seamaiden

I'm not rich (part of the working poor actually), but I live a comfortable life. I have a clean, safe apartment, nice things, a car, a job (be it only part-time). When I'm downtown passing by a panhandler, I find myself wanting to give a little, but also thinking they should work for what they get (like the rest of us have to). Now, more and more, I feel like giving something to help them through their day, but I literally count change to make sure my bills are paid each month. I try not to be judgmental...I don't know what brought them to beg on the street, but I doubt it's how they really want to spend their days. I once gave a girl a chocolate bar I had in my purse (I didn't have any money) and she was grateful. I also gave a guy $5.00, but I think I was motivated by the fact he had a dog who looked hungry...I felt a little guilty thinking of the dog more than the man. It doesn't seem right to walk past people like they don't even exist, when they're asking for a little help.

Am I a big softie, or can a little change turn someones day around?

Zenturian

Nope. I never do.

Xerxys

Nope. Not because I think they might need it more than I do ... I save EVERY LAST DAMN PENNY! I don't have a life because of this, so no. I don't give them money. I'm illiterate and yet as of today after 3 weeks of unemployment I have a second job lined up. So no, I don't give them money. Even the ones who put on a show. If suffer for your art it is, then you will suffer. I, suffer minimum wage.

Martian

I wouldn't say you're a softie. At least, not in a negative way.

Most cultures and religions view charity as a virtue, and some even regard it as an obligation.

That said, I don't give money to beggars. Am I an unfeeling monster? Well, maybe. But my reasoning is that it's not a very efficient way of helping people; I may get a more immediate sense of gratification from giving a beggar a dollar, but once that dollar's spent it hasn't really changed things. I figure my money is better donated to charitable organizations who will reach out to large numbers of less fortunate individuals.

And, as usual when this subject comes up, I just want to take a quick moment to point out that buskers (aka street performers) are not the same as beggars. Buskers are rarely homeless, and it's not at all unusual for busking to be a career for them. It's common to see musicians, but of course there's also living statues, jugglers, magicians and puppeteers, to name a few. Frequently large cities will require buskers to be licensed to perform, and I know that Toronto at least holds annual auditions for the right to perform in subway stations.

A beggar is asking for help, while a busker is earning a living. I almost always give to buskers when I see them.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

Xerxys

^^Well said. This topic has been widely discussed but not to my satisfaction. Here are three threads about the same thing with very different opinions on the matter (Personally, of course).

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/general...-homeless.html

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/general...ers-money.html

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/general...me-dollar.html

Charlatan

Sometimes... it depends on if I am feeling charitable.

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

seamaiden

Oh...me too. Saw this guy at the Halifax Busker Festival this summer.
We gave him $10.00...he was fantastic.

mixedmedia

yes, I do. when I have cash, which is less of the time these days now that there's debit cards.

__________________
Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus
PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce

seamaiden

I had an album in the 1970's that this thread brought to mind.

Check out Ralph McTell Streets of London on youtube.

m0rpheus

I've said it in another thread but...

I'll almost never give anything to a panhandler, but will dig in for a busker.

__________________
"it never got weird enough for me." - Hunter S. Thompson

levite

I will almost always give to someone who sparechanges me on the street, because my religion emphasizes giving charity immediately, and without asking too many questions unless absolutely necessary. I seldom give bills, but I keep my change loose in my pocket, and whenever asked, I will give all the change I have. If asked again, I will wait until I have more change to give, given that if I have any bills on me, it will almost certainly be for some specific need that cannot wait. Otherwise, I seldom carry more than a couple of dollars cash on me-- I use my cards for everything.

Buskers-- hells yeah, all the way.

__________________
Dull sublunary lovers love,
Whose soul is sense, cannot admit
Absence, because it doth remove
That thing which elemented it.

(From "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" by John Donne)

Grancey

I always give to street performers.....buskers.

I now have a new nickname for my cat.

__________________
Quiet, mild-mannered souls might just turn out to be roaring lions of two-fisted cool.

Willravel

I have some money and I don't pretend that gives me a right to judge people that don't. If someone asks me for money, they get some no questions asked.

remy1492

I used to be hardcore, NO MONEY. I have seen 3rd world countries where we bring food and supplies in. People, poor people, in America are literally in a world of luxury compared to some of the places out there. Its all perspective.

Our definition of "poor" is a deceptive one. "Poor" in Djibouti, IS dirt poor, literally.

So my idea was that in America you have no excuse, get a job, get a life!!!!! Lately though I have seen a LOT more beggers, not the normal crackhead type, but people who look like they are really out of a job, and for somebody who used to own a house and two cars to beg to feed his kid or wife while he looks for another job.............well, that must feel demeaning. I can see that one some faces. So now I do give, because tomorrow it could be me on that street. A normal, honest guy doing his best and hard luck comes his way.

And like Xerx, I use coupons, look at things on the shelves at the store and then put it back thinking, I can go without this to save some more money. So my money is valuable to me, I hope it is as valuable to them.

GreyWolf

I have a lot of personal conflict with this issue. Although I've never lived on the street, I've had enough experience with self-destructive addictive behaviour to be very wary of helping others kill themselves. Not all street people are addicts/alcoholics, but enough are that I feel I may be aiding their addiction. I have literally had to pull back and watch a close relative almost kill himself because of an addictive, self-destructive lifestyle (we were called in to the hospital to make some decisions about resuscitating him). He's now recovering, and we're forcing him into a programme to deal with his situation (he's not fighting this time). Tough love is hard on both sides.

Most people don't realise that sometimes giving money to the homeless is actually hurting them. You almost have to have lived it to really understand it.

And the problem with that is you end up judging people, often negatively. I have no way of knowing if they are an addict or a victim of circumstance. It does make it a hard choice for me.

That being said, I almost always DO give something if I have any loose change (in Canada, change goes up to $2, our bills only start at $5, which is a little high for a street handout IMO). My preferred alternative if they say it's for coffee or a bite to eat is, if I have the time, to go into a coffee shop and grab them a coffee & muffin. It just makes me feel I haven't contributed directly to their problem.

__________________
The secret to great marksmanship is deciding what the target was AFTER you've shot.

Lasereth

Hell no. There's lots of programs out there to help these people. And I have no moral obligation to give my money away that I earned.

__________________
"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

Poppinjay

Name the programs.

Homeless Programs Cut - DC

"Crushing" cuts to homeless programs - North Carolina

Homeless programs cut - NYC and NY State

Homeless Programs Cut - Seattle

etc.

I have no moral obligation to give to the homeless, nor do I do it because it makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I do it because I feel compassion for the individual, depending on what their pitch is. Shaking a can, or acting loud and obnoxious doesn't do anything for me.

I figure it's the same case if a person needs a dollar because he's short for the subway. This person needs a small boost, I have some money that will likely go in a jar or soda machine.

There's also an urban factor, how large of an area a person lives in. I walk through a park to get to work in DC that has about 15 or so homeless people in it every day. This is not something I experienced in any other place I've lived, and it has made a big difference in how I view giving to the homeless.

Additionally, I don't care if they use it to buy liquor or drugs. I don't know or care if that's the best way to go for them. It may be.

__________________
I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

The_Jazz

This is my philosophy as well. If you've got a good story, I'll probably buy it. I might not believe it, but I'll buy it. I've even given money to people that have said "I'm going to buy beer/wine/crack with it", the reason being that they're being honest and I'll support honesty most every time. If they're being honest, they're not robbing someone.

Now, I just walked back from lunch and was solicited 3 times. I didn't give money to any of them, despite having cash in my pocket. I just didn't have time to listen to the story. There's the shortfall of that philosophy.

__________________
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin
"There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush
"We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

wooÐs

If you do good, you get good. Even if you are being duped. So yeah, if I'm able to, I'll give.

Lasereth

The shelters and homeless centers in my city.

__________________
"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

Cimarron29414

While I have given sometimes, most of the time I do not. Primarily because it enables the person to maintain their current lifestyle rather than seeking help from charities or government entities. The charity/government route usually comes with strings attached so those who want to remain dependant can't so they don't go. My hope is that by denying them on the direct route (panhandling), they will make use of the numerous services I already funded through my charitable giving and taxes.

When traveling, we always get doggie bags at the restaurants with plasticware. We are very careful about segregating what we intend to eat from what we intend to give away before we start eating. Invariably, we have the opportunity to give a decent meal to someone who really needs it instead of letting it get thrown out. I've fed quite a few people doing this over the years. No one has ever been offended or turned it down and at least I know my money is going to feeding them and not their habit.

__________________
Gives a man a halo, does mead.

"Here lies The_Jazz: Killed by an ambitious, sparkly, pink butterfly."

ZombieSquirrel

I won't give to someone just asking on the street. I will however, give to a StreetWise vendor.

I like StreetWise because it's putting the impoverished to work and they can have some pride in what they are doing. I think it costs $2.50, but they'll give you a newspaper for whatever you give them. The articles are really good and some of the vendors write them.

By donating to the licensed vendors I know where the money is going. If I would have given the panhandler money, I would be afraid I would have just supported a habit that contributed to their position in life....drugs and/or alcohol.

StreetWise is in Chicago, but I have seen similar programs in Cincinnati, Seattle and other major metropolitan areas.

StreetWise

__________________
Attack ZombieSquirrels

Poppinjay

What, exactly, is the problem with them maintaining their current lifestyle? They are independent without charitable routes. It's the very strings associated with those routes that keeps many away.

If they would prefer a bottle over a burger, what's the sense in forcing them into a societal norm?

__________________
I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

Xerxys

^^ What? Societal norm? Eating three meals a day and having a place to sleep and clothes on your back? Nah, working to achieve these things is crazy talk. All these conformists like Lasereth don't know what they are talking about!!!1!1!

Seriously?

mixedmedia

At any time I hand someone my money I don't 'know where it's going.' Not sure why I have to take a particular interest in someone who is standing on a street corner.

By giving, you are not buying anything.
By not giving you are not not-buying something.
To believe so either way is a delusion.

It's a personal choice and neither of them are wrong.

__________________
Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus
PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce

Poppinjay

I haven't met a homeless person who does not have a place to sleep and clothes. I don't remember a bunch of naked, sleep deprived homeless folks running around NC during all my years there either.

Why do you think they need to be disabused of the notion that they can find nightly solace in a bottle and a bench if they haven't chosen all these great homeless programs that set them up in luxury?

__________________
I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

girldetective

Yep. I give money to people on the street, but not always those who ask because I dont always have cash on me. Every once in a while i see someone who is so obviously in need of money that I suggest they might need a hand or I ask them to do me a favor. I also like to tip big and buy art. Im obviously a supporter of homes for the homeless, food not bombs, our service industry, and local artists. I love people and want to see them do well.

im a softie, too.
Lets have t-shirts printed.

__________________
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata

timalkin

..

__________________
Trinity: "What do you need?"

Neo: "Guns. Lots of guns."

-The Matrix

mixedmedia

do you ever get tired of being so warm and uncalculating?

__________________
Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus
PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce

Baraka_Guru

I used to be of the mind to give at least a little bit to help alleviate their suffering, allowing them to do it in what way they saw fit.

I'm now leaning more towards preferring to support those charities that will either help them directly or help prevent others from reaching their situation.

The reason? I've read that your money will be better used if you support services that help them in substantial ways instead of giving them the money directly, where they might only feed part of the problem: drugs or alcohol. Also, many don't realize the kind of help they need and don't know where to begin to get it.

It's attitudes like this that make me grateful for the advent of social welfare programs.

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

seamaiden

It's seems to me that there are a lot of mental health issues with many people that end up begging on the streets. There may very well be the infrastructure in place for them to get help, but many don't seek it...some don't want it, some don't know how...but they still deserve to be acknowledged, not to starve or freeze to death. If I had more, I'd give more.

KellyC

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I feel bad when I don't. Some times I buy food for them. I'm willing to accept that they might be lying to me.

__________________
Him: Ok, I have to ask, what do you believe?
Me: Shit happens.

Ayashe

Rarely would I give money to a panhandler. I have previously given a bit of change to someone who stated a specific need. "I am a dime short for the bus." No problem. Unfortunately I have seen so many false beggers it is pathetic. I have seen those with the "will work for food" signs that have been offered rides to the food shelf or some little chore at the local church and turn them down. Most memorable to me was on my trip to Washington. While in Tacoma there were so many beggers it was disgusting. What disgusted me further was that on one early morning coffee run from my hotel I actually witnessed "beggers" getting into their roles. Taking off their shoes and hiding them, picking up dirt from the streets and sidewalks and rubbing it on their face and clothes to be more believable in their performances.

I should add that in the downtown areas near my home there are multiple places for people to obtain food. Shelter can be difficult, there are usually lotteries for a warm bed in the winter but food is really no problem. I would prefer to donate my money to the food shelf or those other organizations and no that my well-earned money is going to serve those with real needs.

__________________
I am only a little spoon in a huge world of soup.

cdwonderful

I do, but I make them tell me a joke first. Dont matter how bad or old it is.....
even a knock knock joke will do. Why? Well, its because then they have elevated themselves from panhandler to street performer and that I CAN justify giving money for. Convoluted, perhaps. But it lets me sleep at night.


oh, and I feed stray animals too. (so sue me)

__________________
Never try to teach a pig to whistle
it wastes your time,
and annoys the pig.....

ametc

I never do. There once was a time where I used to feel sorry for them, but after practically living in Downtown San Diego (I hung out there everyday when I was in highschool) I realized how much free help they could get.

Now, for the folks that have some bit of talent, I'll give them a little something. But, if they're just sitting on the ground with their blankets and crackpipe... I ignore them. I don't want to help them ruin their lives even more by giving them more money to buy more crack. I've offered to buy some of them some food after they've told me that they were hungry... they preferred to just get the money instead of me buying them food, so I refused to give them any money at all.

Here in San Diego, they have the means to get help, but they don't want it. :/

northstar

I offer them food. They usually turn it down.

Poppinjay

I've never had food turned down.

__________________
I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

KellyC

would you buy this?



I'd give him some money for being so creative.

__________________
Him: Ok, I have to ask, what do you believe?
Me: Shit happens.

raptor9k

deleted

Bijoufem

- Yes I give to the disadvantage because one time I was where most are today...