do you give homeless people change?

[Yuri-G]

inb4 http://static.tvguide.com/MediaBin/G...uth-park19.jpg

I don't. I used to, but have since stopped. I gave a dude change for the first time in like two years last night, and he had the balls to say it wasn't enough and try and guilt me into giving more. so I took my change back, dropped a few f-bombs in his direction, and made this thread.

I am curious, however, to see how many people do and how many people don't.

also, I do reward busking, but I see that as an entirely different issue. I'm more than happy to share a few dollars or even five or ten on occasion, if you've earned it.

[Mayareira]

I bet Obama does.

[Mamimikun]

Depends on the person we have people around here who beg for change that later drive off in BMW's i do give this one guy with 2 dogs change if i have it

[Qalbert]

I will sometimes buy them food if they are by a restaurant. otherwise no.

[Yuri-G]

dude pets are right up there with fake cancer and veteran status when it comes to getting money. when I visited san fran last, there was a guy with this adorable dog that looked like it was sick, right by the wharf, I gave him change every time I walked past. I just couldn't help myself.

I guess I really do care more about animals than people... oh well that's no big shock.

[The Stig]

Only if buskering too, especially if it's above the average buskering, i.e. involving animals or doing "human" statues (forget what they're called, they change position every now and then).

[Kael]

If I have any to spare and they APPEAR to not be ready to turn it into booze or meth money. During the spring/summer if I'm out at lunch I'll give them some fruit from my lunch.

I don't think I've ever had one be ungrateful about my handouts.

[Xno Kappa]

I gave five bucks to some dude once on a corner with a sign saying;

"Ninja's killed my family. Need money for Kung Fu lessons."

I like to pay for my funnies. Other then that, I use to take them to nearest bodega instead.

[Dense]

There was a time when I did, heavily, and then stopped. I then started donating small amounts on a monthly basis to organisations with the resources with which to disseminate my donations in earnest, negating my need to give spare change. If someone is on the streets, they are not beyond lying to get what they need, and as such, I don't like having to make judgement calls about whether or not what they are asking from me is going to be put to good use.

[zoobernut]

I give people food but I never give them money. If they are really homeless and want help that should be enough for them and if it isn't then they don't deserve money anyway.

[Mamimikun]

Awhile ago the radio station KROQ here did a think on homeless and how much money they make I'm pretty sure the guy whom plays music makes 60k a year

[Suited Aces]

Theres a dude who usually plays guitar outside the Reading Terminal in philly.

If I see him, i'll buy two turkey sandwiches and give him one.

[Cyn]

I only give them money if I think they'll spend it on booze or drugs.

[Gunitsoldier]

Nope. If you want my money, entertain me.

[Mizango]

Just depends really. I sometimes will give food or crackers if I have it or any lose change that I may have just lying around. The way I look at it is like this, I make more than enough money for myself and I genuinely have an interests in other people.

Do some people abuse it and by drugs and booze? I'm sure they do, but the way I look at it is from the standpoint of; Hey, I did my part and at least attempted to help someone, what they do with it is something they have to ultimately live or die with.

[Cream Soda]

i do sometimes, if they perform the dance of joy

[Jakson]

My stereo/phone/pocket lint all of a sudden becomes more interesting when bums looking for handouts are around.

[Jaybar]

Yea I'll give change, but not to just anybody I see panhandling. There's this dude that hangs out by one of our Jewels, and my good friend has known this guy for like 10 years. This man is the only person I will confidently give change to (without the whole guilt trip).

I was about to go on this tirade about whether they use it for food or drugs, but Miz pretty much answered that in a nutshell.

[Mizango]

But I can understand both sides of the argument. I guess its easier to give away money if you make more than enough to live comfortably. But I cant really knock anyone for giving or not giving, shit depends on your situation and stability.

[Correction]

I give money to the mexicans holding bouquets, peanuts and oranges at freeway exits. I get bouquets, peanuts and oranges out of the bargain. All homeless people do is smell like shit and come back tomorrow begging for more.