Rico Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 I see there’s a thread asking if you feed the birds. In a similar vein, do you give panhandlers money? I’m specifically talking about the one’s with the signs on street corners when you’re driving and waiting for the light to change. Me, if I have extra pennies, I will help them out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 I gave a guy the other day $5 for standing in below wind chill in the snow. Told him I am giving you $5 because you got the balls to stand out here on this windy cold day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I will usually just give them booze or crack, I don't trust them to spend the money on something good. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaoulDuke79 Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I do from time to time. I generally get a couple things from the dollar menu and give it to them to eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Only if I have a desire to see more beggers, which isn't often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azalin Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I will, but not nearly as frequently as I used to. Nowadays it has to be someone who is older or appears to be a veteran, or appear to be truly down on their luck. There's too many in Austin that are young and able-bodied, hanging out with their dog, girlfriend, or both. I ignore them. Not long ago I was moved by one person in particular - a disheveled, solitary man appearing to be in his sixties or so, holding a sign that said "I have nobody". That hit me pretty hard, so I gave him the only bill in my wallet: a ten dollar bill. My buddy said "he's only going to go across the street and spend it on alcohol", to which I replied "good - I hope he does". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teddy KGB Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Nope. Get a job at McDonald’s and eat burgers as you earn cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 No. But I will buy them a meal, and have been known to give them sweaters and blankets. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I don’t because it feel like enabling my son when we kicked him out making him homeless. If he played by the rules he had a roof over his head, and all the food he needed. Sorry if I have a personal bias. In Nashville they give people permits to sell some kind of publication along the roadways. It’s much better than pure pan handling. I love Sarasota, FL and Chapel Hill, NC, but the homeless issue is very real. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 23 minutes ago, Augie said: I don’t because it feel like enabling my son when we kicked him out making him homeless. If he played by the rules he had a roof over his head, and all the food he needed. Sorry if I have a personal bias. In Nashville they give people permits to sell some kind of publication along the roadways. It’s much better than pure pan handling. I love Sarasota, FL and Chapel Hill, NC, but the homeless issue is very real. There are good arguments for both charity and against rewarding bad behavior. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 17 minutes ago, Kelly the Dog said: There are good arguments for both charity and against rewarding bad behavior. I agree, I’d rather give to the Salvation Army or the food kitchen as you know it will go for positive items. We are big into Catholic Charites, though I praise anyone who gives with the hope of helping people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 14 hours ago, mead107 said: I gave a guy the other day $5 for standing in below wind chill in the snow. Told him I am giving you $5 because you got the balls to stand out here on this windy cold day. You beat me to it! He was gone when I went by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebug Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I don’t give cash but I have given Tim Hortons cards. Get a hot meal! Not like he has to walk far, there’s one in every street corner here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unbillievable Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 I've done it once in my life. The guy was holding a sign asking for beer money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not at the table Karlos Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 Used to until I handed out way more than I expected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 not very often If I do get "lost" and I ask directions and they are helpful I'll tip them. My wife used to give them food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 I give them coupons to local grocery stores and gift cards with 37¢ left on them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frogger Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 rarely...only because I never have money on me, I have given gift cards...or what remains on gift cards (I keep receipts) I've given pop tarts and other pre-packaged too, especially if they have children. I couldn't care less what they use it for (the gift cards, if they don't have children) if they want to get a beer or something harder, who am I to judge. All I know is I can't imagine how difficult life must be for them. I should note, I don't give help to anyone that is aggressive, so if you are homeless and a Bills fan on this message board, please note, and I say this with peace and love, I will not give out money if you are aggressive about it. If you come up to me in the street asking for money, I will not have my wallet with me, however if you have a nice passive sign and I have something to give, you'll have a better chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dante Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 I never give anything. I always think it's a scam. That's because lots of times it is. The only nagging thought in the back of my head is what if it's a messed up veteran? If I only knew for sure I would give . I guess a viable option would offer to go buy them food to eat instead of giving money. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 I used to. Worked in DC and was going to work and a man had sign "Hungry. Need money for food." so I gave him the lunch I just bought. He threw it on the ground and said I want money for liquor and that was the last time I gave anything. Charities I will give unless I find the charities are just selling donations at bulk to companies which sell them in shops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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