Homeless person asking for money

[haidyl]

Should you always dismiss a homeless person that approaches you and asks for money to buy food? I have always gone with what my gut feeling will be telling me at that point. I have helped and resented others in equal measure (before).

[MaryB]

I have different opinions on this subject.  I have gave then food before, and I have seen them take money and buy alcohol with it.  Part of me says to help them and that's our part and what they do with it is on them.

[Treasure]

If I have cash, I always give money - even when I assume they're just going to get their next fix. Two moments from my childhood, both involving my father, have stuck with me and have made me always want to give more money.

The first: There was a man, woman, and two children on the side of the road. My dad gave them money and they thanked him profusely and then ran down the hill right to the grocery store. It was the first time I'd seen someone who was that desperate for food and how not everyone who holds up a sign is just looking for a fix (as my mother usually assumed).


The second: My dad gave money to someone who reeked of alcohol and was right outside of a liquor store. He gave him money and I said, "Isn't he just going to go buy more alcohol with it?" And he shrugged and told me, "I bet he needs that more than anything I'd spend that ten bucks on." That stuck with me.


Finally, I have a brother who has been addicted to drugs since he was fifteen. I always imagine these people will be him one day - so I start seeing them as people, with a family who cares about them or are worried about them...I think it's too easy to dehumanize them sometimes.


All that being said, if the person is aggressive or rude, that may sway my opinion.