Beggars - how do you handle?

[Anonymous]

I can honestly state that I have never in my 46 years ever given money to a beggar. Fvck them. I grew up in extreme poverty and if they think I will hand over my hard earned money they are clueless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I never give to beggars in the US, give me a break!!! Last time I offered to get someone food, I came out of 7/11 and they were on the cell phone. If you want to see real poverty, go to India. I gave money to people living in cardboard boxes, where they were actually poor and not living on the street for fun. I will never give Americans a penny!! Homeless here have so many options and are too lazy to get a job or find resources.

Many are mentally ill. But hey...if it helps you feel better about yourself, keep believing that.

That’s not my problem and there are resources for mentally ill people. If they can stand on a corner for 8 hours they can go get a J.O.B

There are resources but not enough and, more importantly, their mental illness might make it difficult or impossible for them to access those services. Cash isn’t a great option but you are kidding yourself if its as straightforward as them availing themselves of “resources.”

[Anonymous]

I say “no, sorry” if they ask because I don’t support panhandling.

There is one nice guy who I see often. I’ve seen him help people etc. sometimes I bring him food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whether in the street or on the Metro, how do you / should you handle panhandlers? Do you give them money, talk to them, avert your eyes and ignore?

I find I am inconsistent.

Begging/panhandling is strictly illegal in the Metro. If you see someone doing it on a train, in a station or tunnel, please call metro police.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I ask them to sell me their soul for twenty dollars. This almost never fails to generate an angry, profanity laced reply, which shows you the type of person you're REALLY dealing with, behind that panhandlers smile.

On the very remote chance someone ever reacts with a polite "no thank you" or some other deferential but courteous reply, I'd actually give them $20.

No, it shows the world who you are. They are not asking for money because they are nice. They're asking for money because they're broke.

They are asking for money because that is their job

You do the same thing everyday with your employer or your clients.

Wrong. They are asking for money because they don't have the kind of job I have. The kind with pay.

Their job does get pay. They stand on a street corner asking for money. That is how they are employed. Do you think you are better than they are because you have a structured environment in which to perform it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I never give to beggars in the US, give me a break!!! Last time I offered to get someone food, I came out of 7/11 and they were on the cell phone. If you want to see real poverty, go to India. I gave money to people living in cardboard boxes, where they were actually poor and not living on the street for fun. I will never give Americans a penny!! Homeless here have so many options and are too lazy to get a job or find resources.

Many are mentally ill. But hey...if it helps you feel better about yourself, keep believing that.

Many are mentally ill and have been given the chance for treatment but don’t want it. Their very illnesses prevent them from understanding that they need help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can honestly state that I have never in my 46 years ever given money to a beggar. Fvck them. I grew up in extreme poverty and if they think I will hand over my hard earned money they are clueless.

I have a similar background but I am a softie and always have a roll of dollar bills for beggars.

There but for the grace of god go I.

[Anonymous]

Do you mean people?

[Anonymous]

I politically say sorry I can’t give you anything. One time I ended up followed my one who I believe was as high as a kite, which was terrifying b/c it was late at night and few people around.

I never get out my wallet, even if I had cash would I ask them to break a $20? Just bad idea all around, and far more effective to give to charities.

[Anonymous]

Interstate exits in my city can pull in $400 per day in
panhandling, generally in the form of $20 bills.

My father in law, who could not afford it, would never
pass a panhandler without giving them a $20 bill.

[Anonymous]

I’m a nanny and work 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. I often work 70 hours and someone standing on a corner all day with a cup wants MY money? Oh hell no. Go get a job!!

[Anonymous]

My husband and I only give food (not leftovers) and water/coffee. We also donate to our local shelter.

[Anonymous]

My county has the wherewithal to take care of the immediate needs of all of the homeless people within its borders. The network of people who work with those who need housing and basic care asks that no one hand over money to panhandlers.

I give to that network and don’t feel guilty for not handing over cash when approached.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never give to beggars in the US, give me a break!!! Last time I offered to get someone food, I came out of 7/11 and they were on the cell phone. If you want to see real poverty, go to India. I gave money to people living in cardboard boxes, where they were actually poor and not living on the street for fun. I will never give Americans a penny!! Homeless here have so many options and are too lazy to get a job or find resources.

Homeless people in the US are given phones so they can search for jobs and keep in contact with doctors, caseworkers, and family. I was very grateful that my mentally ill brother was given a phone. It’s a lifeline, not a luxury.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I never give to beggars in the US, give me a break!!! Last time I offered to get someone food, I came out of 7/11 and they were on the cell phone. If you want to see real poverty, go to India. I gave money to people living in cardboard boxes, where they were actually poor and not living on the street for fun. I will never give Americans a penny!! Homeless here have so many options and are too lazy to get a job or find resources.

Many are mentally ill. But hey...if it helps you feel better about yourself, keep believing that.

That’s not my problem and there are resources for mentally ill people. If they can stand on a corner for 8 hours they can go get a J.O.B

This. An able-bodied man or woman with the ability to panhandle all day long can clearly handle a physically-taxing job.