When you see a Homeless person, Do you give to them or ignore them? (illegal, drugs)
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Location: Appalachian New York, Formerly Louisiana
4,409 posts, read 6,545,770 times
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When I lived in Baton Rouge and travel through Pittsburgh I have to ignore them.
A big part of me wants to help but... They could be a scammer, they could be a drug addict, they could be a crazy person, and in Baton Rouge it was actually illegal to give them money.
Plus they always stop traffic and that is actually dangerous.
However, if I meet somebody down on their luck in different circumstances, I tend to help. One time I met a man in east Tennessee who was asking for rides. He was trying to get home to North Carolina, but sadly we were heading to Virginia. I asked him what was wrong, he told me his story, and while we couldn't take him anywhere I at least bought him something to eat. He had nothing in the way of cash. He was genuinely grateful too, so absolutely not a scammer IMO.
Begging at the highway is a good way to make people nervous and ignore you.
A big part of me wants to help but... They could be a scammer, they could be a drug addict, they could be a crazy person, and in Baton Rouge it was actually illegal to give them money.
Emphasis mine. What law prohibits it? I've never heard of this.
In the USA or Europe I have never given money to a homeless person. Other countries, yes. The simple reason is the fact that anyone can get free food or shelter here if they are sober and willing to go where this is offered.
I neither give money nor ignore. If they seem anxious to talk about their problems I offer to tell them about the local resources available to help them. We have many.
Sometimes I've even offered transportation.
I've never had anyone interested in all these years so go figure.
I know the local beggars where I stay in Mexico in the Winter and know which ones can use some help. Those I give a few pesos to since there is nearly nothing in the way of human services there.
And sometimes I give to the kids who beg in front of the ice cream shop just for the fun of it. But first I tell them they have to earn it. Then I ask if they can sing or dance or do a magic trick, whatever. This often turns into a fun time and sometimes draws more contributors for them.
I know the locals really frown on giving to the beggars because they think if it's encouraged it will drive away customers. But now and then I just can't resist.
When you see a Homeless person, Do you give to them or ignore them?
If so, why do you give to them?
Do you think you made a change?
If not, why do you not give to them?
Do you think that they will just go buy drugs or alcohol?
Go!
I don’t give them anything. I used to, but one day I followed a guy around the block to see him get in an Escalade and I said never again! Yes, I know,that was an isolated incident and does not give a true representation of the homeless.
Where I live now there is a great place where any homeless person can go and get a free meal three times a day, get a shower, and get clean clothes. Also, this place actually takes meals to any homeless camp they are made aware of. Did I mention it’s all free?
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