You come across a person sitting begging for money in the street

[de_sjiem 0]

On the way home from work this week I saw a guy in the usual begger attire holding the usual 'homeless god bless' cardboard sign. However, this guy had enough money to smoke and talk on a cell phone while begging. #######?

The phone could been provided for this person by their family (yes many of them do actually have families, who for whatever reason can't keep them off the streets) and just want to keep track of them. Also, If you are trying to get back on your feet you need a way for prospective employers to contact you.. you can't get a job if there is no way to contact you. Cell phones do not have to be expensive.. It was probably some cheap pay as you go phone

[Rob and Melinda 0]

To whom much is given, much is required. If you have been blessed, share it with those who need help, but never give street people cash, buy them food, but never give them money. You know why!!!!

Rob

[eclowjpd 0]

None of the above. Depends on the situation. I live in a big city, where I have seen guys with no legs. If a guy like this is not beligerent, drunk etc. I will throw him some change. Other than the obvious like this example, It's a matter of reading them. Probably the majority of the time, I choose not to.

[Elphie 0]

I would give some money

[ya falaha! 0]

I wouldn't give them money because unfortunately the majority of "homeless" in our area are drunks and drug addicts. I'd donate to a homeless shelter or similar charity but I wouldn't just hand out money to a bum in the street.

[homesick_american 1]

There was no choice for "Tell them to get off their but and find a job"

And NO I would not give them a dine... not even if I had a million $ in my pocket...

I had to start at the bottom of the heep when I got here, and I found work and have pride... there is work out there if you want it....

Kez

What if it is a genuine homeless person who doesn't take drugs? Homeless people are not just "bums", there are circumstances that can occur for someone to end up homeless y'know. To lump them all into one pile is rather heartless.

Yeah, but with the totally awesome social services in the UK vs the totally crappy ones in the USA, why are there even homeless people in the UK to begin with?

(Yes, I'm winding you up!)

[Queen Jenn 0]

I put "pretend I don't see them" because I don't know what to say if they try to talk to me. I donate to local programs designed to help the homeless. That way, I'm not favoring a specific person, the programs are availble to all homeless in the area.

[babybunny 2]

I always give!! its not my place to judge. I leave that to god.

[mawilson 2,133]

Yeah, but with the totally awesome social services in the UK vs the totally crappy ones in the USA, why are there even homeless people in the UK to begin with?

Most of them *are* drug addicts though. I talked to quite a few bums in London at one point

because I really wanted to know what makes them 'tick'. Many of them are not even homeless

and live in council housing.

[Nancy2015 2]

I think everyone would give money if they could, that's obvious. But it's a bit of fun anyway.

I never give them any money, I can't stand homeless people. So, it's not so obvious. I think I need money more than they do.

Edited May 30, 2007 by Jewel12

[JanaknJanet 0]

One thing I have decided to do... I never give money.. but.. never fails .. just after I go to grocery store.. the main intersection off the expressway usually has one or two men standing there.. sometimes even with a dog... .. I have tried to remember... to pick up a extra can of pull tab dog food.. .. (so no need for can opener) and keep a few bottles of water in the car. When I come across these men... or women.. I will give them some bottled water and ... a can of dog food.. .. that usually gets a grateful smile

[Ban Hammer 13,334]

One thing I have decided to do... I never give money.. but.. never fails .. just after I go to grocery store.. the main intersection off the expressway usually has one or two men standing there.. sometimes even with a dog... .. I have tried to remember... to pick up a extra can of pull tab dog food.. .. (so no need for can opener) and keep a few bottles of water in the car. When I come across these men... or women.. I will give them some bottled water and ... a can of dog food.. .. that usually gets a grateful smile

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I prefer to donate to homeless charities, at least that way you can be reasonably sure that it's going to a good cause. Surprised noone the fact that the mentally ill form a fairly large proportion of the homeless population… highlighting the fact that residential care for the mentally ill also depends on how much money you have.

As Steven pointed out - there is a tendency for some of these people to make a profession out of begging. Saw a lot of that in the subways in London, and its often hard to tell who is genuinely homeless. So charity would seem the best way to go IMO.

Edited May 30, 2007 by erekose

[homesick_american 1]

Yeah, but with the totally awesome social services in the UK vs the totally crappy ones in the USA, why are there even homeless people in the UK to begin with?

Most of them *are* drug addicts though. I talked to quite a few bums in London at one point

because I really wanted to know what makes them 'tick'. Many of them are not even homeless

and live in council housing.

I don't give money to them because I'm working on the assumption that they're going to buy drugs or liquor with it.

I'm not a total a-hole; we give to charities in this house. However, I'm not going to help someone score a fix.

[SteveLaura 0]

I've worked with the homeless in London, New York, Calcutta and now here in Milwaukee, and the only common denominator is that they have no home. Some may have a mental illness. Some have drug issues. Some have alcohol issues. Some have relationship problems. Some have anger management issues. Some may have a combination of these. Some may have none of them.

I've also come across many people in my life that do have a home. Some also have a mental illness. Some have drug issues. Some have alcohol issues. Some have... etc, etc.

Sometimes I give money, sometimes I don't. (And Mags, I used to buy my Big Issue from the bloke outside Sainsbury's in Tooting too!) Is this person in front of me really homeless? Who knows? You can't tell by their clothes. (Homeless people like to look nice too, you know - and they may have been given their clothing from their shelter. Should they sell their clothes? Or should they have something nice for a job interview, perhaps?) If an alcoholic wants money to buy beer, then that's 'harm minimalisation' - going without might kill him. Drug withdrawal is actually less serious, but if they need a hit to feel better, well, then you've just made someone feel better. You actions, or lack of them, probably aren't going to change their life. They will change their life when they are ready. If you feel they may have a mental illness, contact your local mental illness hotline or outreach center to see whether they are aware of this person - they may need intervention before they will change their life.