Newbie 0 #1 June 27, 2004 what's your thoughts on this? Yes/no and why for either case. Personally i tend not to - i prefer to give a donation to people collecting on behalf of a charity like Shelter (the homeless charity) then give it to people directly on the streets. "Skydiving is a door" Happythoughts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jib 0 #2 June 27, 2004 The last time I gave a guy money to buy a hotdog from a vendor on the corner of the intersection where I was waiting for the light, he turned the other way, whistled and bought crack. I haven't given anyone cash since. Occasionally, I'll hand a powerbar or gatorade to one of them that actually looks homeless. -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crwmike 0 #3 June 27, 2004 Nope ...not even a dime. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #4 June 27, 2004 No. I pretty much stopped giving money after a guy in the central Florida area got busted for tax evasion ('96-'97). He was pan-handling for a living, supported a wife, two kids and a mortgage. His family never knew what he did and he was averaging $40-$50K per year. Now, one time, while picking up a bunch of sandwiches for folks at work (again in Florida) from Blimpie. We ended up with an extra sub and coming to a light, a pan-handler was asking for money (sign saying "hungry, homeless", etc) along the curb. My co-worker and I decided to offer the extra sandwich. I never saw a more ungrateful individual in my life. "What the f**k am I supposed to do with this?!" - as he slams it on the ground and jumps on it (turkey and lettuce flying out). It was surreal in a way.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #5 June 27, 2004 I usually reserved my handouts to the really poor kids I would see on the streets in Central and South America. A few times I bought them lunch and let them eat at my table with me so the other kids wouldn't jump the kid and take his food. There is a real difference in our "homeless" and the homeless in other countries. However, I have also been known to hand a few dollars over to someone who I thought really was having a hard time of it right here in the states. I like to think of it as just paying it forward."It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrewEckhardt 0 #6 June 27, 2004 No. Choosing not to work (begging pays better than minimum wage) or to remain addicted to alcohol is your business, but I'm not going to pay for it. I've offered to buy a few people lunch. A few accepted and were thankful for the food. More have turned it down and acted insulted thus saving me the trouble of wasting money on some one who didn't need it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #7 June 27, 2004 only if they: 1. are a musician and playing at least halfway decent music 2. are an artist and can sell me a painting or something 3. can make me laugh... there was a guy on a corner in vegas with a sign saying "why lie? I need a beer!" I think every person I was there with was cracking up and gave him at least a buck. I give money to people who are doing something other than begging, Providing some kind of service or item. Otherwise, I do donate to charities around LA, and I figure if they are truly needy, my money will help them more in the long run if given to a charity rather than directly to the needy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #8 June 27, 2004 Quotethere was a guy on a corner in vegas with a sign saying "why lie? I need a beer!" BWAAHHHH!! I know who you are talking about, I saw the same dude when I was there. Too funny."It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 26 #9 June 27, 2004 I'm part of the "give them food" school of thought. If they're willing to accept food, then they're probably really needy.-- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bip 0 #10 June 27, 2004 I do it all the time. The only times I have refused is when I dont have any money with me. Im sure I have been scammed lots of times, but I like to think that if I have helped at least one person then its worth it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #11 June 27, 2004 There's one guy I see all the time that I do. He's a disabled vietnam vet and has obvious mental problems. Not like crazy, but slow. I would only ever give him food, not money. But once I was in a rush and gave him a couple bucks. Saw him walk right over and buy a sandwich and an apple. So I don't have a problem giving him cash. But the bums who are just hooked on dope and looking to scam what they can, I won't even give them a cigarette. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbarry 0 #12 June 27, 2004 Mostly no. There's always a part of me that wants to though. That part rarely makes it up to 51% of the vote, however. Gullible sucker, or nice guy. Dunno yet. I once gave money to the Naked Cowboy in times square (does that count?), so I agree with n'gales' #1. I also gave a fiver to this big dirty ugly smelly dude In San Fran who was out there talking to people and cracking jokes, like a standup or improv comedian. Pretty talented. Never forget this guy cuz he was wearing a trench coat and big motocross goggles, but with the entire lens removed. I had to give him points just for that. So on that, I agree with n'gale's #3. And then once, in WashDC (after getting a raise and got buzzed at a brew pub) I saw a homeless elderly woman sitting on the sidewalk and gave her a $20. Wish I'd seen the look on her face, but I just kept walking and not make any deal out of it. Not sure why I did that. Inhibitions brought down by alcohol, I guess. Be careful tho in cities, if you're by yourself, because some could have accomplices who might try to rob you once you've stopped and shown your cash. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #13 June 27, 2004 Quotewhat's your thoughts on this? Yes/no and why for either case. Personally i tend not to - i prefer to give a donation to people collecting on behalf of a charity like Shelter (the homeless charity) then give it to people directly on the streets. Ever since it was revealed that panhandlers in this area were organized in rings, and supported by actually being driven to prime panhandling spots, I've been very wary. OTOH, I know a guy who's got disability because of injury. His wife's an advanced diabetic with both neuropathy and retinopathy; they live in a motel with their 12 year-old daughter. When the director of the place I do pro bono IT work gave me a P-200 laptop, I refurbed it and gave it to the guy, loaded with a legit copy of Win95 and NetZero. He really appreciated it, especially for his daughter. I was fortunate that I was able to give them something that will improve their quality of life, and which will serve them far better than the occasional five-dollar bill. mh ."The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #14 June 27, 2004 I don't give them money...just ask them if they can break a $20 or $100 and save me a trip to 7-11 and purchase a stupid soda or something to get change. __________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #15 June 27, 2004 I also make a game out of it. I sometimes say something like, "I'll give you five bucks if you can tell me when the Battle of Hastings was fought (or when Constantinople was overrun by the Ottoman Turks)." I usually get stupid looks-- it takes the burden of guilt and responsibility off me and puts it on them. mh ps - 1066 and 1453... ."The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyPsycho 0 #16 June 28, 2004 Quotewhat's your thoughts on this? Yes/no and why for either case. Personally i tend not to - i prefer to give a donation to people collecting on behalf of a charity like Shelter (the homeless charity) then give it to people directly on the streets. only if i really know they are needing it and not scamming. an old friend of mine works in the city. for 3 years, he gave this guy money almost every day in the subway. one night he was working late and came thru just as the guy was coming out of the subway to leave...........in his brand new bmw parked just up the stairs on the street........ i think i remember him saying all he could get out was "you motherfucker".........he was dumbfounded. he told me the guy just smirked and left. needless to say, no more handouts...... _______________________________ HK MP5SD.........silence is golden Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacefuljeffrey 0 #17 June 28, 2004 I would prefer that homeless people get up off the street, get help (there are loads of social services to help them, I believe), and get a job and help themselves. That said, I do occasionally give them "spare change" because even if they're never going to get off the streets, I have to recognize the fact that life has blessed me quite a bit and these people don't, for whatever reason, have it so good -- so a little from me may bring at least a bit of pleasantness into their lives. Maybe it's a burger because they're hungry, maybe it's some wine if they're a wino -- who knows, maybe it's even crack. I guess I just sympathize with their need and their misfortune and so now and then I give. Blue skies, --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Misslmperfect 0 #18 June 28, 2004 i get slammed every time i have this discussion with anyone - but ill argue the other side here and say YES! very seldom do i not give what i can to people i see. the way i look at it, ill never know the honest reason as to why they're doing what they're doing. maybe they ARE scamming me, but i think the best of the people i come across until im proven otherwise. i used to bring a man breakfast and coffee every morning on my way to school. its hard for me to deny anyone unless my pockets are empty. true, there are many services and charities available to help homeless and "needy" people. but they dont have room to accomodate nor can they afford to help most. many argue that they should stop standing around begging and "go get a job". but when i ask who would hire someone that looks like most homeless do, seldom do i get a response. these people are forgotten and thought of as trash by most. i think its sad, and i wish i could do more.Oh Canada, merci pour la livraison! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #19 June 28, 2004 yes, on occasion, when the mood strikes... i'm a firm believer in helping others when i can, particularly when it has no real cost/effort to me.....this applies to lending gear, buying meals and offering a place to stay, any help i can, to those i care for... the change from this mornings bagel?? what is that (really) to me? what is it to the guy who spent the night under the over pass down by the river??____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crwmike 0 #20 June 28, 2004 QuoteI do it all the time. The only times I have refused is when I dont have any money with me. Im sure I have been scammed lots of times, but I like to think that if I have helped at least one person then its worth it. If you're doing it to feel good, cool. Helping them, you ain't. Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #21 June 28, 2004 "what's your thoughts on this?" I can't get down the High Street without my 'Urban Passport', a copy of the Big Issue, so I guess I do support the homeless. -------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #22 June 28, 2004 It gets a bit old when you've seen the same guy(s) on the street for the years that you've lived there. I saw some in Berkeley for close to a decade. At that point, whether they're living well or just at all, you're only encouraging the status quo which sucks. And then yes, you occasionally hear about the guy that panhandled for 5 years to buy a Sportster, still living on the street. Buying them food, or walking them to the bus stop to pay their fare (if you have the time) seems like a better course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aprilcat 0 #23 June 28, 2004 We have plenty of guys on the subway telling different stories on different subway lines. I don't give them anything. We clocked a guy down by the University making $40 an hour tax free on any given day and dressing up once or twice a month. I dont give them anything. If I have leftover lunch, I'll walk down the street with it and ASK a (bum) if they want the rest, usually they say yes. Or I'll take someone who is hungry to Burger King with instructions they can order what they want, but no refunds. Anybody with a kid that LOOKS hungry can get money from me, with a warning to get the kid off the street before something bad happens. The shelters aren't always the best place for people. It takes a lot of courage to GO there. And any enterprising beggar (singing, instruments, dancers--actually, they are artists in street clothing) will get a couple of bucks from me. I have no problem with that. But there's a LOT of scamming in Manhattan. I couldn't think of a better place to DO it if one were to DO it. ~~~April Camelot II, the Electric Boogaloo! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #24 June 28, 2004 No.... One time I picked up a hitch hiker. Went and found him a job and rented him a small place for a week. He never showed to work, and left the room a mess filled with bottles. There is a large scam group here in Tampa where a bunch of "Homeless" all pool their money. They actually make out quite well. I have offored to let a man cut my grass for money...He told me to fuck off. So No. I give to charities...but never cash to a bum."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #25 June 28, 2004 I offered a job to a guy with the "Will work for food" sign. We were doing construction labor. He said he wasn't interested. I said that he could have half my sandwich on the way to the job, he said that he had brought his own lunch. He said that this was his job. He made over $100 a day (tax free) and on a real job he only made about $60. The job he was refusing was the one I was going to do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
