Do you give money to homeless people?

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uxhihq@reddit

if i have something to spare i'll always try to give, most people are really only a few bad days away from being in the same situation

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royalblue1982@reddit

The charities that care about the homeless tell you not to give them money.

I'm not sure how it can be any clearer.

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intenseskill@reddit

You say that like they are some sort of know all group who is always right.

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I mean, nobody is claiming to be omniscient… but if you’re a charity that cares for the homeless then I’m probably going to take it as gospel that they might just know a tad more about homelessness than I do personally

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TotoCocoAndBeaks@reddit

Isnt the problem that it s a bit of a straw man that the charities actually say to not give money to homeless people? Ar very best you are cherry picking. A quick search shows thats not what the charities say

Whether to give money to someone sleeping rough is a personal decision. It should be made with compassion, understanding, and awareness of both the immediate and long-term implications. Whilst directly giving money can offer immediate relief and promote human connection, it also comes with risks and limitations. It is important to weigh these factors and consider alternative ways to support long-term solutions to homelessness. Such as donating to charities that support homelessness in your area or advocating for systemic change.

t unquestionably is an individual choice whether they would like to offer monetary aid to the homeless. There is a widespread misconception that homeless people spend money on alcohol and drugs which is only partly true. Some desperately need it for medications or psychiatric help.

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Togden013@reddit

Don't give them money give them food and water.

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uglybett1@reddit

bcz they aren't human beings that should be able to do things with money just like other human beings?

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Togden013@reddit

I think the homeless people where you live are wildly different to the ones near me. When I go to the city for work I see them high out of their minds barely conscious. It's very obvious they are not able to make reasonable choices any more. I'm sure they once were and could be again but living on the streets destroys a persons will to live and all that's left is pain avoidance.

Eayauapa@reddit

Mate if you're going through opioid withdrawals that sandwich is gonna do less good than tying to cure HIV with Calpol

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FlippingGerman@reddit

Will heroin help?

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Designer-Historian40@reddit

Some homeless people will throw away food and drink given to them because some not very nice people adulterate it.

I know you're not one of these people, but it only takes one bad experience for a homeless person to not trust anyone.

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Katharinemaddison@reddit

https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/dec/12/alcoholic-patients-keep-drinking-doctor

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TEFAlpha9@reddit

Just let them buy their drugs and alcohol they're already homeless might as well enjoy it lol

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Well yeah, if you are treating an issue with a huge deal of nuance as black and white, then you can be wrong for believing the black option.

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Halbera@reddit

Lol, don't give the homeless your money, give it to us! We will use it wisely, promise. -Awareness charity #1283839 that's never helped anyone with anything but has directors taking large salaries.

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recapYT@reddit

You think charities want to take the 10p you want to give to people on the street?

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Halbera@reddit

Yes, and you don't need to look far to see how the charity company structure is abused.

There are some great charities out there, but most people aren't doing any fact checking when they donate to a cause.

There is a problem with 'awareness charities' that literally make leaflets and run ads as a means to increase their own income through donations, skimming salaries from the money and effectively doing nothing.

I personally donate to the air ambulance in our area because it's not funded by the government, which is mad to me considering how vital it is and how expensive it is. I put company profits into it and consider it a tax. Because of all the things we pay our tax for, the air ambulance isn't one?? Insane.

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NSFWaccess1998@reddit

Whether to give money to someone sleeping rough is a personal decision. It should be made with compassion, understanding, and awareness of both the immediate and long-term implications. Whilst directly giving money can offer immediate relief and promote human connection, it also comes with risks and limitations. It is important to weigh these factors and consider alternative ways to support long-term solutions to homelessness. Such as donating to charities that support homelessness in your area or advocating for systemic change.

This sounds like it was written by ChatGPT if I'm honest. I'd be surprised if the charity which produced this statement put any thought into it. It's effectively the old politician special, "I think we should do what is right for the country", totally vapid and meaningless filler designed to offend nobody.

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FlippingGerman@reddit

ChatGPT probably wouldn’t have put that weird unsentence right at the end, that’s a thing humans like to do.

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marsman@reddit

Some desperately need it for medications or psychiatric help.

That's a bit bizarre, both of those aren't really available on a cash basis easily, both are available free via the health service (certainly on an emergency basis).

I'd have thought that its more likely that food/bus travel etc..are more likely to be things that a rough sleeper/someone begging might spend money on.

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intenseskill@reddit

Exactly, my main thing was the way the guy stated it "it couldn't be any clearer". Like who made them god. People acting like because I said that I am claiming I know e erything. Which is not the case

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intenseskill@reddit

Well your quote from them makes me think the opposite tbh

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ThePumpk1nMaster@reddit

I’m not quite sure what you’re arguing here… they’re not stopping you. Go give your income to a homeless guy, I’m sure they’ll be very grateful…

But I also think there might be a proportion which would probably just go on to spend it on booze and smack, as opposed to giving it to a charity which I’m sure provide things like healthy meals, shelter and bedding and whatnot, y’know, hence the charities asking to donate to them instead as they, too, likely know this.

But if ultimately you don’t really care then you’re free to give your money to who you like, which you are, so I’m not sure what the problem is

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intenseskill@reddit

My point is that to say not to give them cash is just bad advice. Also they are going to say give to the charity instead because most charities are essentially a business that make money.

Charities will do good I have no doubt but that one piece of advice is just bad.

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leashninja@reddit

The reason why is that it encourages more begging which is considered anti-social behaviour.

Homeless people in the UK can apply to have a homeless application and duty by their local councils, which will provide them with temporary accommodation if they’re past the prevention stage depending on their own personal circumstances.

Charities help provide guidance and supplies at times, however theres a sizeable amount of people who are considered “intentionally” homeless where they won’t accept a housing duty provided by their local council and some may even prefer to sleep rough rather than be housed. (Often a mental disorder is the reason). Some don’t have “access to public funds” which means supporting them will be an issue from a council PoV due to their immigration status. Charities can help aid in this area.

There is support out there but a significant amount of people may not like what they want. Outreach officers exist and are intended to help provide support. Sure some of these services aren’t great and homelessness is on the rise.

intenseskill@reddit

Come on man. I am not saying we actually do that. I am just saying that would more likely be more effective than trying to force someone off drugs.

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ThePumpk1nMaster@reddit

But you kind of are saying we actually do that when we’re discussing charity and you say “Well I’d rather give them cash to buy drugs than a sandwich” - which, again, wasn’t the dichotomy we were talking about, but we certainly are talking about a choice between rehabilitation through charity or drug use, and you seem to be standing by the drug use

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intenseskill@reddit

Hey man I just wanted to say ty for the kind words regarding my addiction and also after reading hat you and others have said I find myself maybe agreeing about not giving cash. Not all the way there but for sure giving it some though as people have made a few great points

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intenseskill@reddit

No that is what you are talking about. Just you I made one comment about charity and I have since told you I have no issue with charity or what they do.

My one point is their advice is wrong. That is all. Stop trying to put words in my mouth.

Just for clarity, that is the choice you’re advocating we make in these circumstances?

And, if you don’t mind me asking, given that your an ex-addict (well done by the way, congrats), was it less or more substance that got you off your addiction?

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intenseskill@reddit

Also I have not a aid don't donate to charity. This is what I hate about reddit. People just seem to make up stuff and act like you are saying stuff you never said

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ThePumpk1nMaster@reddit

No, we’re having a discussion about charity and every response you’ve given has both implicitly and explicitly discouraged charity use and favoured direct donation to the homeless, specifically instead of charity donation and you have not once addressed either a reason why, nor advocated any kind of charity use…

This isn’t a Reddit issue, this is purely taken from what you have - or rather haven’t - said, as, believe it or not, we can’t read your mind and can only go by what you type.

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intenseskill@reddit

No you was talking about charity. I was not except for the one point I made about their bad advice.

I replied about why they might say to not give homeless cash directly and that is all. I have nothing against homeless charities I merely stated it was bad advice and gave a reason as to why they might say that.

You have just talked a lot about charities and for some reason inferred a lot of stuff I never said

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intenseskill@reddit

I don't understand how you got there? How am I saying give someone full of heroin more heroin? I have not said that.

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ThePumpk1nMaster@reddit

No point buying an addict a sandwich he cannot eat… I will give cash and fully expect them to buy drugs.

The choice we were discussing was not you buy them a sandwich or just give them cash. We’re talking about donating to a charity (who does not just hand out sandwiches either, but is equipped to deal precisely with addiction, on top of providing shelter and rehabilitating) or to give cash to the homeless directly.

You’re standing by the fact that you’d rather give to the homeless directly and know it will fuel their addiction, therefore actively plying them with more drugs and pushing them further from safety and health than give to a charity specifically designed to handle those issues.

You’re actively maintaining someone’s addiction over choosing to donate to a charity, which you are still yet to explain an aversion to

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intenseskill@reddit

I was making a point about why cash is often preferable to buying food. I never said don't donate to charity. Only reason charity is mentioned is because someone mentioned advice from them like it is god give law or something.

Idk why you keep bringing up charity tbh, I have never even said give to homeless and don't give to charity.

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ThePumpk1nMaster@reddit

Look at the top comment of this thread.

Upper Room Mission: Should We Give Money To The Homeless?: "In many ways, it’s up to you, but if you choose to give money or something else, do it without expectation or judgment."
Ben's Centre: Should You Give Money to People on the Street?: "We believe that if you’re in a position to help someone, you should."
Green Pastures: Blog: Should You Give Money To Homeless People? "I would say if you can afford to give money to a homeless person on the street, do it."
Evolve Housing + Support: Should I give money to someone sleeping rough?: "If you choose to do so, it is essential to do so with empathy and consideration. Rather than assuming what the person needs, consider asking them directly if they would like assistance and what would be most helpful to them. If you are concerned about how your money might be used, consider alternative ways to offer support."
Homemore: Should You Give Money to Those Facing Homelessness?: "There are many reasons that giving money will not help solve homelessness. Some individuals will use the money for drugs and other harmful substances that will trap them in the endless cycle of homelessness. However, this misconception has gained a lot of traction and is not always the case. These prejudices are harmful—refraining from doing what is helpful because of a false stereotype can leave many without change for a meal or necessary medication."

Also a Guardian article: Should you give homeless people money? Absolutely - written by Tamsen Courteny, an author of a book on homelessness.

Interestingly, only advice I could find to not give money was coming from a city council member, police, and a business directory. (Public urged to give money to charity rather than to people who beg) Thought it was kind of telling that no charity rep was mentioned in the article.

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AllOne_Word@reddit

Did you ask this question only to downvote people who gave you a straight answer?

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lotus49@reddit

Thank you for this intelligent and well-researched post.

The post you are responding to was upvoted by people who are trying to assuage their guilt over not helping.

No-one is bound to help but a small amount of money can make a real difference to a homeless person's day, which is presumably hellish most of the time.

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AllOne_Word@reddit

Founder of the Big Issue says:

“I have never met a healthy beggar who was healthy a year later. By our gifts, we give them a reason to be on the street rather than in an environment where they could be helped,” Mr Bird said.

“People who give are murdering whatever chance those people have of getting off the streets. By giving them money, you are effectively cementing them onto the streets because you are not giving them an alternative to street existence,” he said

batteryforlife@reddit

You are seriously mistaken if you think the vast majority of people that work for charities are living it up on big fat paychecks. A couple of big wigs at the top get a decent packet, the rest do it for the love of their fellow man. And dont forget about all the volunteers as well!

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FireLadcouk@reddit

I would be. Good job thats not what i said 😂

You’ve mis-read or missed the point completely. If i gave £1 to someone in the street. They get £1. If i give £1 to a charity a fair whack of it (10%+) goes to funding the charity and paying wages etc

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batteryforlife@reddit

Thats true. But a charity can do bigger things with your pound, and many others, than just your pound going directly to one person. Thats the point.

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FireLadcouk@reddit

Sure. I never said anything different. You’re making different points every comment 😂. Im not arguing against charities. Just making the point that their advice is bias as they also want to protect their existence

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Zabkian@reddit

I thought I was doing the right thing giving food instead of money. I was surprised when a friend's husband who runs such a charity advised not to give food or money.

I thought it was such a simple problem to solve an immediate need for a meal. Bbut apparently money/food gifts dissuade people from engaging with charities and getting help.

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Or they’ve got a dog and the charity will try to force them to give up their dog to go into a shelter

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AussieHxC@reddit

because many of them are dehumanising, are overrun, have unattainable standards and clearly do not work.

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Business-Poet-2684@reddit

Your friends husband probably received generous grants for feeding homeless and doesn’t want you, or anyone else taking a chunk out of his lucrative business!

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Business-Poet-2684@reddit

I volunteer (unpaid) for a homeless charity in a major UK city. I get involved in raising funds for the charity and one weekend a month I take my turn on the dusk to dawn city walk, offering clothing and food to people sleeping rough! The ‘charities’ you refer to demand a level of sobriety and commitment from homeless people before they will help which in most cases is ludicrous - these people are living rough for a reason and the drugs and alcohol, although ultimately damaging them and even killing them helps blot out those reasons! So before you get on your sanctimonious high horse find out a little about the subject matter!

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SmartOpinion8301@reddit

Isn’t the point to try to help these poor people out of their situation by offering a way out with their commitment? Rather than, like you say, dying to drugs and alcohol on the street.

I get that some of them will never and can never achieve this. That’s horrible and they would need donations from people passing by. But I imagine there are a lot of rough sleepers that can manage this, teenagers that have been kicked out, people that find themselves homeless due to situations other than drug addiction and a charity which supports these people can make a huge difference.

If you stop giving to those charities too then everyone loses out

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Business-Poet-2684@reddit

I never said stop giving to charities - I said that by ONLY giving g to charities and not sometimes directly then there will be people, a higher proportion, that miss out! There are also the scammers (not as many as the Daily Mail would have you believe but they are around’ Believe it or not it’s not too hard to spot them - they aren’t around of a night, they don’t want food, they tend to avoid other homeless people. If you can afford £10 give £5 to the charity of ur choice and £5 to someone sleeping rough, preferably later on - or don’t! It’s your money, you decide!! All I started by saying was the ‘friend’ who runs the charity potentially doesn’t want the contributor to give them money direct is cos he misses out on his cut!!!

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CryptographerSmall32@reddit

What do you do for the homeless exactly? The advice given is the same advice used worldwide to encourage engagement with organisations who can help long term and get people the support they need. Being homeless is very rarely a choice and charities provide mental health and drug support amongst other services to help people get back on their feet.

If you don’t have anything decent to say then consider staying quiet perhaps.

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Money is better. Or taking them into the shop with you and letting them order and u pay. Sadly some people give them poisoned or dodgey food

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jpepsred@reddit

Anyone can get food from a food bank, so it’s true that they don’t need food donations. People generally beg because they have no interest in getting help from the system that’s there to help them get back on their feet. 99% of people who need it do take the help that’s available

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YellowSubmarooned@reddit

Yes, we should leave them to die of hunger in the street for being so irresponsible, we certainly shouldn’t be giving them cash donations out of kindness, whatever next /s

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Canipaywithclaps@reddit

I'd never hand over cash again. Maybe food. Maybe. But as much as I'd like to, that experience showed me they aren't just after a crust, but trying to fund something that in a lot of cases (not all, I know) is at least partly why they are begging.

And the charities know a lot more than I do.

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TrashbatLondon@reddit

The charities that care about the homeless tell you not to give them money.

therealhairykrishna@reddit

I don't disagree. I think the whole "they'll spend it on drugs" as a reason not to give them money is tricky. I think they'll be forced to get the money for drugs in other ways, not give up drugs.

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Slag13@reddit

Actually the addiction comes after becoming homeless for a good percentage.

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Intruder313@reddit

There was a guy who ‘just needed 50p for train’ seemingly stuck in town for many weeks. He even once tried it on with me at the other end of town the same day - ‘just needing 50p for the bus’. I just said ‘liar’. He was back at the train station the next day.

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clownexpresslol@reddit

Mateeee, years ago I had a woman approach me frantically begging for money for bus fare to see her daughter in hospital. I gave her £3, which was more than enough at the time, then she went on her way. 2 hours later, I walked through the exact same area and I saw the same woman trying it on an old couple. Like wtf.

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Howzitgoanin@reddit

I used to live in Greenwich, London. A guy approached me saying his car had broken down and needed money for the bus. He actually seemed legit and didn’t look like a beggar but I had doubts so said I had no cash.

A few years later I went back to Greenwich and the same guy approached me. This time he up’d his game - he had car keys and an Oyster card to back up his story. I just laughed and walked away.

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WantsToDieBadly@reddit

i have the same on a town near me, for the past year i've encountered the guy 4 times and the story is a variation of 'i need x amount for the hostel' but it has changes every time

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Marscracks@reddit

Was this in Liverpool?

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EllieCakes_@reddit

By charity, do you mean a large charity or a smaller charity like a local shelter.

Agreeable_Fig_3713@reddit

Where I live the street homeless are. As I’ve already said we have a hidden homeless population with folk sofa surfing or living in vans and caravans but the rough sleeping population here have issues with substances.

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No_Temporary8344@reddit

You don’t know that. I assure you that there are a lot of other reasons for homelessness. Battered women who can’t get into a shelter. Mentally ill people. Hurricanes. Etc. etc. etc.

If you want to keep telling yourself that they’re all homeless because they’re addicts, I can’t stop you. But it isn’t true. So many other reasons.

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Agreeable_Fig_3713@reddit

Babe, my community is around 700 people. I’m blood or marriage related to a whole fucking lot of them. I get what you’re saying in big cities but in tiny rural communities like mine you know each other. You know their cousins and their grannies and who they lost their virginity to.

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ScroobiusPup@reddit

A few months ago the guy who sits outside my local Greggs asked me if I could buy him something- I said no worries and asked what he wanted. Bought him a steak bake (which he asked for) and got a thank you very much.

That's grim.

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pajamakitten@reddit

Homeless people are paranoid about opened food

But he asked for food they would have known would be opened to begin with. They could not have been that paranoid.

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MeanCustardCreme@reddit

It's because asking for food is the "opener". If you have the money, it's difficult to turn somebody down who is asking for food, and of course it gives the passer by the impression that they are "genuine". Reality is that a lot of the time asking for food is a tool to get cash, particularly once people have let their guard down.

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AvatarIII@reddit

Maybe it's a long con, he asks for food this time and is grateful, next time you're a bit more trusting and just give him cash, knowing he was happy with food last time.

dkdkdkosep@reddit

not all homeless people are addicts

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Agreeable_Fig_3713@reddit

They’re not but in my area the vast majority of ‘street homeless’ or as it would be termed ’rough sleepers’ are. Ones like my brother. We’ve got a hidden homeless population of people who sofa surf or live in vans or caravans while doing odd jobs or agricultural work (I’m in the north of Scotland) but predominantly our rough sleeping population have substance abuse issues.

The best way to help the hidden homeless we have in my neck of the woods is when they chap the door asking if you want a hedge cutting or gutters cleaning or grass cutting etc is to let them. Pay them and give them a cuppa and a peice and have a wee blether while they’re at it. Give your neighbour a wee chap and see if they’re wanting their wisteria cut back by the boy coz they’ve been moaning about it climbing the drop wire for weeks etc.

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mumwifealcoholic@reddit

I can assure you, as a former addict, not having money doesn’t stop the addiction.

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

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AutoModerator@reddit

Please do not submit facebook links to /r/AskUK

Additional_Apple5837@reddit

I did once, at the door of my local supermarket - £20 note!.

The following week they were there again. 2nd time I said no, and they had the cheek to ask why - so I told them "I gave you quite a substantial amount of money last week and it clearly didn't help your situation. I suggest you try something other than begging" - Then they attacked me.

So no, I don't give money to homeless... And before anyone tries to judge me, I've been homeless so I do understand exactly what it's like.

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Historical_Bug1062@reddit

Yes, they are human, they are struggling more than we will ever know. Do something out of the normal, be kind and give.

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DarthKrataa@reddit

I used to.

I don't now and i have some pretty solid reasons i think.

First thing was once i have a homeless guy £20 at Christmas because he was sitting in the pissing rain late a night. Next week am on the bus, recognised him and he's sitting with his mate talking about how he's been onto the council about getting moved to a new flat because his neighbour is a twat, then his mate asks him if he's still making good money on the streets. Basically this was like a job for this guy he wasn't even homeless.

Now you might say "ahhht thats just one example though" yeah your probably right but....

My £20 probably went on some kind of vice, the other issue is that it encourages more people to do it, more sit on the street begging. So the practice of giving them money starts to have some pretty bad social impacts, it could be getting fed into criminal enterprise and it encourages the practice of begging on the streets.

Can you define "professional beggar"?

I ask, because I've responded to several on here that claim there is no such thing

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itsableeder@reddit

Did you reply to the wrong person? I've never claimed I've seen any "professional beggars". Literally my post above this one says "this is something I've been hearing for decades and I've never actually seen any evidence of it". The post you're replying to is also saying that I've worked with homeless people and I believe them to be genuine.

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Scarboroughwarning@reddit

No, replied to the right one. I thought you were suggesting there are no professional beggars.

I wasn't picking a fight, at all.

It was whilst typing I thought I may need to revise my definition of professional beggar.

I've come across many.

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itsableeder@reddit

I thought you were suggesting there are no professional beggars.

Well, I'm saying I've never seen any and that all of the beggars I've worked alongside over the years have been genuine, yeah.

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Scarboroughwarning@reddit

Professional is a term that sounds too grand, though is perfectly accurate. We'd have to define professional.

I've known "professional" beggars,.in the way I assume the term to mean

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Scarboroughwarning@reddit

Plenty of them.

HamFistedTallyrand@reddit

Have some friends who are coppers and they know the local ones and move them on constantly. They do exist. I suppose if you want evidence you'd have to follow one home.

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Scarboroughwarning@reddit

There 100% are.

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keg994@reddit

There was a guy I used to see all the time sat with his shar pei. We'd buy him food and his dog some treats then one day I saw him walking past my work with wearing designer clothes/shoes playing on his iPhone. Pissed me off

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Chordsy@reddit

Some where I work literally have the same sign down to the same rips and tears. Kneel in the street and physically beg, hands together and everything trying to get your attention.

Someone literally stopped me in the street once and asked me to get a tenner out of the atm. Had a rogue fiver in my wallet, gave him that to get him off my case and he got really fucking shitty with me.

tcpukl@reddit

Near me they get the bus to our village because we're better off. They literally commute in.

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aredditusername69@reddit

I work on New Oxford Street and usually get the train to Bond Street and walk. You see all the pros having their coffee and fags outside pret at 7am before moving on to Oxford Street at 9 to start their begging shift. Hate it so much.

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Ambry@reddit

There's a bunch of them in the centre of Bristol, with very similar signs, sitting in the same spots.

The problem with large organisations that claim to be charity, is that they are a business. A lof of donation money doesn't go to the cause, but paying some ceo a huge salary.

Meanwhile the smaller, local charities actively struggle, help people all year round, even xmas day and nobody gets paid there.

I'm not saying these large organisations don't help people, but that some of your money isnt going towards helping

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DullPhrase7571@reddit

Thanks for this! I've always wondered about whether they're worth supporting. May I ask (if you have a chance to answer), what did they do to help you?

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Substantial_Home_931@reddit

They’re a great charity ! Unfortunately the local one where I used to live got shut down due to lack of funding I assume. They do many things, they even helped people to access bikes and taught them how to maintain them. They do all sorts of classes too, I did a “renting ready” course which gave me priority council house banding and taught me my rights and responsibilities as a tenant. I did a confidence building and budgeting course with one of the staff members, who also provided 1 to 1 practical and emotional support. She continued to meet me after I had my own place, and then I had another worker who helped me with looking into a maintenance loan for uni and having assistance for DSA. They also did weekly cooking classes which I didn’t go to personally, but the weekly arts and craft sessions were brilliant. I’ll be honest the crisis worker I saw once a week, helped me way more than the 24/7 staff at the hostel when I lived there for 9 months

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EllieCakes_@reddit

This is a good way of doing it. Thank you

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wr0ng1@reddit

Same. Who gets money shouldn't be based on who finds the best spot. Some homeless people are too physically or mentally unwell to get to a prime begging spot.

Once my friend gave a fiver and they asked if she'd swap it for a twenty. In some ways you gotta respect the gall.

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Happy_Trip6058@reddit

Cheeky what? Ffs

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txteva@reddit

Money, no. I have in the past brought a meal from a shop or a hot drink but not cash.

I'm often out without cash but honestly, even in the before times I didn't give cash.

I do regularly donate directly to the food bank and to the food collection in supermarkets.

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echocardio@reddit

No. I’m a police officer and know all the local faces in my town centre. Almost none of them are actually homeless, and the ones that are, are rough sleeping due to either their prolific abuse of other homeless people resulting in them being asked to leave their last accommodation, or occasionally because the offered accommodation didn’t meet their standard and they wanted to be placed somewhere else.

This last is not presented with any judgement - some people are afraid of being preyed on by other residents or on behalf of dealers, some wait longer for dog friendly accommodation (or accommodation that can support their specific dogs behaviour) and usually is resolved once that placement comes up.

I’ve got a lot of sympathy for someone with no recourse to public funds, as they are completely reliant on charity. However they aren’t the ones who approach me in the market or sit with a sign on the pavement. Those - the ones we most think of when we think ‘homeless’ - are in my area at least entirely there due to substance abuse and seeking money to fund that substance abuse.

That does not make them undeserving of help, but it means direct donation does not assist in the same way that direct donation to those in poverty via GiveDirectly would, and so my money goes there instead.

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Fast_Singer_8308@reddit

That’s really sweet of you to go back and give what you could! I think we all have those moments where we wish we could do more, but it’s all about what feels right in the moment. Sometimes I give money, sometimes I offer food, and other times I just have a quick chat. Every little bit helps, and the fact that you cared enough to go back shows a lot of heart.

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zombiezmaj@reddit

I will give food but I don't give money. I see too many get up end of the day and walk to a better car than mine, not filled with stuff to indicate they even live in the car, using their key to get in and drive off.

Unfortunately that's made me suss of every person claiming to be homeless.

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BoomerKaren666@reddit

There's an old saying that says, "There but for the grace of God, go I." I'm not even remotely religious but with a little bad luck and some poor judgement I could be holding the pan the wrong way and getting myself burned.

I don't have a large disposable income, but I can slip a few dollars to someone who needs it. Sometimes I don't have any cash on me but I don't make a trip back to give them some. I understand that some folks beg who don't need to, and I've heard the stories of beggers who go around the corner, get in a nicer car that I have and go home at the end of the day.

I'm ok with being wrong sometimes but most of the time I'm sure it was someone who needed the money more that I do. If they spend it on booze that's their business. I refuse to judge. I behave nicely and am not responsible for how anyone else chooses to behave. I am sure my few dollars have helped some people. What they do reflects on them, not me

I look at it as wearing a mask so as not to infect other people. It doesn't hurt me and it might help someone else.

Never

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Big_Cheese16@reddit

I live in Cornwall. During COVID they housed every single homeless person in all the out of us holiday parks.

Seems like a lovely thing to do expect most of them moved back out and back to the streets when they discovered drugs and excessive alcohol consumption was not allowed on the sites.

jenniferschlong@reddit

It's either junkies or Romanian gypsies shaking cups and waving at people in my area. I give them heehaw

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cari-strat@reddit

As a rule I don't, simply because we have an insane amount of fake beggars where I live, who are just trying to con people into handing over money and then going home to a nice flat and blowing it at the boozer.

No, would buy food or reload their phone for them. But never cash.

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IReallyLoveNifflers@reddit

I never do because there are a lot of scammers in my city as it's very touristy. I have overheard people talking about swapping patches for better footfall, seen people switch out and get into a car. Awful behaviour.

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LoveTravel0803@reddit

No, I give them food.

Wow I just read how many people have encountered homeless people chucking food they ask for in the bin thus making it a long con cos people trust them a bit more if they accept food……. I guess, yes I fall in this category.

Butttt they difference for me would be that I bring them into the restaurant. And I do see them gobbling down the food. Restaurants have asked them to please leave thinking that they’re in there to beg but I then tell them he’s with me and a customer. I do so to enable them to at least get some warmth and to use the washroom should they need to.

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suckmyclitplss@reddit

When I’m back home (overseas) yes. In the UK no.

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yourefunny@reddit

I have always given money to homeless people. I recall my wonderful Irish mother have a massive argument with a gay couple who were horrible to a homeless guy outside a theatre. My mum has seem some shit over the years being a nurse who worked in many countries around the world.

She told me that even if the homeless person goes and buys some booze or drugs if doesn't matter to her. It gives him or her the ability to escape their life and feel good.

I have changed it to grab a bag of food and drinks from a nearby shop.in recent years.

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beanschungus@reddit

I don't, and I feel bad about it.

My sister works in the homeless sector in our city and I stopped buying food and giving change to the homeless when she told me most of them have homes and help available, but prefer to live their own lives on the streets. Not all, but most.

I give to charity in other ways, I buy all my clothes from charity shops, whenever my friends or family do fundraisers, I donate a generous amount. Unwanted clothes and furniture go to charities, never the bin.

Famzlifts@reddit

I usually don’t, mainly because I don’t carry any cash with me. However, I’ve bought food for people on multiple occasions.

The last time, a Polish guy was outside a Burger King in Lewisham. He wasn’t asking anyone for money, and he didn’t even look like a beggar, but he was wearing very old, worn-out clothes. I could see the misery in his face, so I approached him and asked if he wanted something to eat. His expression changed immediately, and, almost in tears, he responded, 'Yes, please, food, my friend'.

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ItsDominare@reddit

No I don't, but that's only because I haven't carried cash on me for many years. Back when I did, I did.

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canceltheparty@reddit

I don't give money, but I do buy them food and drink, especially coffee's when it starts getting colder.

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AdThat328@reddit

I will on the rare occasions I have some change. I usually don't have any cash on me so I'll just offer to buy them something to eat or whatever.

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eastcoastseahag@reddit

I have not always had this rule, but now my general practice is that I do not pull my wallet out in wide open public spaces (for context - I'm a small lady & have had experiences that prompted this practice). I did work in the affordable housing/housing stability/homelessness world for about 15 years, and this I think is what gave me peace of mind when I wasn't able to help an individual in-person and in the moment. Otherwise, I'd struggle with not doing something, especially if they've got a pet with them.

There was a comedian probably like 30 years ago who was commenting on criticisms of people who are homeless that accept donations... something about people don't want to give them money because they think they will just spend the money on drugs or alcohol, but what are any of us spending money on? Probably some alcohol, at the least.

I think people should do what feels right and safe and that doesn't create a hardship for them.

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Rocky-bar@reddit

I certainly used to, but I don't seem to see any lately. I live in a small town, hopefully the local homeless people have found housing.

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Maxxxine_Payne@reddit

No. Absolutely not. And I was informed not to by my university Psych staff and also by Homeless charity heads at my old job. Buy them a sandwich or toiletries, sure, but NEVER money. It just goes to pimps or drug dealers. People make serious money off panhandling and you never know who's fake and who isn't. Never invite them into a shop with you to choose what they want (it always turns into more; a lift, money, money, money, alcohol etc). You can drop off a couple of Greggs pasties or whatever next to them, but that's all. There is sooooo much help and support available to those who are homeless, loads of charities working the streets, help and support, but they're out there for a reason and it's usually nefarious. They'll give you a sob story, but there's always more to it.

Asked a guy for that 2p, he berated me for a good 5minutes - following me down the street to do so...

He was an ignorant cunt, convinced I wanted money for drugs (never done drugs in my life), and I would NEVER want to be like that prick. He could have simply said 'no'. Would have been fair enough.

I bring it up because I've given far too much to the homeless and hapless over the years. Taken in a lot of strays, and inevitably been screwed over each time. That's fine. Sometimes people aren't ready to be helped. I've also lived with a LOT of people who have been homeless /been in and out of hostels etc, and one thing we all have in common?

Not the abuse, which differs person to person. Not the addictions, or sacrifices, or hard luck, which again differs person to person. No consistent personality traits. No consistency kn physical ability.

No.

Only thing we all had in common was that nine of us ever begged for £ on the streets.

When you're homeless - and I mean actually sleeping rough - the main problems are sleep (deprivation) and safety. You don't stay awake all day, in public where the danger is, begging for money.

Just doesn't happen.

Trying to get your life back together, making sure you can get clothes washed, hot food, making sure your friends are all OK, that shit takes up ALL your time.

You don't have time to sit around begging. ...

Which leaves me stuck sometimes. Because I'd happily help - and often buy warm food and drink for people on the streets (I can't offer a roof over their heads anymore, i'm a single dad with a disabled & autistic kid now so it isn't just myself I'd be risking) - but I just do not believe that any of the people who approach me / I come past are homeless.

And that's fucking offensive to me, tbh.

I've known too many people who are willing to begging for a living, or just for drugs. I'd be more likely to give them cash if they were honest about why they wanted it.

Ofc, it doesn't matter as much this year, as I don't carry cash any more... but grrr.

Anyway... have a great night.

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Foxglovenectar@reddit

I've always given them food. Meal deal, bottles water, hot drinks. Seems a better idea than money.

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ItchyAd7409@reddit

Yes, the government/royalty and they aren’t homeless.

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TrashbatLondon@reddit

Yes, I give money. There is an immediate need many rough sleepers have that cannot possibly be satisfied by the state or charity sector.

Yes, charities also do important work.

Yes, (functioning) local authorities also do important work in this area.

No, it is none of my business what someone chooses to spend money I have given to them on.

Should you give food instead? Maybe, but only if someone asks for it. Direct provision removes autonomy from people and over a long period of time, reduces people’s ability to learn how to live outside of entrenched homeless patterns.

Is “spending it on drugs” a bad thing? No. Sometimes the physical effects of withdrawal can put someone in serious danger, and even lead to death in certain environmental conditions. Sometimes, a heroin addict needs a bit of heroin before they need a sandwich. It’s an uncomfortable truth and it really triggers people’s victorian attitudes to charitable giving, but facts are facts.

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fr3yababii33@reddit

Not money, no. But the vast majority of McDonald’s free food stickers from monopoly etc I don’t like, so I always give them to them. They get to eat something warm, they don’t go to waste, and I feel like I’ve done a little good in this horrible world.

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alico127@reddit

I always used to until someone I cared about developed a serious drug addiction and now I never do.

UK-KelpieGuy@reddit

Hmm. You’re really just not that bright are you ?

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JackDrawsStuff@reddit

Not to mention endangering her by drawing the attention of unknown quantities who want cash.

Big red flag for me that like.

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Difficult-Broccoli65@reddit

You partner needs to grow a fucking backbone.

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Thandoscovia@reddit

The fuck? Your partner loves homeless, violent and aggressive beggars more than you

We don’t carry cash but we always stop when we can & do something.

Had an encounter near Warren St Tube with my daughter last week . Homeless man offered me money to go into Tesco as he saw us entering the store . He wanted us to get him a plastic bag , they don’t let him in because he has 2 dogs , one was a little puppy.

We didn’t tell him reason we were going in was to get him a meal deal & dog food . Of course didn’t take his money . Came out with food , drinks for him & his dogs . Stayed & chatted for a little , petted his dogs , seemed to make him happy .

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MyAwesomeAfro@reddit

I live in England.

Where I live is considered usually to be one of the worst areas in the country outside of London.

When homeless people ask me for money for the most absurd reasons I usually just walk past and feel a little guilty before doing my best to forget it.

Couple of weeks ago, a man about my age asked me for exactly £3.25 so he could buy a 3L of Frosty Jacks and some DRUM.

Gave him a fiver, all I had on me in cash. The honesty made it feel different to me, the guy was upfront and honest and just wanted to get out of it for another night.

I felt just as guilty enabling him but idk. I'm not him.

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andyff@reddit

One asked me to buy her a coffee last year. I said sure go on then. She asked for some expensive toffee latte thing. I was like ugh okay then. Expected her to just ask for the most basic thing haha.

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Lonely_Cod3080@reddit

Yes I do....what they do with it is up to them...Either give without terms and conditions or don't give at all

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Naykon1@reddit

Don’t give them money, most squander it on gambling or drugs.

Every so often I go round with like, £15 worth of Greggs and ask them what they want. The ability to actually choose food seems to make them so happy, as opposed to me just being like “do you want a sausage roll”

What I will say, is there’s a few “fake” homeless where I live, and I feel you can weed them out by not offering money. Why anyone who is homeless would reject food, I’ll never know. I’ve got a couple trust issues, so giving straight cash is difficult for me, as I always assume they’re gonna buy drugs; selection of food is my way of helping out.

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Luke11enzo@reddit

Yeaa if I can afford it I do. If they use it to buy food or necessities great, if they use it to buy drugs, I get it, takes them away from their awful reality for a while. I just wish I could do more.

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wouldilietouou@reddit

No I pay enough tax already for them to get their free methadone so f that

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zero_rc@reddit

Used to.

I always give to homeless people. And the argument about them spending on drugs or alcohol doesn't sit well with me, as it's just justification to not do something you don't agree with/don't want to.

Have I had bad experiences with homeless people? Sure. But overwhelmingly, most homeless people have reacted with genuine gratitude and thanks when I have donated.

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DevSiarid@reddit

I avoid giving them money. I usually ask them would they like a hot meal and what would they like and then get them that.

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I ask then in a matey way "cut the story you have rehearsed, is it for drugs, tell me honestly" most of them actually own up to it and say yes.

I give spare change to homeless people in set ups and tents and will always buy food or water or milk or literally a coffee i dont care, when asked.

Most people you can tell its to buy drugs, you see them another day saying the same thing and then talking to their mates in parks shooting up.

I once gave £20 to a 'crying' guy on the train when i had literally no other money but i had a home to go back to and he didnt actually ask, he spoke very loudly on the phone begging the hostel to let him stay even tho he lost his key. To replace the key it was £20, so i went up to him and gave him the money. Its mid winter and so cold out i felt terrible.

2 weeks later i was sat in a coffee shop with my dog and there he is. He walks in and sits there loudly saying exactly the same words and someone got up and offered him money. He got up to leave and saw me and dashed out. He then the week after came in to that same shop again doing the same thing and i realised id be scammed and was fuming so i shouted hey you. Mysteriously the phone call somehow was over and i told him what a piece of shit he was. Everytime he came into a shop pretending to be on the phone and saw me hed run out. I soon spread the word. Now i offer to buy the room for anyone who is cold and struggling. They usually say "do you not have any change then" and that tells me all i need to know. These junkie scammers really ruin it for genuine folk struggling.

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No, but your heart was in the right place. So be proud of that.

If the person spent it on drugs, food, hostel then so be it.

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gowithflow192@reddit

Never, anyone begging is an addict (drugs, booze) You're feeding their habit.

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Slag13@reddit

Ill informed.

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w1gglepvppy@reddit

lol, and you think you're going to cure their addiction by not giving money to them, do you?

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JackDrawsStuff@reddit

No.

Despite your best intentions, giving cash to a homeless person is carries with it a high probability of it being a harmful act (wherein it enables them to access drugs, alcohol etc…).

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ATSOAS87@reddit

Good luck, mate.

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Yes, I give them money. They are humans who deserve the right to make their own decisions, it's none of my business. I can't imagine the loneliness, psychological and physical hardship they face day to day, and I don't want to take away yet another basic human dignity from them.

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CONCISE & WELL THOUGHTS ! Bravo!

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toonlass91@reddit

No. I might buy them a drink and a snack but never give money. I feel anyone genuinely homeless would be grateful of that and anyone just begging for money won’t be

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particlegun@reddit

No.

My dad had an encounter with a homeless type begging for money (she started by asking him for a cig). They went on 'Surely you can spare a pound or two'. The old man gave her one, then went into the corner shop where they were pestering people and told the owner they had beggars outside. The store owner told him she had just drawn 80 quid from their terminal.

My dad has gotten into trouble by being too nice to these people. One time he gave them money, and the next thing he knew, they were banging on his door demanding money.

I've told him until I'm blue in the face to say no to them, or even better ask them for a cig. I bet 99% of the time they'd tell him to fuck off.

No. I usually report them (StreetLink - if you’re in Wales or England to hopefully get them some help.

I used to give away those loyalty card things from Cafe Nero or Costa when I was in uni once I had enough stickers for a free drink.

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flashback5285@reddit

No because most (if not all) are professional beggars.

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snapper1971@reddit

I gave a tenner to a homeless girl in the tube in London many years ago. She's been on my mind for a few days recently. That was thirty-four years ago. No idea why she would pop up in my mind. I hope she's doing well these days. She had such lovely red hair.

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evertonblue@reddit

Never feel bad for not doing so - I rarely do, as most police advice seems to say they are scams nowdays

One time I did always sticks with me though. I was working in Westminster, and there was a girl - maybe 30 I had seen every day outside the Tesco express for about a fortnight. It genuinely looked like she lived there. I gave her £20 and she just burst in to floods of tears - I felt quite bad as it didn’t mean much to me but obviously meant to much to her.

No

I always acknowledge their existence if they do ask but don’t give them money, a simple “sorry mate” etc.

I’ve been shouted at once before for not doing so, I then started acknowledging them before they even ask me anything now but recently was shouted out for doing this, “I don’t remember asking YOU anything”

It’s a damned if you do and a damned if you don’t situation

Easiest to just not get involved or if you do, buy them food

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Naedangerledz@reddit

No, absolute waste. Goes on either, drugs, booze or fags.

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StrangeKittehBoops@reddit

No, I don't give cash. I usually buy them a meal and a drink or a bag of food for their pet if they have one. In my town, they're usually sitting outside one of the large grocery stores.

geans and a teashirt

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Hetty-Hedgerow@reddit

Yes I do. I hear the advice and warnings about them spending it on drink and drugs or being part of a begging gang.

I use the street link app when I can to potentially start a ball rolling for future support.

However I'm not a homelessness volunteer or activist, governments have done little nothing for them.

I certainly won't be listen to any officials that say not to give money. I've seen them confiscate their tents and belongings and burn them. Charities these days are little more than a business, with a vested interest in ensuring money given to homeless people flows through them.

Give money, food, whatever you want. At this point, it's not like anything you could do will make this place any worse.

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PersonalityTough6148@reddit

The comments on this post are grim. These people are humans. Even if there are "professional" beggars you surely have to ask yourself what sort of a suck society we live in where people feel pushed to do this.

Maybe if we saw homelessness as a society failure rather than an individual one things might change.

Reminder that you're more likely to become homeless than a billionaire.

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Greedy-Sherbet3916@reddit

I work in a big city where homelessness is a huge problem, if I have to every homeless person by the time I got to work I’d have given my days wage away before starting. Unfortunately with this come a lot of drug use, which I appreciate is a coping mechanism for some.

I usually ask if they'd like something from a shop nearby.

A couple of weeks ago a guy said he'd like a bacon sandwich and coffee from Greg's. Unfortunately the queue was massive and I needed to pick my kids up so I went back to him, explained and gave him a tenner.

More importantly though, I spoke to him. Asked him if he was ok. He said he had been robbed last night and beaten up. His wrist looked broken. I said he should go to get his wrist look at... He said he wasn't important. I said he was.

Then he cried. I asked if he wanted a hug. He said yes. And cried some more.

We talked a bit longer. He kept telling me to get my kids and keep the money for them. I didn't take it back. He needed it more than I did in that moment.

They generally get given a lot of food.

Food isn’t what they want.

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Substantial_Home_931@reddit

That makes sense, that’s why I always ask (if I don’t have cash) I feel like just assuming is strange tbh

Panda487@reddit

I used to always give money to a beggar outside my local Tesco, I felt terrible for him. He was always showing me new wounds where someone had cycled over him as he slept on the street and it had got infected or he’d been attacked by a random passer by. Winter came, I felt generous one day, I gave him £20. The next few days it was bitterly cold, blizzards, snow, I looked for him at the Tesco every day and he never showed. I became concerned and asked inside if anyone knew if he was ok, I was informed he wasn’t homeless at all. In fact, he lived just up the road.

Another time I was out with my mum and a homeless approached her for money, aggressively, she ignored him and he followed her - I stepped in.

I don’t give to homeless people anymore.

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BananaHairFood@reddit

Fuck, man. That was so lovely of you, too. It’s nice to know there’s some genuinely really nice people out in the world. Sorry it got taken advantage of.

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SlaggaMaffa269@reddit

I remember at uni a guy coming up to us and asking for change. We all had cards and instead gave him a bottle of cheap echo falls.

He was happy as Larry. I said it "cut out the middle " he said "yeah cheers" He opened it up as we walked away. Other than that though I never carry cash no not really. I donate to charity already.

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SceneDifferent1041@reddit

I used to but the more I read into it, the more I think giving them money only stops them seeking the right help .

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fataldisposition@reddit

Yes . Absolutely . People genuinely need help out here. I’m willing to risk it for that 1 good person who needs it. Life is so so so hard, being generous however ; is not

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s4turn2k02@reddit

Only 1, up in Lancaster. He was legitimately homeless, I was (well, still am) a student there, we would see him asleep in doorways with his dog, I’d always pick him up a burger or whatever and some kebab meat for the dog (if I was sober enough to remember lol). His dog was elderly and had cancer.

Technically I only gave him money once, and it was an accident. Was heading to the bud after getting a tattoo, his dog came up to me. He said he didn’t want money, just something to eat. I was going to miss the bus so I said to keep it, he ended up going to Greggs. Now if i see him I’ll grab him a meal deal and a hot drink, no cash

I was away from uni for this year but I’m pretty sure he’s not on the streets anymore from what I’ve heard. I’m not the only one that looks out for him. He seems genuine, I was an 18 year old girl when I first met him, never felt uncomfortable around him, never threatened or taken advantage off, and trust me I’d know, I come from a very rough area

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trainpk85@reddit

I always ask them if they want food and then use a 10 or 20 note and give them the change that is left over from paying. If they don’t want food and just want money then they tend to say no thanks and they end up with nothing.

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littleyellowdiary@reddit

If I am going into a supermarket I sometimes get someone a meal deal, and dog food if they have a dog (and there are ringpull cans in the shop). If I see a woman I sometimes get a packet of sanitary pads too. But admittedly not every time.

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MrLangfordG@reddit

No.

I used to, but I feel like there's too many where I live now and I don't really like to be bothered by strangers when I walk down the street.
I usually make a donation to Crisis at christmas time so somebody gets a bed and a meal.

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TimeInitial0@reddit

No i don't. Was thought from a young age by family members of a homeless person not to give money.food instead

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mortstheonlyboyineed@reddit

Last time I gave a local homeless guy cash instead of food or a coffee behind the counter, he overdosed and almost died. It was near Christmas and I'd been helping him out with food and fag's for a couple of years by that point. He'd been sober for that whole period to my knowledge, so it being Christmas time I gave him a pouch of baccy, stuck a tenner behind the counter of our local cafe and gave him one in cash too. Next thing I know he disappeared for a couple of weeks. I had hoped he'd found shelter for the festive period but I later found out he was in hospital. I've not given money since. I'll always help with cigarettes, food, drinks, blankets, socks etc if I can but never money. The guilt I felt lasted a bloody long time.

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MoistSnow220@reddit

No, but I'll offer to buy them food and a drink if I can

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HydroBrit@reddit

They are asking for your permission to rob you. They will not spend it on food & drink or other essentials. They will buy drugs. Any homeless person will be accepted to a homeless shelter on the condition they do not abuse drugs. So if you see them on the street, odds are they are a drug addict, so giving them a tenner would in fact harm them. Spend the tenner on a meal deal to give them.

9182tlm@reddit

I always give money if I can and if I don’t have any on me I’ll sometimes go to an ATM. One time during the pandemic I got asked by three separate people in 10 minutes and shelled out probably £50. To be honest, I found that pretty overwhelming and I didn’t want to give that much… but they were all so hard up and obviously struggling I couldn’t refuse. Oh, and before I end this message. To the UK government and capitalism, FUCK YOU for all the harm and pain you’ve caused to the most vulnerable members of society. In a nation as wealthy and organised as the UK, no one should be sleeping rough.

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Canipaywithclaps@reddit

Would it not be better to ask what they need and buy that instead?

I’d be very uncomfortable with the possibility that the money I gave someone bought the drugs that killed them?

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Possiblyreef@reddit

One time during the pandemic I got asked by three separate people in 10 minutes and shelled out probably £50. To be honest, I found that pretty overwhelming and I didn’t want to give that much…

Yet here you are.

I give about £100 a month across 3 charities but I'm not just handing out £10-20 to randoms on the street

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dopamiend86@reddit

No i dont give them money, id sonetimes grab an extra mcds brekki or sandwich meal deal and give it to a homekess person i pass in the morning but i never give them money. Do t want yo be helping to fund a habit.

Mysterious-Canary842@reddit

I usually buy or give food if I have any on me, I did get absolutely swindled by one not too long ago where I ended up paying far more than I was happy with. Has made me a bit more apprehensive, there’s one guy I regularly see when visiting a friend and I always make sure to get him some supplies

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intenseskill@reddit

Most of the replies here are really wrong. People really have no clue.

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5pudding@reddit

Yeah, a bit of change.

It makes not one shred of difference to me if they are genuine, "professional", or anything else

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Dave8917@reddit

Nope as I don't know how their background they may deserve to be homeless or may not so I avoid being in that situation

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vorbika@reddit

Not to most of them. Would buy some food if someone is genuinely asking for that. It's weird how many people don't recognise the organised homeless mafia though.

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Aargh_a_ghost@reddit

Absolutely not, the only people on the streets of Edinburgh are the ones that don’t want to be put up in a hotel or bnb because they’re not allowed to drink or do drugs inside them, so no chance am I giving them money

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intenseskill@reddit

Yeah I give to them. My wife say stuff like "they will probably use for drugs or alcohol" to which I reply "probably but they need to buy it somehow".

Being am ex alcoholic and drug user I know what it is like to go without. You need to get your fix sorted before you can even think about maybe getting food or other essentials.

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taxbitch@reddit

As long as you're not giving someone money one time then preaching on Facebook about how you're so kind and everyone should do the same, I think you're good. Depends on the situation.

Me personally, if I have change I'll give them some. Particularly if it's a woman, as a few times I've had ladies ask me for sanitary products and I didn't ha e any on me.

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BaseballFuryThurman@reddit

No. Regardless of whether or not I think it's a good idea, I genuinely do not have loose change in my pockets because who does these days? And if for whatever reason I did happen to have some on that day, it's certainly not enough to give to the 5-10 people a day that I walk past or get approached by (I work in a city centre).

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Jazzberry81@reddit

No never. I buy food sometimes if they look hungry, but it's better to give to homeless charities than directly to the homeless because it could well be spent on things that make the situation worse. Homeless charities advise that you do not give money to individuals IME

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SailorsGraves@reddit

If I have cash I do, or sometimes I get them something from a shop they're sat near.

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Nah it's pointless. Homeless people need help not enablement.

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Ill-Appointment6494@reddit

I’ll buy them something to eat or a drink if I’ve got spare money.

But you acknowledged them and that makes a huge difference to someone living on the street. Most people just ignore them and walk by.

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extinctionAD@reddit

I’ll sometimes them food or a drink instead if they’re outside a supermarket.

9 times out of 10 they’ll decline.

If they have a dog, I’ll offer to get some dentastix or something and to be fair, they do seem to accept these.

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Substantial_Home_931@reddit

Not as much anymore but bc during the pandemic I stopped carrying cash for the most part. I’ve been homeless myself but not on the street. I offer to buy food of their choice 99% of the time. Even if they spend it on drugs I’d rather that than them getting it on tick or withdrawing in an unsafe environment eg outside

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PM-ME-YOUR-DIGIMON@reddit

No I have to walk through a city centre to get to work and I get asked about 20 times each time I go. I physically do not have enough to support everybody who asks so I just say have to say no.

Sometimes I give out cigarettes or snacks but that’s it.

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Jerico_Hill@reddit

When I feel like it yeah. I don't care if they're homeless or addicts. Bit of cash so they can sweeten their day is all fine with me.

I'm not interested in this argument that it prevents them from seeking help. That's bollocks and honestly really sanctimonious. People seek help when they're ready to, many are never ready.

If you can't afford to then you shouldn't. Don't set yourself on fire to keep others warm and all that.

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AdFar9189@reddit

Sometimes depending on the individual but more often to people with obvious disabilities eg there's a man I see sometimes without arms who I give alms to!

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RachaelBlonde@reddit

Yes as much as i can, i saw a homeless man at a set of traffic lights begging so i bibbed him to come over, as i wound the window down to give him a fiver i realised it was a girl she had a half shaven head and no teeth, it really upset me, i think about her a lot

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Extreme-Football8335@reddit

I once gave a women my change it was a couple quid and I said that’s all I had. I then sat and talked to her for a bit and the fiver I was hiding blew out of my pocket and across the car park! I was mortified lol but she spotted it and told me and I wouldn’t have had a clue so I grabbed it and told her she could have it for her honesty. I said I was holding onto it to get bread and Milk (which was true) but she clearly needed it more than me.

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Cara_Bina@reddit

I live below the poverty line in the USA, and literally cannot afford to do anything other than pay rent and bills. Here's something that my therapist told me, when I was cutting off a homeless man that I used to help: You are reacting to this as how you would feel if you were the one asking for money/food/etc.

The person asking is simply looking for a "mark", and absolutely will not dwell on you and your refusal, as they'll be looking for the next person to ask. Personally, when I gave money, I didn't care what they spent it on, as once I've given, it's no longer mine to be concerned about.

As to donating to homeless people, it actually isn't really that helpful. Your change will not change their lives massively, so if it is a cause you really feel strongly about, you'd be best getting involved by volunteering at a shelter/charity/etc. Of course, the homeless person will strongly disagree with that, because when you give, they get money, and you soothe your guilt by giving it, yet still you are worrying.

FWIW, I am facing/have faced homelessness, and have already had to ask for help moving, by throwing myself a fundraiser. The disability/low income housing I qualify for doesn't exist near me, so the next rent hike will be too much. I felt completely ashamed asking for help, when I have volunteered insane amounts of time to helping others. I like to say it's the remnants of a bourgeoise upbringing!

Good on you for caring, lovie, but boundaries are a life jacket for you.

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SpinachnPotatoes@reddit

No.

I don't help anybody that comes to my home - because it took years to get rid of those that would scream and demand my MIL give them food and money when she thought she was being kind in helping them.

I hate that feeling, so I'm a social worker now. It's morally divisive - some say it's dignifying to give money, and let people make choices with that money, whether it's sensible or not. Others point out that if someone is getting enough to live on from strangers, they won't work with services to get lasting help. Tax and services are out there, it shouldn't be falling to individuals on the street. No, it's not easy to get help. Pick your poison!

If you're struggling yourself, definitely do not feel guilty. You need to cover yourself first.

Giving to charities is a good idea as others have suggested, especially a small monthly donation because that helps them plan their services.

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