19 Answers

I give food.  I figure if they are really down and out they'll appreciate it.  So far, all but one has.  I started handing out food (usually packaged peanut butter crackers yrs. ago when i drove through the city.  I gave out fruit until the one "ungrateful"  guy winged the apple he took back at my car.  I even took someone into a nearby fast food restaurant.  Why no $. Many reasons but the main one- yrs. ago on the news there was this dude who worked full time and the would change into rags and collect $ at rush hr. and on the weekends.  He bought a house from the $ he collected as a beggar.  Pissed me off.  (He made money to live and buy fancy furniture & electronics from his real job.  Had Full benefits too.)  Clever? maybe.  Right? no way!  (He wasn't the one who chucked the apple back at my car- but that dude may have been saving up for a house too...or wanted $ for other reasons.

Most " beggars " in my area are European immigrants, and they  " beg " more money than I earn, so no ,they get nothing from me, apart from one woman who lives close by and I know struggles all the time.

No I give to Charity's Cancer heart In the Uk you dont have to beg .You get help if you want it.

I know a lot of people who "fly signs" and most do it as part of their living.  Some support drug habits, one guy I spoke with made his rent that way.  I'll give a buck to the most clever of signs, reward for imagination as it were......

THE last time I gave money to a beggar, he walked into a convenience store two doors down and came out with a beer.  
I will buy someone a meal.  No cash, no way, no more.   

Ducky

I watched someone hand over money and the recipient walked 2 blocks down the street and into a casino!

No i don't, here in Australia the government gives pensions(Veterans pension,old age pension,dissability pension).Most of the beggars choose to blow thier money on drugs, alcohol,gambling, then they hit the streets crying poor.

I have done so but only when I get the feeling deep in my gut telling me I need to do so.  I have to stop and think there go I but for the grace of God  sometimes.  

I only give to organizations that I know are credible.  They, in turn, look after others in need.  For the most part, they know who truly needs help.  I don't like to waste money on anyone who will simply continue feeding their various addictions...on my money.

My wife and I use to give $ but now she carries in her car  small paper bags with goodies and essential items toothbrush, toothpaste TP etc.(trial size)  If they are really In need they will appreciate it. If they have kids with them  I get real soft. And if its  a scam then so be it.

I have one 68 year old friend who flies a sign and sleeps where she lays and on bad weather nights will spot me $10 for a night on my recliner....She has saved over $28,000 in the bank but wants something to leave her kids....

Ducky

What is "flies a sign"?

Ducky

Oh okay. I've not heard the expression "flies" I guess, when referring to a sign. Thanks.

I never really noticed begging until I landed at LAX.

I was really quite shocked at the number of beggars outside the airport.

It got worse as we travelled across the country & into Mexico.

I started out giving but after a while I realized that the budget just wasn't going to allow it.

I gave mainly to the guys who professed to be Vietnam Veterans.I don't know whether they were or not but I figure they got a pretty raw deal from their govt.

You seldom see beggars here in Australia apart from the odd wino who will hit you up for a smoke.

Shes not a beggar but i did give money to a big issue seller recently,didnt take the magazine though.I think in todays financial climate it must be only too easy to lose your home

I am with Jenn... I give food.

yes I do and if they have a dog I will buy some dog food as well

NO.

I give them food.

Last time I gave 10 cents (all the change I happened to have in my pocket) he ttrew them back in my face which (luckily for me) he missed. I kept walking...

i give my money to beggers it makes me happy one time iam in the city there was a man who was homeless i give hem a $1 not much becouse me and my friend brought a burger so i give the man the money and i pat hem on the back and he smiled makes me wannya cry with joy from waltherp38