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I have no problem giving money to a homeless person, they stand out there and have to humble themselves and ask so I give 20 bucks don't hurt anyone, I have even handed them a pack of cigarettes. Just think if you don't they will rob someone and maybe kill them for what??? A beer or cigarette?? Not worth it.
You give $20 to a homeless person? Gosh Damn! I need to move to Utah. Are your friends just as generous?
You do realize that there are professional panhandlers out there, right? I've known several who dress sharp w/ garb from St.Vincent De Paul and play the role of the temporary victim (broke down car, or other temporary blunder, ect.) You would be shocked to know some of them make over $100 day. No taxes to claim, either. Thats more than a retail slave makes in a 10 hour shift.
There's a difference between giving some money to a homeless person and giving a sandwich to a homeless person. That, and even in a place like midtown Manhattan, if you gave a few dollars to every homeless person you saw on your walk to and from work, you'd be broke (well, at least I would). Most importantly though, if I'm giving my money to any other organization or individual, I want to know where that money goes. Which is why I'm more inclined to give a granola bar or something rather than cash, which I have no way to account for, short of following the person all day to see where they spend it.
To those who have mentioned that even if a homeless person uses the money to buy beer, at least they're not hurting anyone...are you insane? It's ALCOHOL! Add that into the system of someone who's already likely mentally unstable, and you could very well be contributing to something bad. Yes, I know you have good intentions, but good intentions and naivety are a bad combo.
Also, I'm more inclined to throw a few bucks to a street musician than a homeless person. Why? At least that person is providing a service (well, not for everyone...), and if I like the music they're making, than sure, have a few bucks.
If they were not veterans, would you have the same sympathy for them? Why not?
What are you telling your congressmen about the homeless men of the future, who are still in Iraq and Afghanistan?
I would like to see the actual statistics on how many people are homeless, how many of them are veterans, and what is the methodology of arriving at those statistics.
I would have sympathy. I have sympathy for anyone who sleeps under a tree. I happen to believe that if I were subject to having to sleep under a tree, after a few nights I wouldn't think very clearly either, or trust one human being who trys to help me. Walk a mile...
I don't need statistics in my line of work - I just see with my own two eyes. Statistics can be manipulated to suit personal agendas IMHO.
I suppose it would be interesting to tally them, but good luck trying to get them all. There are a good many who won't go to shelters no matter what and if they have issues with substance abuse, there are few shelters who will accept them (understandably if in vino veritas applies to their personalities).
I believe we are each responsible for helping the best way we know how (and that is IMO through legitimate organizations) and they are responsible for how they use the money.
Any time I see someone on the corner with a sign, I wonder why he doesn't go to his local food pantry, a church, or homeless shelter to ask for help, because help IS available.
There's a difference between giving some money to a homeless person and giving a sandwich to a homeless person. That, and even in a place like midtown Manhattan, if you gave a few dollars to every homeless person you saw on your walk to and from work, you'd be broke (well, at least I would). Most importantly though, if I'm giving my money to any other organization or individual, I want to know where that money goes. Which is why I'm more inclined to give a granola bar or something rather than cash, which I have no way to account for, short of following the person all day to see where they spend it.
To those who have mentioned that even if a homeless person uses the money to buy beer, at least they're not hurting anyone...are you insane? It's ALCOHOL! Add that into the system of someone who's already likely mentally unstable, and you could very well be contributing to something bad. Yes, I know you have good intentions, but good intentions and naivety are a bad combo.
Also, I'm more inclined to throw a few bucks to a street musician than a homeless person. Why? At least that person is providing a service (well, not for everyone...), and if I like the music they're making, than sure, have a few bucks.
I agree. For all the many reasons that attribute to someone's homelessness, addictions are frequently major factors and assisting the addiction doesn't "help". When I can I donate to food banks and shelter drives but on an individual basis I would rather give a person a meal, a voucher for a meal or a direct contact for help, like hooking them up with an outreach worker in person.
I believe we are each responsible for helping the best way we know how (and that is IMO through legitimate organizations) and they are responsible for how they use the money.
Any time I see someone on the corner with a sign, I wonder why he doesn't go to his local food pantry, a church, or homeless shelter to ask for help, because help IS available.
I agree. I also agree that if people gave cash everytime they were hit up for it, they'd be broke as well.
I just think that as a society, we should refrain from criticism because really, we don't know the whole story of the individual in question.
Are there those who simply panhandle for cash? Of course. There always will be. There's dishonesty in every walk of life.
I believe we are each responsible for helping the best way we know how (and that is IMO through legitimate organizations) and they are responsible for how they use the money.
Any time I see someone on the corner with a sign, I wonder why he doesn't go to his local food pantry, a church, or homeless shelter to ask for help, because help IS available.
In the town where I used to live, the churches all worked together to help homeless & transients. The churches stocked and staffed a large food pantry, and they also gave people McDonalds & Burger King Gift Certificates. I believe they might also have had arrangements at a local motel to give people a night's stay.
In the town where I used to live, the churches all worked together to help homeless & transients. The churches stocked and staffed a large food pantry, and they also gave people McDonalds & Burger King Gift Certificates. I believe they might also have had arrangements at a local motel to give people a night's stay.
I do know they did not give cash to anyone.
Yes, churches do a lot of that. You don't have to be a member or know anyone in the church to ask for help. Also, the Salvation Army helps out with housing and meals for people who are displaced, homeless or in transition.
Yes, churches do a lot of that. You don't have to be a member or know anyone in the church to ask for help. Also, the Salvation Army helps out with housing and meals for people who are displaced, homeless or in transition.
In "said town" of which I was speaking, the Salvation Army had transients & homeless simply spend the night in jail. They weren't incarcerated, just housed. I don't know how many of them actually took advantage of the offer, but hey, it was there.
Never give money to someone homeless, offer to buy them food.
I offer to walk into a grocery store/subway/pizza place/etc. and buy them a meal. I have been cursed out for not giving them money by some (the people who just want booze/drugs) and I have been hugged and thanked by those who actually need help.
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