[paul90015]

It's been 3 years I moved to Michigan.
What I've noticed so far compared to other state is that
If I go to bus station wating for bus,
This non-homeless looking guys but kinda ghetto looking (mostly black)
people always comes to me and ask money.
I try to help if I have enough money and enough cash at that day.
I liked helping homeless guys so I didn't mind.
But now it's just too often in especially after I moved to Michigan.
It's like 7/10 they come up to me and ask for me to help.
Is it because I'm short, asian guy?
And some of them asks even not in polite ways.
So just want to ask if this kinda things happens to you also, or is it because
I'm short asian guys so easy to ask for money.
Just want to hear your thoughts.
Thanks.

[westernwilly]

It is because they see you giving money out everyday and they want to get in on the action.

What do you look like? Where and what times do you go to the bus station?
Like most people, I could always use some more cash, so I too would like to hit you up for a few bucks......LOL ..I am just kidding here.

Seriously, do not give money out in the streets. We have many fine charities that help the truly needy and if you want to help, then give to those charities. What they do is NOT give out cash to individuals that will most likely use it to feed a destructive addiction like drugs and alcohol, but instead they give them food, shelter, clothing and anything else that they may legitimately need like a bus ticket or a heating voucher.

By giving cash, you are doing more harm than good!

As for people that do not look like they are homeless and are asking for money? Never give them money!!!! They may be someone looking to rob you by grabbing your wallet and running when you pull it out.
Note, be very weary of the rude ones. It is legal to panhandle in Michigan, but not it is not legal if it is done so by being intimidating, confrontational or if the panhandler is blocking the path of the person that they are asking for money. Most homeless people not only knows this, but are fully aware that they can get arrested if they violate these laws. As a result, They are normally being very courteous when asking for cash. Thugs on the other hand, do not care as violating panhandling laws is the least of their worries when it comes to being prosecuted.


What city do you live in?

[luv my dayton]

You created a problem for yourself by being a soft touch. Anyway you can take other transportation to lose these jerks as they could do you and others harm . Do they ride the bus or just ask for money at the bus? Someone should report this activity and monitor the terminal..:-) :-)

[animatedmartian]

You shouldn't be given cash to homeless people unless you know them personally. Chances are they are looking for drug or booze money and in no way are trying to help themselves.

Some of those beggars aren't even really homeless and can make hundreds of dollars a day if they're out long enough. It has very little to do with your race as those sort of people ask everyone all the time and they're just hoping you feel bad for them.

[jaynarie]

Panhandlers are like feral cats. Feed them once and they will keep coming back.

I tried doing a Google search because I know a news outlet in Genesee County did an expose type story on an organized panhandling ring. They shuttled people to the specific corners and people took shifts. I'm pretty sure there was even footage of one panhandler getting into a newer model car and driving off, after parking nearby and walking to their designated point.

The only people I give money to are local firefighters when they do a 'fill the boot' campaign, Old Newsboys, etc...

[belleislerunner]

As soon as they start talking to you just say "I'm good - thanks" and walk away. The longer you listen to their "I have a question" or "I'm not begging" stories - you make it harder to do the right thing. Which is not give them money.

There's enough charities in Michigan no one goes hungry, for lack of resources.

[arleigh]

I carry cans of food on the motor cycle specifically for handing out.
When I have the money I get Mc Donald's gift card that can only be spent on food.

[magellan]

Michigan passed a law (or there was a supreme court case) not long ago that protected panhandling as a "free speech right" which has exponentially increased the panhandling. Like others have said, you feed seagulls at the beach and they'll never leave you alone again.