help.

AlphaFrog · #22 01-13-2006, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mu_agd
Ok, so um I started to read this and was like, there was an episode of Saved By the Bell that was just like this...

<----Had the same thought....

GeekyPenguin · #23 01-13-2006, 12:30 PM

My church has a great homeless ministry, and suggests that we offer food and advice on where to go and get more help. A lot of people in the Cities keep a box of granola bars in their car for this purpose.

Kevin · #24 01-13-2006, 12:41 PM

I live and work downtown. I live about 3 blocks from the greyhound station and the public transportation hub, so needless to say that there are plenty of homeless. I generally don't give them $ because I see the same homeless people (seasonally) working the same areas. Giving them money simply encourages and rewards their annoying behavior.

Then, there are the 'corporate' beggars. There are certain high-traffic street corners around the time that seem to be worked by some 'professional' beggars. I've seen a van dropping them off and picking them up. I guess they have some sort of system where they share profits?

A Random DphiE · #25 01-13-2006, 12:48 PM

i ALWAYS give when i can.

after experiencing what its really like to "beg" for money canning for dance marathon as an undergrad, i vowed never to ignore or say no to someone in that situation.

granted i work as a rehab counselor, and i KNOW that many on the street beg for cash to use, but i personally know what its like to feel ignored/snubbed and wouldnt wish that on ANYONE..

even if i dont have anything to give, i at LEAST make eye contact and say sorry... in my opinion, the WORST thing one can do is completely ignore them.

Rudey · #26 01-13-2006, 12:53 PM

Many, if not most, homeless people have mental disorders and issues with substance abuse.

As far as I'm concerned I don't care.

If my money helps them forget for just 10 minutes what reality is, I'll do that. I don't care if my money goes towards food or homeless man liquor in plastic bottles.

I can't imagine how hard it is to beg, but I'll give anyone the benefit of the doubt if that's what they do.

I stopped giving around my college though when I realized the dicks had cellphones. In Chicago, people sell street wise (this awful newspaper) so you can't tell if they're homeless or just have shitty jobs and want to exploit your kindness. I also don't give when it's an obvious scam (our homeless shelter is going out of business and we need money or my car broke down can i ask for $20).

-Rudey

honeychile · #27 01-13-2006, 12:55 PM

My office is near a couple of hotels where derelicts live, and this happens often. We finally made arrangements with two different restaurants (a pizza place and a "mom & pop" place) that we can call, tell them who we're sending up, and we'll pick up the tab.

I also keep McDonald's & Wendy's coupons with me, for when I'm not there.

I would never give more than about a quarter to a person, but I donate generously to groups such as the Salvation Army or other soup kitchens or shelters. My church also has a HUGE homeless ministry, both here and (strangely enough) near Philippi, West Virginia - where the miners were just killed.

Consider it karma, God's will, or whatever - but I think it's what we're called to do.

valkyrie · #28 01-13-2006, 01:11 PM

There was a guy in Chicago who would ask for money to "help a drunk get drunker." We gave him money -- at least he was honest -- and spent some time talking to him. He was a cool, interesting person.

Here there are people everywhere on corners holding up signs. I hate it. There's this one guy who will stand by your car staring at you and talking to you even if your car window is closed. Apparently people have their own corners that they work and they make a decent amount of $$. I don't give them any.

I've even had a woman approach me in the grocery store asking for money -- WTF. No.

Coramoor · #29 01-13-2006, 01:15 PM

Usually no.

If I'm feeling generous and the guy is honest, like telling me he wants to buy a 40 I'll give him money for that. I mean, what the hell. Alcohol is probably the only thing good in his life, and I enjoy alcohol too...I'd be a hipocrit otherwise.

AchtungBaby80 · #30 01-13-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
But for the most part, I financially support my church's homeless ministry as well as other organizations, so I will always stop and chat (to see what their need is) and try to direct them to other resources that can help.

To me, this seems like the best (and safest) option. I do feel for the people who have to beg on the street just to get by, but as a single woman I also don't feel comfortable giving those same people money in person. I'm a big chicken, but seriously, I have heard of people being robbed when giving money to people on the street and I know I'd never be able to defend myself if something like that were to happen to me.