MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Who here supports panhandlers?

Who here supports panhandlers?

posted 7 years ago by FredBurroughs (21909)
43 replies | jump to latest

When someone on the street approaches you asking for alms, how do you usually respond? I usually decline to give them any cash, sometimes looking off into the distance and yelling "Kyle, Kyle, don't go in there!" before I run across the street. It's a good way to get out of most conversations.

However, people straight up asking for food or water tug at my sympathies. Recently someone approached me outside a takeout restaurant asking for a couple bucks. When I told him I didn't have anything to spare, he said he just wanted a little something to eat, so I told him to wait outside and came back with a sandwich.

In conclusion, homeless life isn't easy. What does everyone else think?

[–] Sofia (30) 7 years ago

I always do that,even the last coin in my pocket

[–] Catbookss (13664) 7 years ago

I let intuition and the amount of cash I have on me be my guide, so my answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no.

It's not up to me what they do with the money after it leaves my hand.

Buying someone food is a kindness, but I prefer to let them have the choice of choosing what they'd like to eat. If someone's homeless, they have few enough pleasures and choices in their lives as it is.

If occasionally I'm getting conned, that's on them, not on me.

[–] lordbishop34 (1442) 7 years ago

Unfortunately in my area we have a lot of people pretending to be worse off and attempting to get money they don't need. Also substance abuse is rampant in homeless groups so cash is usually a very bad idea. I rarely have cash so I honestly can tell them no I don't have it. The most I have done is given someone enough money so a woman could get enough gas to get her van home. Otherwise I occasionally give money to charity groups that are ideally better able to effectively assist those that really want help.

[–] [email protected] (690) 7 years ago

Philosophically, I am very compassionate about homelessness, but it is rampant where I live, and I don't know how I'm supposed to give a buck to one person and not another. And I don't make much $$ and had to take in room mates who previously were living in a local shelter. (You wouldn't know it to look at them, they are a very well-groomed couple who work.)

I think handing out dollar bills exacerbates a bigger problem, so I don't do it, but I'm not about to get on a high-horse and denigrate people I don't know. A lot of people aren't being raised in a calm and nurturing environment, so it's not surprising their adult lives are chaos. You should see the local bus transfer station, it's a circus of unruly kids with nowhere to go..

I just wish so many poor people didn't smoke cigarettes as well, and so many healthy, young, good-looking girls seem to think smoking is a fashion accessory. But that's a different subject.

[–] charliekelly (1018) 7 years ago

I used to, until the police started doing these sting operations where they pose as panhandlers. I'm not sure if that pertains to food as well, or just money. I need to find out the specifics.

[–] Padeen (6459) 7 years ago

Thats fucked. You don't live in Colorado by chance? I have a family member out there and he said its illegal.

[–] charliekelly (1018) 7 years ago

No, I live in a very small town in the south. We actually don't have any panhandlers or homeless people in our town, but when I go to the bigger cities, I'm always leery of them possibly being cops.

[–] Catbookss (13664) 7 years ago

It's illegal there to give homeless people money??

Until Padeen said it's illegal in Colorado, I had no idea it was illegal anywhere. Seems to me people should be free to give others money if they want to -- or not.

[–] charliekelly (1018) 7 years ago

I honestly don't think it's illegal to give them something, but if the city happens to be tired of their presence, they will ticket you for other things in an attempt to deter you from giving money to them. For example, a homeless guy walks up to your car just before a stop sign or intersection and asks you for money. You give him a couple bucks and drive off feeling good about yourself, only to be pulled over 30 feet down the road and told that you didn't come to a proper stop.

Here's one that made the news: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJMaRj8628o

I think this one happens to be in Canada, but like Padeen said, I've heard of it going on here as well.

[–] Catbookss (13664) 7 years ago

Well that sucks. I hate that that guy in the video, who was only trying to help out a fellow human being in need (or so he thought), ended up being punished for it. What kind of message does that send?

Coming to a full stop and giving someone in need money are two separate things, or should be! How does someone unbuckle their seatbelt and give someone something *not* come to a stop anyway? 😬

[–] Padeen (6459) 7 years ago

Sorry, I should have checked my facts before posting. Its not illegal, but its highly discouraged. I did find this article though.

http://www.newsweek.com/illegal-feed-criminalizing-homeless-america-782861

[–] Catbookss (13664) 7 years ago

Thanks. I think that's horrible. When helping others in need becomes a matter of breaking a law, we are screwed as a society.

[–] GladyRuth (123) 7 years ago

I used to. Until a study was done in MA that showed if someone collected all the state benefits available they would pull in $54,000 per year. Now I just say "sorry, I'm already supporting you by paying my taxes. Please send me a thank you note :o/ "

Plus, this is the tourist season here and employers are going crazy finding enough workers...tons of jobs available. And yet, drive by the many many apartment complexes and see all the people sitting in the yards, drinking from a paper bag and smoking their $10/pack cigarettes.

[–] coloradotex (769) 7 years ago

The local paper where I live did a piece on them a coupla years ago - One of the panhandlers admitted that on some days she was " pulling in " 200 - 500 bucks a day.
Between the city and the county , tax dollars are going to multiple shelters , food charities, soup kitchens , etc - plenty of welfare for the benefit of freeloaders - I already donate to shelters , etc. and have volunteered to help in kitchens in the past.

I am older now and am disabled - I am not going to give to panhandlers on top of charity and taxes I already pay.
I know some of them are legitimate and I sympathize with and pray for them - The sad truth is the majority of them have no intention of looking for work and contributing to society.

Bottom line , I have absolutely no sympathy for the scammers and " takers "

[–] samoanjoes (57636) 7 years ago

If they're not being aggressive, why not give them some money if you can? Sure they could spend it on drugs, but not everyone is like that and they shouldn't be punished because of people like that.

[–] Catbookss (13664) 7 years ago

"Sure they could spend it on drugs, but not everyone is like that and they shouldn't be punished because of people like that."

Good point. The majority shouldn't be punished because of the few.

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

Yes I think if you give someone money of your own free will,that is you're not being coerced, you should definitely give it unconditionally.
Once it is theirs, it is theirs to spend on whatever they choose.

I think it must feel so dehumanizing to be homeless and begging, having people hurry past or look at you like you're filth. The world would be a better place if we showed a little empathy and realised how lucky we are.

[–] Catbookss (13664) 7 years ago

That's how I feel about it. If I choose to give someone money -- or anything -- it's not my business what they do with it. And, as I posted earlier, homeless people have few enough choices as it is. That must suck.

It's a bad enough position to be in by itself, but it must be so very isolating. People hurrying by or shooting them dirty looks, or avoiding any eye contact, let alone a smile. I try to not avoid eye contact and give a smile or nod of recognition as one person to another. Often I see disappointment, sometimes even mild hostility, but I know this comes out of desperation.

[–] Padeen (6459) 7 years ago

Depends. I often give change or a couple bucks to homeless people, but refuse to give anything to aggressive panhandlers.

Good on you for getting that guy a sandwich, I'm sure he appreciated more than you and at the same time, gave him some faith in humanity. I'll usually give to someone with a dog too lol. Dogs tug at my heart strings.