Give money to panhandlers?

[ACfixer]

Feel sorry for them after reading their signs? I suspect stuff like this is going on all the time. Local to me: http://www.sbsun.com/rss/ci_15980906?source=rss

[guitarpkr67]

That's funny that she used the most common baby pic on the net. I've seen that picture so many times. Morons.

[QRSS]

what do you take me for? a chump? f NO
i have brought a few cheeseburgers and 40s though. :)

[MudPies]

I will give food, a couple smokes, plan to give 2 jackets this winter that have been boxed up, but I won't give them money.

[Jeeves]

Big deal. She lied to get money. Happens eleventy billion times every day. I've given money and assistance (food, clothing etc.) to "panhandlers" many times in the past and I'm sure I will again. Highly unlikely I would have fallen for that scam though.

[RhytmEarl]

I almost always give if they look like they are needy.

If they're young kids that look like they're lazy, I pass.

Pretty easy to tell the indigent from the indolent in my experience.

[davecan]

I see a lot of panhandlers near work (Irvington) and I've done stuff like buy them coffee and a donut or a cheeseburger and occasionally give money. You can usually tell the difference between a scammer and someone who really needs help, eg:
Guy with no legs in front of Dunkin Donuts= someone who really needs help.
Guy who says he lost his wallet and needs bus fare to get home= SCAMMER.

[halorealm7]

Yes I give money. What anyone does with it after it leaves my hand I have no control over. I have done my part and that's it.

[Curt]

Yes I give money. What anyone does with it after it leaves my hand I have no control over. I have done my part and that's it.

I do the same.
If I can afford to spend $2,500 for an amp just to play in my basement, I can certainly afford to hand out a couple of bucks to feed others.

[smiert spionam]

Sometimes.

[phoenix 7]

Big deal. She lied to get money. Happens eleventy billion times every day.

Yup. Lots of white-collar folks lie to get money too, only in more sophisticated ways, and then they make up rationalizations so that they believe the lying for money is justified.

[scott757]

Yes. I give b/c I tend to take people at their word. If they are lying then that is on them. I did the right thing. I also give food, clothing, and water.

[Curt]

I have a feeling that the same people who don't give to the hungry or homeless, are the sames one's who'll insist on a buyer paying the .35 cent pay pal fee.

[Dillow4092]

I do but not to the individuals that are truly faking it. I hate it when I see them with babies, or small children. I often ask to buy them a meal. If they refuse I move on. I'm not supporting another drunk or crack head.

[Frankee]

I give money to the winos back in the neighborhood where I grew up. It's hard to explain but it's kind of a tradition......for lack of a better term.

I can differentiate the truly down & out from the freeloaders a mile off, too, so if I'm out of my element, I'll give a couple of bucks to a guy who needs it. Yeah, so he'll probably buy some nitro-wine with it.....f**k it.... sometimes it's the only act of kindness these cats see and most of them really are thankful...you can see it in their eyes. You didn't treat them like a leper or fail to acknowledge them.....and like I said, they're grateful. It's not like I'm getting hustled. The way I see it, if a spare-changer decides to get a bite to eat instead of a bottle...it's not because someone didn't give them a buck or two for "his own good".

[ducatisteve]

I usually don't when I'm in the car. If I'm not doing anything and on foot I'll usually trade a few bucks or a sack of burgers for a conversation. Some of these guys have pretty crazy stories.

[Mark Robinson]

Well, being married, with a teenage daughter, my wallet is always empty ergo the choice is simplified.

[ACfixer]

Yes I give money. What anyone does with it after it leaves my hand I have no control over. I have done my part and that's it.

Well, what if you are doing your part to get their next bag of heroin and it leads to an OD? You have control over where it goes if you donate food and clothing but I suspect money most often goes towards habits/vices.

I'm not taking sides, I just thought it was an interesting story. I give sometimes, mostly not... just do as I feel led I suppose. Mostly I'll buy food or coffee.

One time I bought a homeless lady near me a $20 gift card for Starbucks. Probably a year later I saw her hanging around and had a few buck so I bought her another... she actually asked me how much it was good for and I said "$10". She kinda sneered at me and said "Oh, not as much as last time."

[soldersucker]

Well, being married, with a teenage daughter, my wallet is always empty ergo the choice is simplified.
My thoughts exactly why the **** would i give some panhandler likely feeding addictions my hard earned cash.
That said i do give a portion of my pay to my union to distribute to charity.

[bucky katt]

there is a guy that sometimes stands at the top of exit 12 off of I77 north here in columbia near ft jackson and his sign read, "why lie" i need a beer" once in a while i'll bring him a couple 40's of his favourite brew colt 45. got to appreciate an honest panhandler

[dayn]

I almost always give if they look like they are needy.

If they're young kids that look like they're lazy, I pass.

Pretty easy to tell the indigent from the indolent in my experience.
__________________

Quote:
Originally Posted by halorealm7 http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=8998676#post8998676)
Yes I give money. What anyone does with it after it leaves my hand I have no control over. I have done my part and that's it.

I do the same.
If I can afford to spend $2,500 for an amp just to play in my basement, I can certainly afford to hand out a couple of bucks to feed others.

Yes. I give b/c I tend to take people at their word. If they are lying then that is on them. I did the right thing.

I have a feeling that the same people who don't give to the hungry or homeless, are the sames one's who'll insist on a buyer paying the .35 cent pay pal fee.

Being philanthropic with money, time or other resources is wonderful. There are real needs in the world, and people can use help from those who can afford to give it.

Giving money to a panhandler is rarely if ever the "right thing" to do. Your motivation is right but you are not helping, you are enabling them and actually perpetuating their homelessness. You should donate your money, time or other resources to experienced professional agencies who truly help people become self-sufficient and put them on a path towards social lift. If you care enough to give, put the time into researching an agency who you can trust to be fiscally responsible with your donation. Take it to the next level and volunteer or become a Board or Committee member to have a voice into how to best help the people the agency serves.

In other words, be smart about your giving.

[QRSS]

Being philanthropic with money, time or other resources is wonderful. There are real needs in the world, and people can use help from those who can afford to give it.

Giving money to a panhandler is rarely if ever the "right thing" to do. Your motivation is right but you are not helping, you are enabling them and actually perpetuating their homelessness. You should donate your money, time or other resources to experienced professional agencies who truly help people become self-sufficient and put them on a path towards social lift. If you care enough to give, put the time into researching an agency who you can trust to be fiscally responsible with your donation. Take it to the next level and volunteer or become a Board or Committee member to have a voice into how to best help the people the agency serves.

In other words, be smart about your giving.

do that too. comes right outta my paycheck. the personal approach(food/beer) is more rewarding.

[yellowecho]

I occasionally give money to homeless people I know, otherwise f*ck 'em.
I've had too many bad experiences to just give money to anyone anymore.

For instance, recently I overheard a homeless man talking to his buddy about how hungry he was and how he hadn't eaten in two days.
When the guy approached me and asked for money, I said "sure man, I don't mind giving you a buck or two.. I overheard you two talking.. hope this helps".
When I handed him the money, he said "two dollars? that's not gonna get me shit! give me 10!".
My response, "well zero dollars isn't gonna get you shit now" and proceeded to walk away.
He didn't like that so he yelled and cursed at me as I walked off... threatening me and stuff. I was amazed.
I'm acquaintances with another homeless dude that hangs outside my regular bar.
After asking him if he knew the other guy, I gave him $5 to make sure he didn't bother anyone else for the rest of the night (it was his bum-turf anyway).
Said acquaintance also feeds parking meters and watches our cars.
I've learned hiring bums is the best way. hah!

[Curt]

Being philanthropic with money, time or other resources is wonderful. There are real needs in the world, and people can use help from those who can afford to give it.

Giving money to a panhandler is rarely if ever the "right thing" to do. Your motivation is right but you are not helping, you are enabling them and actually perpetuating their homelessness. You should donate your money, time or other resources to experienced professional agencies who truly help people become self-sufficient and put them on a path towards social lift. If you care enough to give, put the time into researching an agency who you can trust to be fiscally responsible with your donation. Take it to the next level and volunteer or become a Board or Committee member to have a voice into how to best help the people the agency serves.

In other words, be smart about your giving.

Absolutely wrong IMO.
You open your wallet and give to the needy rather than an agency with overhead and outrageous administrative costs.

[RhytmEarl]

Being philanthropic with money, time or other resources is wonderful. There are real needs in the world, and people can use help from those who can afford to give it.

Giving money to a panhandler is rarely if ever the "right thing" to do. Your motivation is right but you are not helping, you are enabling them and actually perpetuating their homelessness. You should donate your money, time or other resources to experienced professional agencies who truly help people become self-sufficient and put them on a path towards social lift. If you care enough to give, put the time into researching an agency who you can trust to be fiscally responsible with your donation. Take it to the next level and volunteer or become a Board or Committee member to have a voice into how to best help the people the agency serves.

In other words, be smart about your giving.


Those people already have jobs, they don't need my money.

[Curt]

It would be interesting to start a poll to find the correlation between ones income and his willingness to open up his wallet for the needy and or homeless.
I'll bet you'll find that the less a person makes, the more he is willing to give.

[pickaguitar]

I'll give'em a smoke or a buck or two to the ones that are straight up about it.

I can't stand the ones that try to 'park' you and act like they actually work for a parking service..

[Teh RedWizard]

Sometimes they'll get a little ca$h,other times a knuckle swannish :boxer,just kinda depends on where I'm at in teh bipolar spectrum!! :D

[yellowecho]

Sometimes they'll get a little ca$h,other times a knuckle swannish ,just kinda depends on where I'm at in teh bipolar spectrum!!
:rotflmao

[Serious Poo]

Panhandlers - no.
Surfrider foundation, Pacific Whale Foundation - yes.

[MudPies]

It would be interesting to start a poll to find the correlation between ones income and his willingness to open up his wallet for the needy and or homeless.
I'll bet you'll find that the less a person makes, the more he is willing to give.

I'll give items if I have them available but never give money. Where does that put me?

Edit: I am not as trusting as some of you are. If someone is legitimatly homeless, which I question sometimes, I don't want my money going to a likely drug/booze problem.

[RhytmEarl]

It would be interesting to start a poll to find the correlation between ones income and his willingness to open up his wallet for the needy and or homeless.
I'll bet you'll find that the less a person makes, the more he is willing to give.

I dunno. I've found the miserly rich person to be a false stereotype in my experience.

I think age or hardness of life experience might be a better correlation.

Me, I'm middle class and middle aged. I've never had it "tough"...been lucky that way.

I'd like to think I'm more generous than average.

Plus when the really rich give, they give 7 figures.

[ACfixer]

I can't stand the ones that try to 'park' you and act like they actually work for a parking service..

Ha! I haven't encountered that ruse yet!

[pickaguitar]

Downtown Austin - 6th Street parking under the highway ^

[Scafeets]

Absolutely wrong IMO.
You open your wallet and give to the needy rather than an agency with overhead and outrageous administrative costs.

I'm with dayn on this one. The chances that your contribution isn't going directly into someone's veins or liver are pretty small. I give a lot to reputable charities (Urban Ministry in Greensboro does a great job without skimming or proselytizing). 94 cents of every dollar goes to help the homeless. If you want to know how your local agencies are doing, go to CharityNavigator (http://www.charitynavigator.org/) and look them up.
A quick trip there will give you all the reasons you need to hang up on those a-holes who call collecting for cops, vets and firemen. King of the Sleazeballs is Disabled Veterans Assoc. where less than 5% goes to the vets. Here are the 10 worst. (http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=topten.detail&listid=28)

[Curt]

Plus when the really rich give, they give 7 figures.

And they write off every penny.
Let's see how willing they would be to let go of that 7 figures if there were no tax benefits.

[pickaguitar]

The rich are rich for a reason...many don't really give money away

[yellowecho]

The rich are rich for a reason...many don't really give money away
-1.;)

[ACfixer]

And they write off every penny.
Let's see how willing they would be to let go of that 7 figures if there were no tax benefits.

Taking advantage of tax laws doesn't make you a bad person. I'm nowhere near being wealthy and the amount I give each year is personal of course, but when I get a tax receipt you can bet your butt I'll write it off. Getting to write it off has zero bearing on how much I choose to give, but not taking the deduction would just be stupid.

[Guitar Dave T]

Big deal. She lied to get money. Happens eleventy billion times every day. I've given money and assistance (food, clothing etc.) to "panhandlers" many times in the past and I'm sure I will again. Highly unlikely I would have fallen for that scam though.

The big deal, IMHO, is the "dead baby" scam. Bad kharma, dude.

[yellowecho]

And they write off every penny.
Let's see how willing they would be to let go of that 7 figures if there were no tax benefits.
I don't understand what the problem is.
Rather than paying a set tax that the government has imposed, they've chosen to spend that money elsewhere for a cause of their choosing.
The government then says, "oh, you've given money to a cause that we recognize. we'll deduct some of the taxes you owe us".
Is that not how it works? :dunno

[Frankee]

It would be interesting to start a poll to find the correlation between ones income and his willingness to open up his wallet for the needy and or homeless.
I'll bet you'll find that the less a person makes, the more he is willing to give.

Been done. And you're correct.

[Curt]

I don't understand what the problem is.
Rather than paying a set tax that the government has imposed, they've chosen to spend that money elsewhere for a cause of their choosing.
The government then says, "oh, you've given money to a cause that we recognize. we'll deduct some of the taxes you owe us".
Is that not how it works? :dunno

I'm suggesting that if there were no charitable tax benefits, many people simply wouldn't give.
When they know they'll be able to write it off, it becomes a business decision.
But when people open their wallet and hand over $2 to a stranger, and they know they'll never see that $2 again, it's charity.

[stevieboy]

Once a couple of young dudes, about my age at the time actually, asked me for some money so they could get some beer. I gave them a buck or two, then in one of my fits of self declared cleverness, said, "but you gotta promise you're not going to go waste it on food or something!" They promised.

[Guitar Dave T]

Sign seen about a year ago at Walnut Hill and 35 in NW Dallas, "Need money for booze. Why lie?"

I gave a dollar.

[Guitar Dave T]

Another guy stopped me outside a McDonnalds in Oak Cliff and started telling me his story. I interrupted and asked, "How much do you need without the story?"

"A couple dollars would be real nice."

"Ok, here's your choice. $1 with no story. $5 for the REAL story."

"Huh?"

"What's your real story? What's the drug or drugs that you're addicted too?"

"I'm not an addict!"

"Dude..."

(long silence while I hold out the $5).

"Ok man, I need the money for crack."

"Because you're an addict?"

"Why do you want to hear me say that, man? You know what's what!"

"I don't care to hear you say it, I just want you to hear yourself say it."

"Ok, fine."

"Fine, then". (still holding out $5 bill)

"Aww this is bullshit, man".

"Ok then" (put money back in my pocket). "See ya".

"Wait, wait! Ok damnit! I'm an addict! Happy now? Now gimmee my mothaf***in' money!"

I palmed the five in my hand and reached out and shook his hand with it, holding my grip for a second and looked him straight in the eye, "You just took the first step, congratulations. Now it's all to you to decide what the next one will be."

Not sure if it did one bit of good, but hell, I gave it a shot.

[yellowecho]

I'm suggesting that if there were no charitable tax benefits, many people simply wouldn't give.
When people open their wallet and hand over $2 to someone they don't know, and they know they'll never get that money back, that's charity.
True.
But at the same time, I'm glad the tax breaks exist... otherwise, no money would be given.:(
Even if they're doing it for the wrong reasons, they're still doing it... which is good.

[Flyin' Brian]

When I lived in downtown Chicago, in the winter I took a few people into the local convenience store for soup and a sandwich. But no money.

[fetishfrog]

I give to panhandlers from time to time, when I can. I'm sure I've been scammed, but by and large, I think most of them are in need.

I also pay my taxes and I'm pretty sure I've been scammed as a result of that by quite a bit more.

[pickaguitar]

I give to panhandlers from time to time, when I can. I'm sure I've been scammed, but by and large, I think most of them are in need.

I also pay my taxes and I'm pretty sure I've been scammed as a result of that by quite a bit more.
best post right there ^

[Faraldi]

Sometimes it's really hard to say no. If I have the time to do it, I'll buy some food and maybe some toiletries for the person. If not, then yeah, money.

I've been seriously blessed in many aspects of my life so even if someone gets over on me, whatever. (does NOT apply to the emporium!!!) :)

[teleamp]

Yes I give money. What anyone does with it after it leaves my hand I have no control over. I have done my part and that's it.


We give too, but to the Salvation Army.

A lot of the street corner panhandling is big business (for crooks) and giving money to them is enforcing another form of indentured servitude... the person you gave that 5 spot to has to give it (or a large portion) to the ones keeping them supplied in booze/crack/heroin. If you watch long enough, you'll see a van come around and they'll have a shift change. If someone is on their corner that is taking money for themselves, they will be "encouraged" to go elsewhere, or disappear altogether.

So, be aware of who your giving to.

[SteveO]

I occasionally encounter panhandlers while I'm working (I drive a bread truck), and I always have a couple loaves of bread to give to them. Some people really appreciate it, THOSE are the ones that you know are hard up. Those are also the ones that I will give a few bucks to after I see their reaction to the bread.

[TwoTubMan]

I haven't been hit up for money in ages. Heaven help you if you go outside with a pack of cigarettes, you'll have a mob around you in a matter of seconds. They can hear the crinkling of cellophane from miles away.

[ABKB]

I have always thought that everybody should have to spend at least a month homeless. They would be shocked how quick it happens and just how useless the term "stability" really is. I'm not trying to lay down a quilt trip on anybody. It's just an eye opener to say the least. Spent 3 months out there myself many years ago. Through a whole chain of events, some my fault, some not. But anyway, I do not believe for a second that very many people can tell one way or another if anybody is really homeless or scamming or an addict. Well maybe the addicts are pretty easy to sus out, but the rest, no. It's very very very easy to look like one is homeless. And these days, most folks (homeless or not) are very good liars. But the real news here is that most of the folks who are homeless (for whatever reason), are not out there begging (or whatever term is used, panhandling etc...). And the reason is the very hardest thing to get over once you find yourself on the street is pride. Namely your own pride. They, to put it starkly, are ashamed. Why me? Why am I here? How did I get here? How do I get out of this? Where do I sleep tonight? Those are the things you think about more than anything when your out there. In a city there's lots of places that will feed the homeless. Not enough places, but there's places. And the truly homeless know where those places are. You learn quickly, you have to. And the other problem with being homeless is, if you do beg, there's never enough money to get out of your situation. So panhandling is not the answer. No, the only real answer is getting work, any work, and saving enough to get a place. Crime is a quick score, but unless you rob places every month, it's not enough to keep a person going financially and the more places you rob, the more likely you get caught. So it's not a good answer. Getting work is the only answer really. And it's the only thing that allows the homeless to look at themselves in the mirror again. It may or may not be their fault, but the shame is in full force. They also know what they smell like. and trust me, so do we all after a few days without a shower. BO is universal. No exceptions.

So who are those people out there? For the most part they are the mentally ill and lonely people of society. Not ill enough to be permanently institutionalized, but not healthy enough to care for themselves or work. There's also the addicts (be it booze or whatever drug) and the cons who do it cuz they are lazy or whatever. Sure, there's a few genuinely homeless who will swallow their pride enough to panhandle, but they are the exception, not the rule.

Like I say, not trying to lay any guilt trip out there. I think the world would just be a better place if we were in our fellow mans shoes for a while. Do I give money to panhandlers? No. I can't tell what their real story is and I really (as stated above) do not believe most of the stories. I do help out in other ways, and I'm always happy to do that. My band has played gigs many times for the homeless. I will help them out when and where I can. But money, no.

[halorealm7]

We give too, but to the Salvation Army.

A lot of the street corner panhandling is big business (for crooks) and giving money to them is enforcing another form of indentured servitude... the person you gave that 5 spot to has to give it (or a large portion) to the ones keeping them supplied in booze/crack/heroin. If you watch long enough, you'll see a van come around and they'll have a shift change. If someone is on their corner that is taking money for themselves, they will be "encouraged" to go elsewhere, or disappear altogether.

So, be aware of who your giving to.

Gotta take into consideration what town/city one is located. We have 1500 people who live here. We know who the needy are and are not for the most part. Don't have that much panhandler organization here in Mayberry.

[I'm so board]

I bought some tramp a hot pasty once! he was very pleased and I had a good day. Maybe karma?

One asked me if I had any change once though and I went mental.. "YES I HAVE GOT SOME FU*KING CHANGE" and walked away in a right mood.

I don't know what came over me, it was just the way he asked me. He got in my walking path as well. Bloody ninny.

[I'm so board]

I palmed the five in my hand and reached out and shook his hand with it, holding my grip for a second and looked him straight in the eye, "You just took the first step, congratulations. Now it's all to you to decide what the next one will be."

Not sure if it did one bit of good, but hell, I gave it a shot.

I hope you washed your hands afterwards, and didn't put your fingers near mouth until doing so.

Dirty addicts. :barf

[Honga Man]

I've learned hiring bums is the best way. hah!

You should organize some bum fights. Winner of the first fight gets $1. Winner of round two gets $5, etc. :boxer

Get some friends with $20 each, find several bums (just crinkle some cigarette pack cellophane to lure 'em in) and make a night of it under a bridge somewhere! :rotflmao

[I'm so board]

You should organize some bum fights. Winner of the first fight gets $1. Winner of round two gets $5, etc. :boxer

Get some friends with $20 each, find several bums (just crinkle some cigarette pack cellophane to lure 'em in) and make a night of it under a bridge somewhere! :rotflmao

BUM FIGHTS!

Didn't one of those guys get arrested for tattooing 'CUN*' on one of the bums foreheads?

[Axemeister]

Depending on the circumstance I might.. There is an old gentleman who I have seen standing at a freeway offramp playing solo jazz trumpet at least six or eight times..... I always give him something... Supporting the arts, huh?

However, I have seen a middle aged guy waiting at a local intersection every week, carrying sign saying "Need Work or $$" I rolled down my window a couple of months ago and asked if he wanted to come to my warehouse to help unload a truck... I offered to drive him. He said "No Thanks"... False advertising.

[I'm so board]

He said "No Thanks"... False advertising.

Sounds like a David Brent anecdote. :rotflmao

"Sometimes the allegations will be false" - major respect if you get this.

[Julia343]

Sometimes it's a good way of getting rid of extra change in my purse.

"I won't lie. It's for the booze."

[whiteop]

there are some 'professional" pan-handler groups that work in a lot of big citiies. I used to drive by the same intersection for years and the same guys were there or at different intersections within a 5 mile radius. Usually they worked in pairs but were on opposite sides of the freeway so you couldn't tell they were working together. A friend of mine that used to work vice at the local P.D. told me they were organized and that the ones I'd seen were members of a gypsy clan.

I'll help someone if they really do seem homeless or need help. You just have to use your years of experience and discernment to tell who's real or not. Sometimes it's hard to tell. If you help at least YOU did the right thing.

[Ringo]

IMO the people that really need the money aren't standing out on street corners holding up signs.
There is a guy with one leg who stands out by the interstate close to where I work, I've seen him park his car at a gas station down the street and walk down to the intersection to beg for money.

If someone is capable of working and REALLY wants to work , then generally they can find work, if they need help they can find that too.
Most of the guys I see just want a hand out. If you offered them a job they wouldn't take it.

[Doug's Tubes]

Feel sorry for them after reading their signs? I suspect stuff like this is going on all the time. Local to me: http://www.sbsun.com/rss/ci_15980906?source=rss

Before giving any money, I would ask to see her stretch marks.

[blueserv]

I won't let anyone go hungry if I can help - and I've bought food for many panhandlers over the years. But I don't hand out cash to strangers. I feel that I give enough already between the taxes that I pay & charitable contributions that I make. Charity begins at home, and my focus is on my family.

[Guitar Dave T]

With the economy, yes there are more people in genuine need.

Plus in Texas, we have the worst record in the country for handling the mentally ill without means or family support, with over 80 percent kicked out of mental hospitals and onto the streets.

So just be aware, they may not ALL be addicts and cons.

[Luke]

I don't, I feel that if people always feel the need to promote themselves are the superior beings they should be able to feed themselves, after all dumb deer manage.

The news busted a guy in front of the Macy's on 34th St. Turned out he was an executive that would use his two week vacation panhandling during Christmas time.

[anoobis]

When I lived in Seattle we had a bunch of guys in our area panhandling. Some of them made good money for standing around doing nothing. I gave one guy a loaf of bread and he tossed it aside. No more donations from me.

[Frankee]

The "intersection guys" are the scammers.

Support your local wino.

[jazzandmetal?]

No.

[nsureit]

With the economy, yes there are more people in genuine need.
Plus in Texas, we have the worst record in the country for handling the mentally ill without means or family support, with over 80 percent kicked out of mental hospitals and onto the streets.
So just be aware, they may not ALL be addicts and cons.

Hey, Dave. A shabby character approached me at the corner of Elm and Pacific a few years ago. He had a good story, and I laid a twenty on him. He held it and stared at it for a minute. Then he broke into a run towards the Dallas Muni-Court building on Main St. (where Ruby shot Oswald), all the while jumping up in the air and clicking his heels. That was when the liquor store was still there next to the courthouse. That whole block has since been demolished.;)

[phoenix 7]

It would be interesting to start a poll to find the correlation between ones income and his willingness to open up his wallet for the needy and or homeless.
I'll bet you'll find that the less a person makes, the more he is willing to give.


A recent study supports this idea:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129068241&ft=1&f=129068241 (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129068241&ft=1&f=129068241)

[whitehall]

I give money to them all the time. I can tell the homeless from the moron kids. I'm happy to do it.

[Jon Silberman]

Judging people for the sole reason of whether or not the charitable path they prefer is throwing what must be said are very small amounts of money at individual strangers, while knowing little further about the lives/finances/spending of either the people or the panhandlers, is dumb. This is not intended as a knock on the actions of people who choose either path but on the apparently commonly associated presumptuousness and judgmentalism on both sides.

[freedom's door]

Yes. I give b/c I tend to take people at their word. If they are lying then that is on them. I did the right thing.

Agreed. Although sometimes the person just gives me a "scammer" vibe, then i won't give.

[dohootowl]

Pretty easy to tell the indigent from the indolent in my experience.

Hah! How wrong you are. There are folks that KNOW they have to look the part to get handouts.

[dohootowl]

I can't believe what I'm reading here! So many of you just indiscriminately handing over your money. If you really want to help, give the money to an organization that helps the homeless--that is certainly what WE do. Here, there is the Austin Street Homeless Shelter that provides many services for the homeless, which is just one example. The Dallas Morning News charities also support worthwhile organizations.

[ABKB]

Judging people for the sole reason of whether or not the charitable path they prefer is throwing what must be said are very small amounts of money at individual strangers, while knowing little further about the lives/finances/spending of either the people or the panhandlers, is dumb. This is not intended as a knock on the actions of people who choose either path but on the apparently commonly associated presumptuousness and judgmentalism on both sides.

Jon, I didn't quite understand this post, but I think I agree with it.

[circusinthesky]

I donate a little to food kitchens/shelters once once in a while. I might give something to someone who is very clearly emotionally or mentally "out there", after chatting with him (its usually a him) for a little while. I know that a lot of them really should be in a care facility, but our government doesn't make that a priority.

Anyone young, lazily sitting on the ground with a cigarette, holding a sign on a busy corner, neo-hippies "traveling", etc won't a thing from me. And I don't scrunch up my face and say "Oh, sorry, no change." I reply "No." Because I do have change, and I am not sorry.

[RocksOff]

I was gonna say some mean stuff. Nevermind. No. I never give them money. Exception. The old homeless guy at Mission Beach with the sign that reads "Why lie. I need beer". I used to buy him a 40. Haven't seen him in some time, though.

[Dickie Fredericks]

Nope, I never give them cash. Two stories...

The wife and I were heading into the next town over to visit some friends. A guy is sitting in the McDonalds parking lot with a sign that he is hungry and needs food. So, we go through McDonalds and we pick him up a Big Mac meal along with ours. Drive over to him to drop it off and he cusses me up and down that he wants the money. Yeah, go figure. Like I dodnt know what he really wanted.

Story two...
The wife and I go to Handy Way for some gas. They have a Taco Bell in the store. We pay for the gas and a girl approaches us and asks us for a few dollars for food and tells her story. Her old man is outside the store kinda off to the side and in the back under a tree waiting for her to return. My wife asks what she needs the money for and she says for food because she and her boyfriend are homeless and are hungry.

We take the girl inside and tell her to order what she wants. She orders like 3 tacos. We tell her "No, that aint enough for two people. order some food". She ended up with a bag full and we covered it.

Im all for helping folks. That is just the way its supposed to be. However, a food habit is different from a drug or alcohol habit.

[jtm622]

They stand at the Hi-way intersection and panhandle just up the street from my place of business...
I used to be a bleeding heart, too, but just wait until some of those winos sleep (or pass-out) on the covered walkway in front of your place of business and leave trash and crap of all kinds and aromas on your doorstep...
One of the females who work at my business actually saw one of the sombitches pull it out and piss on the front concrete walkway (this was at 8:45 am in the morning, in front of God and everybody - after we were open for business...) She came and got me and I chased to mofo down, grabbed his dumb-ass and told him that the next time he saw me: "I'm gonna be on the end of a frigging Louisville Slugger you stupid sombitch!!!" "NOW... REPEAT WHAT I JUST SAID..."

He must have believed that I was a serious person, because he's never been back...

You give those poor bastards money and they just hang around and harass customers... they have the same effect on customers as pigeons sh#tting all over the place...

[riff1006]

There are guys who do that for a living around here, standing outside the entrance to the local Walmart. They work in shifts and live in a seedy motel across the street.

[Guitar Dave T]

Used to be pandhandlers on different sidewalks near where I used to work on Oak Lawn and Lemmon in Dallas. One guy would sit on the sidewalk in front of the sub shop with a small cardboard box for "tips" and babble incoherantly about a second, third and forth coming.

I was jogging during lunch one day and saw him with some of his friends standing around discussing guitar heroes. And the guy was as coherant as anyone you'd meet.

[dayn]

the personal approach(food/beer) is more rewarding.

The reward should be in HELPING a person; handing out cash to anyone without there being accountability for helping them change their life is only prolonging their situation and dependency.


Quote:
Originally Posted by dayn http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=8998857#post8998857)
Being philanthropic with money, time or other resources is wonderful. There are real needs in the world, and people can use help from those who can afford to give it.

Giving money to a panhandler is rarely if ever the "right thing" to do. Your motivation is right but you are not helping, you are enabling them and actually perpetuating their homelessness. You should donate your money, time or other resources to experienced professional agencies who truly help people become self-sufficient and put them on a path towards social lift. If you care enough to give, put the time into researching an agency who you can trust to be fiscally responsible with your donation. Take it to the next level and volunteer or become a Board or Committee member to have a voice into how to best help the people the agency serves.

In other words, be smart about your giving.

Absolutely wrong IMO.
You open your wallet and give to the needy rather than an agency with overhead and outrageous administrative costs.

I understand your tentativeness to give to an organization which is why I said research one that you are comfortable giving to. The point is, in calling them "needy", what do they NEED? Your $5 will not help them, only hurt them by making them dependent. Organizations have overhead because it takes serious time and commitment and resources to actually have an impact on a person's life. There are many organizations that are able to help people with little overhead.

[yodude]

I'm very selective. There are people that do very well of the craft and they know how to do it. I think I have a good understanding of the real people in need and I put my money there.

[earthtonesaudio]

I think the more interesting question, with regard to the original post, is whether people felt disappointed or upset once they found out there was no dead baby.

[FallenGuitarist]

I offered to give a homeless guy a hamburger...untouched I had just bought at sonic..."what am I supposed to do with this?" and threw it down...seriously

[Zero G]

^^^ And that's exactly why I never give money to strangers.

[coldfingaz]

Back in the mid/late 80's in DC I used to give spare change & occasionally a couple bucks to the same guy around 3 times a week because I'd often pass by him on my lunch hour. One day I had no change or cash at all & made the mistake of saying, "Sorry" when he looked at me as I walked by. Well, he freaked out & started screaming at me about having nothing to be sorry for, etc. I was a little stunned, but kept walking. He was still flipping out as I could hear him for at least 2- 3 blocks away before I turned off K Street.

A couple days later I was in Georgetown & a guy came up to me somewhat aggressively begging for $ & I wouldn't look at him & tried walking around him. He grabbed me! Ironically, this was in the same exact area where the film "Suspect" was made (which involved a homeless guy being charged with murder). I shook him off quickly, but it was completely by instinct & I have no idea how dangerous it could've gotten.

I've never given to panhandlers since those incidents. My personal safety is too valuable to put myself into close range with risk like that anymore. I feel really awful sometimes (India was the worst by far), but I can't know what people that are desperate & possibly crazy might be capable of.

[Bo Faulkner]

only if they are entertaining.. If you going to do it for a living at least be good at it. Never give to the "sob story" people. (close to 100% crackheads)

If somebody has a funny act I'll "tip" them

[pbradt]

I used to, now, I'll take them a bag of groceries or a carton of fruit juice. No cash, no smokes, no booze.

[cottoneyedjoe]

I have a little different take on this....

I once was a manager in the retail field. I had worked my way quite a bit.

A panhandler hit me with a "got any spare change?"

I said "no, but if you're qualifications are right I can give you a job."

I have only had one person accept in about thirty offers.

One guy even told me that he didn't want to do it because it "sounded like work".

There are people with real legitimate needs. My current job puts me in a public position and we are asked for help on a regular basis. People that REALLY need it. Folks that lost their home to fire, REALLY can't pay for the funeral expenses of a loved one, and other terrible stories I will not repeat here.

We check the stories out, most of the time with the appropriate business (for instance the electric company to see if they REALLY need to pay their electric and can't...) and we have only had ONE story out of maybe 1000 (yes we really do handle that many in about a year) stories of need.

We find businesses that will assist and put people in touch with the community to make it happen.

We are not a government agency and that isn't even our business, but we do it because we care for our community.

However, there are some that want to be where they are at simply because in their own mind, they like being where they are at.

I refuse to help people in this state.

[jimfog]

If I have the $$$$ extra, and I feel moved, I will give.

...and I do mean "give". No conditions, no stories, no moralizing, no judgement, no expectations.

I never want to be in a position where I'm judging whether another's need is "worthy".

Whether it's food, shelter, smokes, crack or booze, all I know is that person needs it more than I do, for damned sure.

[jett1963]

I give sometimes.

A few years ago I was on the #1 in NYC when a man ducked in the car at the last minute at the opposite end from where I was standing. The car was pretty packed. He told the crowd that he needed only one quarter. He probably pleaded about four times. All the while I had my hand in my pocket fingering the only coin in my pocket, a quarter. So I passed it to the person next to me and asked them to pass it up to him. Dutifully, one person after another passed the coin to the opposite end of the car, eventually to the homeless man. He yelled thanks and got off at the next stop.

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

It would be interesting to start a poll to find the correlation between ones income and his willingness to open up his wallet for the needy and or homeless.
I'll bet you'll find that the less a person makes, the more he is willing to give.

I have a feeling that the same people who don't give to the hungry or homeless, are the sames one's who'll insist on a buyer paying the .35 cent pay pal fee.



You are just full of assumptions.

I occasionally hand money out to someone down on their luck, but I have to wonder, some panhandlers seem to look young and in good shape, why don't they work for 8 or 10 hours a day rather than beg for the same amount of time?

I agree with Dayn, donating funds to a decent organization / shelter who helps the homeless is a better way to go. So what if there are administrative costs? ... it's still probably going to be money better used for the effort of taking care of people in need. If you give money to a panhandler, do you follow them around to make sure they don't buy drugs, cigarettes or booze with your money?

[lakehaus]

I have dropped coin if their character strikes me. I don't care what their story is.

I donate food and cash to the local 'soup kitchen'. And I donate annually to the YMCA. I don't feel I must, or that it's my civic duty... I just wanna.

[DeeDub]

If I figure it's legitimate, I'll give whatever I've got in my front pocket... usually just a few dollars (and guitar picks, which they don't seem to want).

The last one that I saw, though... well... it was a rather large woman holding up a sign saying something like "anything will help".. standing in front of a fast food establishment with a "help wanted" sign right behind her!!

All she got from me was a strange look.