Panhandling

[jmjj215]

Re: Panhandling

He chased people with the leg unattached? That sounds pretty impressive, if my mental image I've conjured up is correct

Everyone comes with a story

I've been lied to so many times it's made it really hard to believe these people. And, I'll admit, after the one horrible experience I had trying to help a "homeless vet", I'm never going about it in that way again. I'll donate time, I'll donate money to my church to help the needy in the congregation (whom the pastor knows intimately, and can genuinely help), but as of right now, I do not give to panhandlers.

Perhaps a situation later in life will change my mind - I'm going to try and stay open. It's tough though.

[CheaplyClever]

Re: Panhandling

I give change if I have it in my pocket. .

I did this very thing in Mexico, reached in my pocket and gave a little boy some change. Next thing I knew about 4 kids grabbed ahold of DH's legs and would not let go. I know that's what they do, but it was sad.

[abowers]

Re: Panhandling

Who/what is DH?

[CheaplyClever]

Re: Panhandling

Dear Husband

It took me awhile too!

[lisajane]

Re: Panhandling

Well I suppose it may be a little bit more legitimate in Mexico. In the US and CA they just do it to play on your heart strings. But I'm not a traveller and am unsure about my statement. But I would be more apt to give to someone in a foreign country.

[cercis]

Re: Panhandling

They ask you not to give to the kids in Mexico because parents there are so desperate they actually pull kids out of school and have them beg on school days.

I think the best charity in border towns or Mexico would be to pay for kids to go to school (actually pay them to be there). Border towns are very, very sad. I've never been anywhere other than Nuevo Progressive and Reynosa, but I've been told they're very representative of border towns.

We do however, buy from the street vendors and give to the adults.

[elcheapo]

Re: Panhandling

sure, I always trying to give them a little something.

[Luv2shop]

Re: Panhandling

A friend of mine went into wawa and bought food for a panhandler. He gave it to him and when he looked back, the guy threw it in the trash.
I also talked to this one guy (named Jason). I asked him why he doesn't get a job. He said, "I'm cool, I bum for change". He slept outside in a tent and smelled really bad. I saw people give him $20 last Christmas. There was something wrong with this guy. It's sad.
I have had people come up to me in a supermarket parking lot asking me for money for gas money, food or whatever. I had 1 guy get mad when I told him i didn't have any money on me. I usually never carry cash. I don't give to them anymore. I donate to charity.

[aniceguy_2]

Re: Panhandling

Well I have only seen panhandlers once in my life it was in NYC & I was 16 I really didnt have anything to give them but I remember my dad giving to some if we asked for directions they gave us the directions my dad would give them some money.

I did have an opinion on these people but I guess until we have walked in thier shoes I hate to judge now. I used to be quick to judge everyone who came my way but now my thoughts have changed as I have gotten older & had more experiences I know not every situation can possibly be the same.

Before I answer I would like to tell a story...
I was 17 and living in the city.One day I gave a man in cruches 20 dollars because I felt bad for him.Suddenly he threw his cruches on the ground and ran after someone while he yelled something about drugs.After that I vowed never to give to beggers on the street.

Now I don't want to come off heartless.Especially since I posted a financial problem that I was trying to find a solution for.But I have very little sympathy for beggers.Most of them are druggies and/or boozers.Most of them can seek help from sources other then the random people they beg from.Such as churches and welfare programs.I once was even homeless myself.I never needed to beg and never did.I was fed by churches and paid through welfare and even was put up in a hotel for an entire month by a church so I could get and keep a job.This was several years ago before I became disabled but I know that those sevices, at least some of them, are still available to those in need.

There is no excuse for outright bumming on the streets or in front of businesses.When you give to them you are only encouraging them to continue to bum.The best way to help is donate to churches that offer housing or food to the homeless.If you feel compeled to give to the homeless directly may I suggest just giving them food.Chances are that if they are really hungary then they will be just as happy with the food you offer.

As I said, I don't mean to sound heartless.I am someone who could use some financial help myself.But I would never outright bum from total strangers.I would ask for advice maybe.But I think beggers are irritating.I hate every time I go to the store there are dirty guys sitting outside or on the sidewalk begging.I would not want to be one of them because I know there is a better way to get help and I would not want to be another annoying begger.