How do you react to someone who is living on the streets, and asks you for some money?

If I have a few bucks in cash, I give it to them. If I don't, I tell them I don't have anything to help them out right now.

I don't try to control their behavior by forcing them to buy something, or asking if they're going to spend it on drugs or booze -- I don't care. If I've got some money, I give it to them.

Why? Because if I were ever desperately short of money and needed it really badly, it would be great if somebody helped me out at that time. So I do the same for others when I can. Treat others the way you'd like to be treated...

Peace.

It depends on the person.

One person I know has been on the street for 10 years, and I once offered her an opportunity for a job to get off from the street, and she turned me down, using all kinds of excuses. One time I went to the store and bought her groceries, and I got the idea she did not want the food, just the money.

Others, when I do have money, and I can, I will help.

I use my own judgement adhoc. I have given a small amount if I have loose change.

I would rather give what I can afford to the homeless and less fortunate than help some rich idiots who cannot think for themselves. Let see their money do the thinking and talking for them.

It is better to give than to receive. Charity begins on the streets.

But don't forget they all were not born living in the streets.

Most of the time I do nothing for the very simple reason that if I give them the dough there, they'll be there tomorrow looking for more money because I've encouraged it. There are very few places in my life that I think would be bettered by the constant presence of homeless people so there are few places I'd like to encourage them to be on a regular basis.

And then I mentally reaffirm my vow to give money to the homeless shelter or second harvest at the end of the month.

Whenever I have cash, I give them money. If they use it for food or for booze, it doesn't matter. It might hurt my feelings if they just drink their life away, but I didn't make them do it. I wanted them to get something absolutely necessary. But, intentions are never short of pure, and there's a price to pay when you're trying to live a little.

How would I "send them on their way?" They usually have nowhere else to go.

I used to give money to this homeless person mainly because i felt sorry for him and he had a dog so i thought he would spend the money well to keep him and his dog well feed, a few days later i saw his picture in the local newspaper and it said he was arrested for being a drug usser/dealer :/ so yeah now i never give money or pay any attention to any homeless person i just walk past them cause i cant trust them anymore.

Even though I know that some pan handlers make more than I do, I also know that some are in genuine need and I don't seem to be able to distinguish between the two, so I try to help all of them the best I can.

First, I would assume that they really only want to spend it on drugs or alcohol.

Second, I would shame them for using drugs and alcohol and tell them they need to straighten up or they're going to hell.

Third, I would take the to a restaurant for a meal and then preach the word of the Lord to them, because that makes everyone feel better.

Then, when they saw the light, we would both say, together, "Praise Jesus."

It works every time. All you have to do is tell someone they're a horrible sinner and that they need to accept Christ or they're going to hell. Sometimes you need to run down everything in their life and show them why it's bad. But once you say "Jesus," everyone loves you, because Jesus is love.

Ecclesiastes 6:12

I just say, "Sorry, but I don't have any money on me". If they get stupid about it, I go around the corner, find a phone & dial 911 on them. I've lived on the streets & the one thing you NEVER want to do is to take your eyes off the person or stop to engage in conversation with them while you look for change to give them. This makes YOU the target for crime. That homeless person has "friends" & associates who assist them in taking what you have. Many of those who look homeless, have more $ in their pockets than you have in your entire bank account!

It's BIG BUSINESS.

WALK AWAY.

If I have a little to spare, it's their's.

I realize that in many instances the money might be used to support a habit. However, as I have no way of knowing who needs it and who doesn't, when I am able, I do what I can.