How do you respond to beggars in the street?

Question

Whether they're standing with a sign or they approach you and ask if you can spare some change to help them pay for a bus fare...Do you give them money? If not, how do you respond to them? Any suggestions as to how I can help people without doling out cash? Would it be appropriate to keep small amounts of money on gift cards for common fast food places like McDonalds that I could give instead? I keep spare winter weather gear (hats and scarves and such) in my car that I can give away if need be. What I'm looking for are more ideas like along this line. How can I help a person begging in the street without worrying that I'm only feeding a drug or alcohol addiction? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I try to pretend they don't exist.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't go to the city a lot, but when I do, I wish I had some food to give the homeless people. I know that many WILL use money to buy drugs, booze etc. but not all will. Everyone deserves to feel like someone cares about them. I plan on living in the city someday and regularly giving sandwiches to homeless people near my apartment, dorm w/e.

Anonymous · Answer

i give them a bottle of gatorade

living in portland, im always having to give bums something, so every morning when i leave my apartment, i go to the bodega just outside my door and pick up two or three bottles, cause thats usually how many bums ask me for money on my way to work.

i love the reaction on their faces, it catches them totally off guard, and its healthier for them too.

Anonymous · Answer

I dont carry Cash. <=My best one if you want to give them something give them a gronolla bar. Their cheap and if they want to feed a drug addiction they will complain about it.

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How do you respond to beggars in the street?

4 Answers