a healthy earth for the kids

pickupyourwill

...

Who Princess

I have a standard response when I'm asked for money: "Sorry, I don't give money to people I don't know."

My biggest concern is my personal safety--while I'm looking in my purse for change, there's plenty of opportunity to reach into my purse and grab my wallet (happened to a friend) or to knock me down and run off with my purse (happened to me). Also, I know that in spite of the story they are telling me, there's a good chance they want the money for drugs or alcohol. It probably wouldn't bother some people how the person will use the money. I just don't feel right contributing to the addiction that may be keeping them homeless.

I tend to be a generous person but I'm not comfortable giving someone money when I'm asked by a stranger on the street.

dimitrispearljam

its easy for me the last years..
i answer,"Sorry,im Greek.."

EdsonNascimento

dimitrispearljam wrote:

its easy for me the last years..
i answer,"Sorry,im Greek.."

JonnyPistachio

I once was approached, in a parking lot by two haggard looking people (a couple), they were very sad and told a sob story...and they asked me for money. I gave them two dollars. Then I walked over to the supermarket with a girl from work.. We were buying beer. I was waiting in line by, looking at a magazine, when the haggard couple walks by, laughing and having a ball...and I kid you not, the man was counting a stack of bills. I know this probably isnt the norm, but I've never once given money on the street since then. And some beggars can get awful pushy, so I dont blame people who ignore them. They can be misleading, and they sometimes wait until you're getting out of your car so that you feel vulnerable, as if they might do something to your car.

Snakeduck

I see homeless people working in shifts and just handing off their "disabled vet" sign to the next person who comes to work the corner. Makes me want to set up a table with hole in the top and a skirt all around it. Then I would poke my head through the hole with my body hidden below the table so it looked like all I was was a head (like in Futurama). Then I'd have my own disabled vet sign. Who is going to resist giving money to a veteran that is just a head? Talk about down on your luck...

Black Diamond

EdsonNascimento wrote:

dimitrispearljam wrote:

its easy for me the last years..
i answer,"Sorry,im Greek.."

PureandEasy

dimitrispearljam wrote:

its easy for me the last years..
i answer,"Sorry,im Greek.."

sorry Dimi, but that is HILARIOUS.

I also feel very guilty for finding that so funny :?

It all depends on the situation, I'm with Whoprincess - I won't reach into my bag if someone asks for money or a cigarette, I just say, no sorry. I have given people money before, but it's out of my pocket or the change I may have in my car when they walk up to it

LloydXmas

I got a flat tire in Hartford once (late). As I was fixing it, this homeless guy came up and asked if I needed help. I told him multiple times that i was all set and he wouldn't budge. When he was done holding my nuts and bolts, he asked me for some cash. Instead of cash I gave him a pair of leather gloves and a scarf.

Wilds

Agree with the safety issues. I'll give money to people on the street often enough, especially if they are seated.


However I've got a VERY strict "No" policy at:

ATM Machines
Gas Stations
Walking out of a Convenience Store
and I think I would add in a Parking Lot


There is a very real threat in those situations and if we collectively said no in those situations, perhaps then it would stop.

People are very vunerable in those spots and there are too many stories of theft and fraud that happen.

A pushy panhandler is OUT in my opinion.



-Wilds

dimitrispearljam

PureandEasy wrote:

dimitrispearljam wrote:

its easy for me the last years..
i answer,"Sorry,im Greek.."

sorry Dimi, but that is HILARIOUS.

I also feel very guilty for finding that so funny :?

It all depends on the situation, I'm with Whoprincess - I won't reach into my bag if someone asks for money or a cigarette, I just say, no sorry. I have given people money before, but it's out of my pocket or the change I may have in my car when they walk up to it

its funny and the truth the same time!!!!

PureandEasy

dimitrispearljam wrote:

PureandEasy wrote:

dimitrispearljam wrote:

its easy for me the last years..
i answer,"Sorry,im Greek.."

sorry Dimi, but that is HILARIOUS.

I also feel very guilty for finding that so funny :?

It all depends on the situation, I'm with Whoprincess - I won't reach into my bag if someone asks for money or a cigarette, I just say, no sorry. I have given people money before, but it's out of my pocket or the change I may have in my car when they walk up to it

its funny and the truth the same time!!!!

I laughed so loud that my co-worker, who is easily 60 yards from me, called and said, what are you laughing at?
I have quite a hearty laugh, it's one of my best qualities, I think

I've been burned before too by people I have given money to, believing their sob story, only to be approached by the very same person two hours later on a different city street. This particular gentleman actually shrunk his shoulders and cringed and said "oh, I already got you"

yes you did jackass

rick1zoo2

LloydXmas wrote:

When he was done holding my nuts

hehe......

LloydXmas wrote:

Instead of cash I gave him a pair of leather gloves

of course, his hands were cold on your nuts

LloydXmas

rick1zoo2 wrote:

LloydXmas wrote:

When he was done holding my nuts

hehe......

LloydXmas wrote:

Instead of cash I gave him a pair of leather gloves

of course, his hands were cold on your nuts

I laughed when I wrote it and was going to change it. Then I said fuck it.

MayDay10

Fuck these people, really.

Unless they have some sort of schtick that is enjoyable (which is rare), I never give money away.

I understand being hard on your luck or whatever, but go get an application for Dunkin Donuts or something.


My standard reply is to hold my hand up and say "No Thank You". The asker is usually so confused they dont/wont have a retort.

PillowPants

sure some of them are scamming ... but what percentage?

i always reply to them ... they're human too

Snakeduck

PillowPants wrote:

sure some of them are scamming ... but what percentage?

i always reply to them ... they're human too

Honestly, I do to... unless it is the scene I described above. If I see people sharing the same disabled vet sign, it tends to piss me off. When they ask for money, I ask them if they've sought assitance from the OVA or anything and when I get that blank look back I know they aren't veterans. I don't care if you ask for money, but don't pretend to be a veteran. Also, I work for a veterans organization, so I am probably biased that way.

hedonist

I've bought or given some of our locals food (one fellow didn't even have a sign or ask for anything; he just looked soul-lost and really hungry).

Sometimes I wonder what sad or fucked up road got them to this place. Stupid decisions? (bad) Luck of the draw? Things just beyond their control?

There but for the grace of (fate?) go I.

I don't know.

There are many who take full and gleeful advantage of the generosity of others. I try to go by my instinct when it comes to monetary giving.

Kimmiebyrom

I flat out do not give money to strangers. Period.
When approached I tell them just that and suggest they have a good day.

brianlux

I always have something within reaching distance in the car so that if I see someone with a cardboard sign at an intersection I can hand it to them- a small snack food, bottle of water, an apple, something like that. Money- not very often and usually then just a coin or two. Food is better.

iamica

If I have a few dimes or nickels in my pocket, I give them. There are panhandlers and beggars at practically every street corner around here, so it's practically impossible to avoid them.

Every once in awhile if I have a granola bar or some other packaged food and they approach me I'll offer it to them (some of them accept it, some get offended). One time I didn't have any cash or change on me, this guy approached me asking for money and I said, "Sorry, I don't have any" and he accused me of being racist. So I'm a little more wary of giving money nowadays...but if I have a dime or some nickels, fine.