What's your opinion on Homeless people and giving them money in the street?

[General Grievous]

How do you know who is genuine?

"I shall never again think that all tramps are drunken scoundrels, Nor expect a beggar to be grateful when I give him a penny, Nor be surprised if men out of work lack energy".

-George Orwell.

There are so many in dublin at the moment. I wonder would orwell have been able to tell the real homeless person from the scam artists that exist as well.

It's a tough one.

[Asmith]

I guess it's a question of whether you have the ability to generate sympathy for your fellow man or not... if you can it doesn't matter that some may be 'scam artists'.

...and it's not like these 'scam artists' of yours are using the pocket change they pick up to play the international currency market...

[vcassel]

Originally Posted by General Grievous

How do you know who is genuine?

"I shall never again think that all tramps are drunken scoundrels, Nor expect a beggar to be grateful when I give him a penny, Nor be surprised if men out of work lack energy".

-George Orwell.

There are so many in dublin at the moment. I wonder would orwell have been able to tell the real homeless person from the scam artists that exist as well.

It's a tough one.

easy enough. while many homeless people perhaps really can use a given dollar to purchase much need nourishment (however much can be bought for a dollar), it's better to save the money you would give to the homeless each year and put it towards something more reliable like a shelter.

many fell on rotten luck and just need a chance and place to stand. some fresh clothes, a place to stay, and access to a phone and perhaps (well maybe not in the current economic climate) they can find a job and be about their way in life.

but i also suspect that there are many that cannot be helped. alcoholics and drug addicts. there's only so much guidance and compassion you can give, but in the end it's up to the individual to follow through and meet the struggle at least half-way.

[Arvandor]

I've tried it. Didn't like it.


They say that doing a charitable act - such as giving money to a homeless person - is supposed to make you feel good.

So why is it that whenever I do it, I always feel like crap afterwards?

[General Grievous]

Originally Posted by Asmith

...and it's not like these 'scam artists' of yours are using the pocket change they pick up to play the international currency market...

Well I have given lots of money to homeless people on the street. Sympathy+Action=Results!.

Your example is too extreme.

Some beggars have been known to brag about how much they can make on the street on any given day.

[howyadoin]

Well, they're all scam artists to some extent. But the purpose of that scam is often to find food and shelter and a drink, which are all things I personally enjoy.

Also, years ago a homeless guy gave me a handful of change when I literally had not a penny in my pocket, so I make a point to throw someone a buck or two once in awhile.

And if you live anywhere with a large homeless population (Vancouver is apparently Canada's homeless nirvana), you can't help but develop a sense of who's really down on their luck and who's just trying to grab some easy cash.

[howyadoin]

Originally Posted by Arvandor

They say that doing a charitable act - such as giving money to a homeless person - is supposed to make you feel good.

That's hardly the point of charity, though.

[General Grievous]

Originally Posted by Arvandor

So why is it that whenever I do it, I always feel like crap afterwards?

Because you knew it was monopoly money! .

Joke aside.

Never heard somebody feeling crap over it before. I find they are very appreciative.

@Druggies and alkies. I was given good advice years ago. If a drug addict comes up to you on the street and asks you for some money for a hostel or food. If you feel they are lieing and want to really spend the money on beer or more drugs. Then offer to bring them to the shop and get the sandwich made for them.

[Arvandor]

Originally Posted by howyadoin

That's hardly the point of charity, though.

They still say it though. Lying bastards.

[General Grievous]

Originally Posted by howyadoin

Well, they're all scam artists to some extent. But the purpose of that scam is often to find food and shelter and a drink, which are all things I personally enjoy.

I was thinking of the guys who let the blanket drop for a second by mistake only to reveal top of the range clothing/nike runners and ipod and brand new phone ect.

Food and shelter. 100% agreed.

Honest scams--I want your money for free because I really need to survive.

[Asmith]

Originally Posted by General Grievous

Well I have given lots of money to homeless people on the street. Sympathy+Action=Results!.

Your example is too extreme.

Some beggars have been known to brag about how much they can make on the street on any given day.

So in your world the down and out can beg, just as long as they're not happy with the results...?

[Schornforce]

I've been scammed by some of the panhandlers in my town numerous times. I'd rather support food pantries and local charities designed to provide help, food, and shelter to these people than just hand out money which may or may not go to someone in need. That being said, I still will usually give a handout if I'm carrying cash. Since I've lived here awhile, it's a bit easier to spot the 'regulars.'

[General Grievous]

Originally Posted by Asmith

So in your world the down and out can beg, just as long as they're not happy with the results...?

Down and out implies no roof over their heads. Where do you think they are going on the bus? I'll tell you. Home to sleep in there houses.

There's a big difference between survival and earning a grand a week on the streets.

[howyadoin]

Originally Posted by General Grievous

I was thinking of the guys who let the blanket drop for a second by mistake only to reveal top of the range clothing/nike runners and ipod and brand new phone ect.

I find you can tell a lot by their footwear.

Originally Posted by General Grievous

Honest scams--I want your money for free because I really need to survive.

Don't we all really need to survive?

[vcassel]

i've actually been attacked by a homeless man before and threatened by another, both times refusing to give them money (actually i didn't have to give seeing as how i'm usually broke).

the man who attacked me reached into my car window at me and grabbed me by the lapel as i was leaving a ft. lauderdale bar. i had to punch him in the face several times to get him off of me.

the man who threatened me was camped outside a 7-11, called me "shit eater" a few times, and followed me in.

it's actually quite a problem in ft. lauderdale since many of the homeless are people released from county prison and have no where else to go.