Do you give money to people holding signs on street corners?

[Anonymous]

i do to teach my child about kindness, compassion, gratitude, etc. hey if i were homeless i might need a shot from time to time.

[Anonymous]

I don't because I give to charities and I also believe that between our taxes and the charities, people have somewhere to go and something to eat. It's not like the Great Depression or ancient times or in other countries (depending on the country I would give if in a similar situation). Since folks have somewhere to go, me giving them money only stalls them from going there, or worse, could go for drugs. I don't want to help someone stay addicted or stay on the streets; I want to help them get off the streets!

That being said, sometimes it is really hard to not give; it makes me feel bad---and it would be so easy to give and feel good. But I truly believe it's not in the person's best interest (and before somebody says 'who are you to know what someone's best interest is'--well it's my opinion and my money so I think I am entitled to do with it what I want). I explain this to my kids.

I think that *some* people who give are actually behaving selfishly--they just want to feel good (or not feel bad and guilty) in the moment, and don't really care about that person--don't really care that the money will probably go to continue or escalate a drug problem.

[Anonymous]

No. Because of situations like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seUmRXn_1qY
An undercover investigation with 3 fake panhandlers just to see what they'd earn.

Or this guy:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/shane-warren-speegle-says_n_1694577.html
Makes $60,000 a year begging.

I'm too cynical now. Think most of them are only out begging because they don't want to get a job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. The argument that "it just goes to booze or drugs" doesn't fly with me. I feel a responsibility to respond in kindness when I see another human hurting. If I have cash, I'll give a few dollars. It's none of my business what that person chooses to do with my gift.

I agree with this.

My mom would never give money to people because 'it just goes to booze'. But, you know what - who am I to judge?? If my life was that crappy that I had to beg for money on the corner, I'd hope I had enough cash to get drunk and not think about it.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes if I have an unopened water bottle I'll hand that out, but I don't give money.