Homeless People

[DaveM]

I normally won't give cash to any homeless people I see on the streets as most of the time it is a scam. You see the same lot year in and year out and the only thing that changes is their choice of traffic lights they will be begging at. I normally rather support a reputable charity if I am going to give a cash donation. If it is an item I will get hold of the Salvation Army or one of those groups. So the other day I see this new homeless guy at the traffic light and for some reason I really feel sorry for him. So I look in my wallet and find I have no change and only a larger domination note, so I give that to him.

So today I am out and about and see this same homeless guy sitting in a corner sort of out of site drinking beer at 9am

Note to self - don't give cash to homeless people

 

[Rocky]

We have the same thing here; homeless (real or not) at traffic lights or at busy corners holding up a sign explaining about their situation. You don't know what's real or not.
I often see money being handed over by other drivers, but I ignore them.
Once in a while on a downtown street I've come upon a fellow with a guitar singing songs. I've stopped and listened and if he's any good at all I'll toss a coin in his guitar case.
At least he did something for it.

 

[DaveM]

If they at least trying as in the guy playing the guitar then I will also give a donation.

 

[keystiger]

Gave a handful ofd change from my center console to a guy and his dog yesterday----felt bad for the dog-----the guy most likely created his own situation

 

[Rocky]

I often see them with dogs too.
It seems to me that if you're so down and out that you have to panhandle in the street, why do you have a dog to feed also; why do you smoke?
At the Christmas party our bike club donates to charitable organizations (usually $900. - $1000., depending on the bank account) that feed the homeless and provide shelter so I don't feel any need to do that on the street.