I give money a buck or two to the people who sell “StreetWise” (which is a newspaper specifically published to raise money for the homeless), but other than that, no, I don’t. And that’s only if I have a buck or two in my pocket - I don’t generally open up my purse, which might have a significant amount of money in it, out on the street, particularly if I am alone. My sister got money stolen that way, and both she and I learned a lesson. I also absolutely will not open up my car window for people begging on the street, since I don’t feel safe doing so.
I am reasonably sure that most of the panhandlers in my area head directly to the local liquor store as soon as they have enough change. And I don’t want to help them drink themselves to death.
But I am under direct orders from my Lord to give. So I give, and then feel guilty about it.
The perfect Lutheran solution.
Panhandlers playing instruments, or in some other way trying to earn my spare change, are different. They always get a quarter or two. And a panhandler getting aggressive, with me or someone else, gets nothing but a very clear warning to back off.
Maybe one in a hundred genuinely needs it. Wish I could be sure which one it was.
Regards,
Shodan
I think that’s a pretty rosy-eyed assumption, Shodan. And so what if they spend it on booze? What else are they going to spend it on – a teaching degree?
I have never seen any of the many panhandlers around here in the liquor stores, but I have seen them at the food court in the mall. I remember one guy in particular who I see out all the time. He had just bought a plate of lo mein and had this look on his face – it wasn’t happy, exactly, but more like he was in awe of this bounty which had been provided him. I’m glad I can provide that, sometimes.
–Cliffy
Hell no! I hate panhandlers. Especially on the subway.
And I really hate when they come up with bullshit stories like “I just need money for the subway”. If that’s true then maybe a 40 block walk will teach you not to leave the house without your wallet.
I generally give a couple of coins to some of the old fellows who wander up and down the shopping strip where I live, but I baulk at giving to the younger punks. Last week I walked past two very young boys (about 12 or 13 yrs old), both with fags hanging out of their mouths and hassling the passersby for money. What I wanted to do was grab 'em by the earlobes, give them a swift kick in the arse and send them back to school. Their future doesn’t look all that rosy if they are making such unwise career choices already!
And, no, I don’t give a damn what the old dudes do with the money. If they want to buy a couple of longnecks or a flagon of sherry or a packet of smokes, that’s entirely up to them.
I don’t normally give to people on the street corners; however, I do like to help people who need it. My family donates our old clothes to Goodwill, sponsors a child in a third world country, and donates to organizations. I, personally, have also been part of a play that my theatre class performed about the homeless to raise money for a homeless shelter.
How a Rude Panhandler Basically Ruined my Generosity for the Next 10 People Who Ask Me for Money
This week I was out running errands with my toddler when we were approached by a woman asking us to buy (artificial) flowers from her to help her get something to eat. I told her that I didn’t want a flower, but that if she needed help, I would be happy to help her out.
Now it was raining, and I was trying to keep my kid dry as I reached into my wallet. I gave her two $5 bills, leaving me with 4 ones. She was very appreciative, and offered to read my palm. I explained that I didn’t have time, but thanked her for the offer. As I tried to walk away, she said, “Could you just give twenty dollars?” I said no. She said, “How about forty dollars?” This woman doesn’t know how to haggle. I told her no, I didn’t have it, and then she made my jaw drop with, “Well, could you go to a cash machine?” I just picked up my now rain-soaked child and walked away.
I wanted to take my ten dollars back. Am I insensitive, or was she being a rude ingrate?
I like your attitude, Audrey.
Last spring, when I first moved to Chicago, I heard the “need gas money” story so many times, but the first time was when I was trying to figure out how to set up my new baby stroller. A youngish man passing by mentioned that he had two little daughters at home, and he would help me with the stroller, but could I front him three bucks for gas? Now, judging from his appearance, he was less fortunate than myself… but I appreciated his help, so I gave him five dollars and a thank-you. I was told, by folks more city-savvy than myself, that this is a common form of panhandling. Nonetheless, I’ve seen the same guy twice more, and he seems to offer any assistance or directions to people who need it, so I always give him any change or small bills (ones or maybe a five), because he’s so polite.
I’ve been hungry, and within 24 hours of homelessness. I wouldn’t give diddly to anyone who is rude about it, but I do acknowledge that there are people who are worse off than I am, now. And I’ll always try to help, if I can.
There are two sides to this in Ithaca, my former hometown: there are the people who are mentally ill, who were discharged when the hospital closed down. These folks should be getting professional help, but ironically are too crazy to be able to do it. They panhandle, and them I might give to, because they probably are hungry.
However, when the Rainbow Gathering passes through town, these indigent late teen/early twenty able-bodied hippy types panhandle and I know exactly to what uses they intend to put my money. When they ask for change, I tell them, “Change comes from within, young grasshopper” and flip them the peace sign. You’d be surprised how un-Rainbowy that often makes them.
Violin…it sounds like you were hit up by someone whose whole life has been one in training for begging and living a life of sponging, i.e. a grifter. if they try bargaining you up, that’s a sure tip off.
but, back to the main…i give about as often as not…if they want to bore me with a story or tell me some crock, i usually don’t give-i shouldn’t be punished for doing a good deed. i also use certain rules…if there are any children or women with me, i don’t give-also, it does depend on their attitude, which is usually fairly obvious-if they are just drunks or real bums, i think it’s a good thing to give them money; but if they act like they are doing me a favor, i just ignore them. one thing that makes me skeptical is the “will do whatever for food” signs…have you ever tried to get a magic marker? see how much it costs for you to make up a sign like that.
Hey [color=“black”]handsomeharry, ever try to steal a magic marker? Damned easy, especially one of those Marianne Faithful sized markers found at reputable art stores with stoned help staff. Add in a torn off box top and you have a begging sign.
Nice that you think these reprobates purchase their markers.[/color]
My opinion on this has changed drastically in the last few months. A few months ago I would have said, “no, no way.” Now, however, I feel that if I have some to spare, I should give it. And, when you think about it, most of us have SOMEthing to spare.
If it goes to something productive or if it does not … that is not for us to decide. However, our random act of kindness may just be what that person needs …
Does Berkeley have a beggars guild? I don’t get in their often. The last time was probably about a year ago. I swear, there was one beggar on each corner, with possibly another at mid-block. They all had some kind of cup. They all smiled. They all asked for change for “a cup of coffee” (or for a coke, if they looked too young). And they all said “well thank you anyway” if you shook your head or said no.
Did I wander into someone’s street theater? Is it usually this way? It was downright pleasant. After a couple of blocks you knew the drill and could opt in or out with no tension.
I give change when I can afford it. I’ve been in their place. If they look particularly unsavory, I reply with a halfway <cough> sincere, “Sorry, I don’t have any change.” If I want to help them but am afraid the money will go to frivolous things, I’ll offer to buy them a sandwich/coffee/whatever. Impolite people and the kids here who act as if life owes them something won’t see a dime from me.
I give to street performers when it’s obvious that their making an effort to show their inner-artist. I don’t know how to clarify that without coming off as the snob I am. Oh, well.
Speaking of “buying magic markers”…how about the novice panhandler who stands on the corner and hollers “Will work for cardboard and magic marker”?
Why acknowledge panhandlers if you are not going to give them money?
Lately I’ve been thinking of hitting the streets before and after work with a sign that says:
Suffocating from Student Loan Debt, Please Help.
Keep myself clean cut, be polite, and tell the truth. Hmmm… could work.
Hell no!!
Not even to Jerry Lewis.
The American Cancer Society gets my “spare change”.
Yes. I gave a buck to a guy in front of my local supermarket about an hour ago.
One thing that really intrigues me is the “it’s all too much” attitude given by some people on this thread. If you don’t want to give, then you’re perfectly entitled not to. I make no judgement about how people decide to spend or not spend their money. But when people use the argument, like TitoBenito does, that
I’m afraid i don’t quite understand the rationale. It implies that, hey, if there were only a few panhandlers then i’d give to all of them, but because there are so many i’m just going to give up altogether.
No-one’s saying you have to give to every panhandler who crosses your path. I like to give when i can, but i’m a grad student with a pretty low income, so i don’t beat myself up if i have to turn someone down. The idea that “if i can’t give to all, then i’ll give to none” strikes me as little more than sophistry.
Theom’s assertion:
and filmore’s statement that
both demonstrate an ignorance of the homelessness issue that is truly astounding. If you don’t want to give, then fine, don’t give. But your cheap rationalizations are pretty unconvincing.
Yes, a very high percentage of the time. I don’t seem many where I live, but when I do run across one, I usually give a handful of change, or sometimes a few dollars.