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I rarely have cash on me. If I do, I’ll give them a few dollars so they can go get their drugs and alcohol.
If you're not being sarcastic, I'm with you... all these folks saying "I don't want to give them money b/c they'll buy drugs & alcohol," while I think "if I were homeless I'd want to be high/drunk too!" Heck, I'll even share a joint if I have one on hand (it's legal here), and used to occasionally get this one local man a beer. So many people like to act superior and preachy, but considering I also indulge in those things, that would make me a hypocrite. This doesn't seem to bother everyone, though.
That being said, with the homeless population here in the Bay Area, I'd go broke if gave them ALL even a quarter! So it's a somewhat rare occasion, but if I'm leaving a store with change in my hand I'll pass it along. What they do with it after that is their business.
The other was when I gave to a homeless person for food, and walked right into a 7/11 and bought a large bottle of beer.
Did you say "only buy food with this!" or just assume that's what he would get? And why do you care either way? Once you gift someone with money, it shouldn't matter how they choose to spend it... just like giving a friend/relative a check for their birthday, and accepting they might use it for something you wouldn't have chosen yourself. Oh well.
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Originally Posted by 509
I even had a person ask for money so he could get a beer and get drunk. Ok...this bender is on me. Don't figure on other one.
HOWEVER, if you are faking it and collecting money in a wheelchair.....well, I would rather see my funds going to a local food bank, taxes for helping the mentally ill, or anything to cut he scammers out of the system.
I'm probably 20x more likely to give someone money if they're HONEST about it, like this one well-known panhandler in San Francisco... he has a sign that says something like "Need $$ for beer, hookers, and pot; hey, at least I'm honest!" I always give him at least a bit of change.
I will give them money if I have extra at the time. Just a few days ago, there was a guy standing beside the expressway exit ramp with a sign, I gave him a $10 bill. Other times, when Im close to being broke, I cant swing it.
I do not get concerned about what they are going to use it for... they are asking for money...its not my place to start worrying how they will use it...its on them if they use it for things other than food, shelter, etc.
Did you say "only buy food with this!" or just assume that's what he would get? And why do you care either way? Once you gift someone with money, it shouldn't matter how they choose to spend it... just like giving a friend/relative a check for their birthday, and accepting they might use it for something you wouldn't have chosen yourself. Oh well.
I'm probably 20x more likely to give someone money if they're HONEST about it, like this one well-known panhandler in San Francisco... he has a sign that says something like "Need $$ for beer, hookers, and pot; hey, at least I'm honest!" I always give him at least a bit of change.
He said he needed some money for food.
Why does it matter? I don't drink. Why should I donate money to someone so they can get drunk? If I'm gonna give money to a homeless person, I'd like them to spend it on a necessity.
Are you crazy. A donation for necessities is not the same as a gift.
Case in point -- I had hurt my back badly and needed someone to rake leaves. I found a homeless man that had a sign that said "Will work for food". When I offered him the job he told me to f--- off.
Another case in point -- near one of the D.C. subway stations there was a man there everyday with a sign that said his tools had been stolen and he needed money to buy new tools. He was there with that sign every day for 9 YEARS, raking in the money and never buying the tools.
I ignore them. I'm a tall, broad shouldered guy, so that usually keeps them from pestering me. If it doesn't, I have no problem saying no and sticking with it. There are plenty of soup kitchens and sleep shelters for them. I don't need to provide them with money for drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
Another case in point -- near one of the D.C. subway stations there was a man there everyday with a sign that said his tools had been stolen and he needed money to buy new tools. He was there with that sign every day for 9 YEARS, raking in the money and never buying the tools.
Maybe he was saving up for a back hoe or an excavator.
I don't give money but I will give groceries when approached in a parking lot after shopping. Sometimes people are grateful and sometimes the person is obviously miffed that I didn't hand them money. Doesn't matter to me. I'll share groceries I just bought, but I don't hand over any cash.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlaskaErik
I ignore them. I'm a tall, broad shouldered guy, so that usually keeps them from pestering me. If it doesn't, I have no problem saying no and sticking with it. There are plenty of soup kitchens and sleep shelters for them. I don't need to provide them with money for drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
No, there are not. The lack of safe options for the homeless is a national shame.
I don’t give money to homeless. I have bought some of them meals in the past if they ask or arecsitting in a fast food joint not eating I’ll ask if they’re hungry. Some will take food and be grateful others just want money. I’ve seen homeless guys talking on smart phones smoking cigarettes.
But I do not give them money. At all. Ever.
(I used to when I was younger because I thought I was helping them. As I got older I realized I was enabling them)
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