Do You Give To Beggars?

[Hilde]

We have quite a few beggars in Oslo, but many of them are organized and the rest I'm afraid what would do with the money, so I've never really given anything directly, not food either. I was just wondering what you think about it and what you do, but Norway might be different from where you are.

[Jesus_lol]

i have several times. couple of bucks here and there.

[Lil Red]

+JMJ+
sometimes. not usually.

[YMNolan]

Almost never. It's probably wrong of me but I just don't. Should I?

[laetitia crucis]

Usually if I have the funds, I try giving food of some sort. Along with a Miraculous Medal.

While studying in London, a friend and I would give sandwiches and a bottle of water.

While living in NYC, I usually carried extra granola bars and fruit in my satchel to give out.

Always with a Miraculous Medal.

[mcts]

I'll give food. I'm too skeptical to give money.

[homeschoolmom]

Nope, never. The only time I encounter beggers is when I'm in my car. I'm not apt to roll down my window when approached by strangers.

eta: Though I think I may have handed one a bag of chips once...

[Selah]

I'm very cautious, as many times I don't know where the money is going. But I do try to give every so often.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

I got conned by a homeless guy in Steubenville once, lol. He asked if he could have a sandwich, then ordered two. He asked if he could have a bag of chips *holds up a single serving bag*, then grabbed two family sized bags. He did the same thing with the drink.

I didn't have the heart to say no.

I usually avoid it just because you never know...some towns have outlawed begging or assisting beggars and it could be a sting. Sometimes a "beggar" turns out to be offering "services." It's just too risky. Send them to a shelter or a church.

[Nihil Obstat]

Seems like a better idea to me to pick a solid local organization and donate to them, then refer those guys there.

[CatherineM]

No. If you ask people who work at homeless shelters they will tell you to never give money. It's for two reasons. Giving them money enables them to go one more day without seeking help. It also can set them up to believe they are entitled to the money making them aggressive. I donate my time and money to groups that offer help and hope to the homeless instead.

I have given money to a beggar only once since I've been in Edmonton. A guy at the bus stop wanted money for the bus to go to the hospital. He showed me his obviously dislocated shoulder. I gave him the bus money. I saw him a few days later showing the dislocated shoulder to another pigeon. I guess he can pop it in and out at will. Pretty good trick.

[MithLuin]

Giving money generally funds drug problems and alcohol. There are cases where someone needs money for other things, but most of the people I see begging, that's not the case. (I'm not just guessing or surmising this - the amputee is a heroin addict, and another guy holds a sign saying "Let's be honest, I need a drink!" It's the same people all the time, so you get to know them after awhile.)

I have no problem giving away whatever food I have with me when I meet a beggar. I don't care if they 'need' it or not. If I have the food on me, it's because I was going to eat it anyway, so there's no harm in sharing. Generally, I offer it, I don't just give it. IE, "Would you like a soda/fruit snack/chocolate bar?" and if they say no thanks, I don't give it. If they say yes, I share. When I was visiting Chicago, I met a beggar while standing outside a mart. I asked him what kind of fruit he liked, and he said "apple," so I bought him an apple.

If I don't have any food, I don't make eye contact.

I've seen plenty of scams, so I know how a lot of them work. I've talked to the police officers in my city, who say you should *never* give money to a beggar. We have a lot of crime and drugs here -- it's just making their jobs harder.

I agree that supporting charities (food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, etc) is a better way to help people who need help. Giving food allows me to make human contact and smile, and for us to say "God bless" to each other. I think that's a nice gesture in life, and sometimes more important than the pack of peanut butter crackers. Just a reminder that we're all human, all in this together.

[morostheos]

If I do give them anything, it's usually food. If they say they need money for something specific, like bus fare, I will sometimes buy a ticket for them and give them that. Never money.

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

In Chicago, we have a newspaper called Streetwise that is sold by homeless people, published by an organization that helps the homeless. The vendors have to register and wear an identity necklace so you know they are authorized vendors.

Whenever I see someone selling the magazine, I buy it, even if I already have that issue. And, I give the seller an extra dollar or two more than the price. The vendors are not allowed to ask for extra money (and I have never had one ask), but they are allowed to accept extra money if you give it.

I figure that when I give money to a Streetwise vendor, I'm giving it to someone who is really trying to make their situation better. It's not easy for them to stand outside in all weathers, selling a newspaper. By selling a newspaper, it gives them more dignity than simply begging.

I do this in addition to "official" giving to charities.

That could easily be me someday.

Edited May 17, 2010 by IgnatiusofLoyola

[MissyP89]

Food, but never money. My band director took us into NYC a few times and told us to go to Burger King before we ever think of opening our wallets. It's sad, but for the best.