I used to drop money once in awhile to the guy that played a saxophone by the building I worked in Downtown Cleveland. He really was good I did ingnore the ones that followed you around with their paper cups who reeked of alchol and cigarette smoke.

NO, I actuall make a point of not doing it. We have homeless people begging at the road side at every busy intersection. Frankly it annoys me, as I feel they always try make me feel guilty for having what I do have - which I work very hard for.

However we do donate all outgrown clothing, bedding or toys that we wont be keeping to the Salvation Army. If feel that these donations will be better used in the poorer community than some money to one person where I honestly dont know how they would spend it.

We have a farmer friend that has offered some of them the same packages he gives to hjs farm workers ( Mininimum wage, Food and Shelter) , however he has been turned down everytime with them saying they will get more money where they are now.

I do give money sometimes, and I have given food several times. It depends on the person and the situation.

I live in North Idaho and rarely see a homeless person (too cold in the winter) but we lived in Santa Rosa, CA one winter and I learned a lot about the homeless people that surrounded us there. First was, once they realized we were regulars (my husband was a store manager for a store in the mall) they stopped asking us for money all the time. And after that we kind of got to know them, we could see there was a lot of mental illness running around, especially in the adults.

So I guess the answer to this question is, "It depends on the circumstances." I've given money. I've given food. I've ignored people. And I've told people no. It kind of depends on the person, the circumstances, my mood, and if I have any cash or not. We've also given money for a funny sign before. I rarely see people with kids begging for food but I am a softy for a homeless person with a pet!

We have an overabundance of homeless, down on their luck, or just mentally ill people where I live. (We live along a major interstate...) I can drive 2 miles to Walmart and see at least 5 or 6. Most will stand at the entrance or exit of Walmart holding signs, and I do feel bad for them, but I have not stopped to give them money, food, etc. One guy came up to me in the parking lot, while I was putting groceries in my trunk, and in SPANISH asked me if I wanted to buy a WATCH! Scared me half to DEATH! When I told him "no" he just stood there mumbling something, and I just THREW the rest of my groceries in the there and took off! (I don't know about any of you, but we have a security vehicle in OUR Walmart parking lot!! Wonder where he WAS that day???)

One thing about this town is that they DO help these people (shelters, food banks, etc.) so I feel that any money I would give them couldn't possibly be put to good use. We also have a thrift store that gives away clothes, AND FREE HOUSING!! So, no I don't give them any money. Heck, sometimes I MYSELF feel needy! My DH, on the other hand, specifically goes to a convenience store where there are ALWAYS drunkards standing outside asking for money to buy booze/cigs. I have even SEEN DH walk out of this store, open up a 12-pack and GIVE someone a BEER!!!! I can't TELL you how many arguments THIS has spawned!! I want to move away from here on a DAILY basis!

No not usually, I can usually tell a person out there trying to get free money. Then there are the people I see that really look homeless, I will give them a buck or 2, but usually Ill give them food, like crackers or something.

I once gave a guy food before and he was ever so grateful and extremely appreciative. That made me feel good. He started eating right away.

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Alex & the spider monkey

Depends on my mood. I went to college in downtown Detroit, so you'd see many - mostly looking in dumpsters for food or returnable bottles. I would hand them my returnable bottle when I was done w/ my coke. In Chicago last month, a guy was begging on one of the bridges. He said he needed $ to go see his Doctor - doctor Jim Beam. I gave him a buck because he was honest about what he was going to do w/ the money, and he was creative in his approach. I always give if they are playing a musical instrument. My brother gives to various homeless/beggers downtown when he's going to various sporting events. The beg by the parking lots. He says something along the lines of "you never know when you are looking into the eyes of Christ." Something from some book he read once. There is a homeless guy who lives on a bench about 1/2 mile from my home. I see him all the time, in all weather, wearing a zillion layers. Sometimes holding an umbrella. I only see him when I drive, so I don't stop. But I often wonder what he might need. He is mentally ill, as are the vast majority of the ones around here. I don't care what they use the money for. I figure they know what the need to survive and, for some, if it's drugs or alcohol, that's their choice.

I hate to say it but don't because you never know if they really are homeless. When I was in NYC I saw a man holding a sign asking for money to buy himself some shoes. Later in the day I saw the same man holding another sign asking for money to buy shoes and a shirt. To this day, I never give anything except to organizations.

No, we do not give money to people on the street. However, my employer sponsors families quite frequently. I do go out and buy the things those families need. We also donate to a soup kitchen.

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“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”