Do you spare change for the homeless?
Discussion
I saw one of these scumbags once with one of those giant blue IKEA bags, rammed full of bottles of cheap drink, and the cheeky 
was still asking people to reach into their pockets. He probably wasn't even homeless, just looking for another handout to drink or shoot up his arm.
I'd never give money to beggars, they just don't need it. These scumbags good enough at playing a lot of well-meaning people for hapless saps, they earn enough to fund hard drug addictions, they don't need more cash.
was still asking people to reach into their pockets. He probably wasn't even homeless, just looking for another handout to drink or shoot up his arm.I'd never give money to beggars, they just don't need it. These scumbags good enough at playing a lot of well-meaning people for hapless saps, they earn enough to fund hard drug addictions, they don't need more cash.
I find it slightly odd that people object to the homeless spending any of their panhandling income on legal pleasures such as booze and fags.
It's as if it would be acceptable if they were buying say the full line up of the Man Booker Prize nominee books instead.
Something "improving" or "worthwhile".
Somehow the "sins" of drinking and smoking are simply not permitted for homeless people? It's MORE morally wrong for them?
Should they stop begging each day when they have enough to cover the calorie and fluid intake they need to survive for 24 hours?
I am not getting on my high horse because I too think like this. I just haven't been able to rationalise it.
Shouldn't they be allowed some fun even if someone else is paying for it?
It's as if it would be acceptable if they were buying say the full line up of the Man Booker Prize nominee books instead.
Something "improving" or "worthwhile".
Somehow the "sins" of drinking and smoking are simply not permitted for homeless people? It's MORE morally wrong for them?
Should they stop begging each day when they have enough to cover the calorie and fluid intake they need to survive for 24 hours?
I am not getting on my high horse because I too think like this. I just haven't been able to rationalise it.
Shouldn't they be allowed some fun even if someone else is paying for it?
I give to beggers, especially if they have a dog, even though I know a bit about their lifestyle. I am a soft touch.
I used to know a guy (with a dog) who was a professional begger in Torquay, he was very good at it and never 'actively' begged, just sat there with his dog and a cup... made quite a bit. He used to come up to my house quite often and he was a nice bloke, he'd sit and chat, have a offee and a fag then go to work. He had a bedsit and a few sticks of furniture, so somewhere to go/call home, but his life was NOT a bed of roses. He (as did most of the other beggers I sort of knew) adored his dog and she was very good and never went on her lead and she was often his only source of warmth - and he hers.
Yes, he used drugs and drank a bit too, but his life story was pretty rotten and he did have mental health issues. I liked him and would have helped him anyway I could, but he wouldn't accept any real help (financial) as he knew what he'd do with it - sell it and piss it away/smoke it etc. He had no illusions about himself and had less self pity than most people I knew/know.
I lost touch with him about ten years ago (he went off to Newquay), often wonder how he is.
As an amusing aside: I was sat outside a shop I was working in having a fag and a cuppa and somebody through ten pence into my coffee, I was shocked
I used to know a guy (with a dog) who was a professional begger in Torquay, he was very good at it and never 'actively' begged, just sat there with his dog and a cup... made quite a bit. He used to come up to my house quite often and he was a nice bloke, he'd sit and chat, have a offee and a fag then go to work. He had a bedsit and a few sticks of furniture, so somewhere to go/call home, but his life was NOT a bed of roses. He (as did most of the other beggers I sort of knew) adored his dog and she was very good and never went on her lead and she was often his only source of warmth - and he hers.
Yes, he used drugs and drank a bit too, but his life story was pretty rotten and he did have mental health issues. I liked him and would have helped him anyway I could, but he wouldn't accept any real help (financial) as he knew what he'd do with it - sell it and piss it away/smoke it etc. He had no illusions about himself and had less self pity than most people I knew/know.
I lost touch with him about ten years ago (he went off to Newquay), often wonder how he is.
As an amusing aside: I was sat outside a shop I was working in having a fag and a cuppa and somebody through ten pence into my coffee, I was shocked
Mastodon2 said:
I saw one of these scumbags once with one of those giant blue IKEA bags, rammed full of bottles of cheap drink, and the cheeky was still asking people to reach into their pockets. He probably wasn't even homeless, just looking for another handout to drink or shoot up his arm.
I'd never give money to beggars, they just don't need it. These scumbags good enough at playing a lot of well-meaning people for hapless saps, they earn enough to fund hard drug addictions, they don't need more cash.
Scumbags?! Get a grip of yourself. was still asking people to reach into their pockets. He probably wasn't even homeless, just looking for another handout to drink or shoot up his arm.I'd never give money to beggars, they just don't need it. These scumbags good enough at playing a lot of well-meaning people for hapless saps, they earn enough to fund hard drug addictions, they don't need more cash.
walm said:
I find it slightly odd that people object to the homeless spending any of their panhandling income on legal pleasures such as booze and fags.
It's as if it would be acceptable if they were buying say the full line up of the Man Booker Prize nominee books instead.
Or perhaps they could spend on food, warm clothing, or maybe try to save for some accomodation. I often give food, particularly to people with the 'haven't eaten for two days' type signs, rather than money. It's as if it would be acceptable if they were buying say the full line up of the Man Booker Prize nominee books instead.
I often ate my tea at the bus stop after a late shift while working as a student, reduced cakes and sandwiches from the city-centre supermarket. I guess I'd be cash poor and time poor! Pretty much every night the whole bus stop queue would be asked for loose change by addicts and homeless people. Some beggars were quite rude and abusive but there was one lad who always politely asked. If I had any food I'd share it with him. I'd be damned if I was going to help feed anyones drug habit though (not sure if he had one).
OllieC said:
jimbop1 said:
ManFromDelmonte said:
Kermit power said:
some pointless, drugged up peasant on a street corner.
Baryonyx said:
I'd rather throw my last coin down a drain than give it to some drugged up criminal vagrant.
WowAre people aware that many of the homeless guys are ex soldiers.. Probably with mental issues?!
Tossers
wouldn't use the language some have to describe anyone in this situation though, bad form imho.
It is an extremely sad situation when it happens but in reality, it shouldn't and could be prevented and/or helped.
Had a weekend away last Xmas to Edinburgh, stayed in a hotel on George Street, anyway like a bit of fresh air in the morning so popped out for a bit before breakfast. While standing outside hotel I watch a car pull up and park in the street, the guy goes and buys a parking ticket, puts it on the car then goes into boot and comes out with a cardboard box. He then crosses street and parks his a**e outside our hotel and produces a cup looking for some change. Unbelievable!
So since then they get nothing!
So since then they get nothing!
Frimley111R said:
My cousin is homeless in London.......I have only ben in touch in he last few years through facebook and he seems ok tbh...
Genuinely curious here. Have I got this right - he is homeless but has internet access? Not judging and appreciate that it doesn't necessarily mean he's got the latest iPhone; he might just be using the public library after all...but living on the street and still bothering with social media? Seems very strange priorities is all.I was collecting for the RNLI last year and a homeless guy came up to me, he engaged in conversation about the boats and the weather and the whole lifeboat crew going out in any weather stuff, all the time I was expecting him to tap me up for some cash.
he thanked me for taking the time to chat and said see you later, I wished him all the best and he left, never asked for or recieved anything other than time.
A while later I saw him again, he came over and I thought this was his moment to pounce! he walked up to me and said he had scored two five pound notes off a chap, smiled, popped one in the box and said " you just never know when you might need a lifeboat" shook hands and strolled off.
A strange experience but it goes to show you can't judge anyone at face value.
he thanked me for taking the time to chat and said see you later, I wished him all the best and he left, never asked for or recieved anything other than time.
A while later I saw him again, he came over and I thought this was his moment to pounce! he walked up to me and said he had scored two five pound notes off a chap, smiled, popped one in the box and said " you just never know when you might need a lifeboat" shook hands and strolled off.
A strange experience but it goes to show you can't judge anyone at face value.
NinjaPower said:
No, I generally don't give them anything.
I have worked in the social housing sector for 7 years and based on that I don't give them money, instead I start telling them about all the hostels and council accommodation that currently have spare capacity, and asking them if they have tried those places today.
I usually get a load of excuses as to why they haven't tried any of the hostels, and some of the reasons have validity, but more often then not they just want the money so they can get a couple if cans of Special Brew or a joint.
Sadly, I totally agree with this statement.I have worked in the social housing sector for 7 years and based on that I don't give them money, instead I start telling them about all the hostels and council accommodation that currently have spare capacity, and asking them if they have tried those places today.
I usually get a load of excuses as to why they haven't tried any of the hostels, and some of the reasons have validity, but more often then not they just want the money so they can get a couple if cans of Special Brew or a joint.
Edited by NinjaPower on Tuesday 14th October 12:31
Having worked in substance misuse/mental health services for the past 7 years I can say that addicts are some of the most dishonest, manipulative and shameless people you're ever likely to meet. They will do ANYTHING, and I do mean anything to get their fix, whatever that may be. In the case of those who are alcohol dependent, not having a drink can cause serious illness/death. Likewise with heroin users.
The majority of the people you see during the day most likely have accommodation -supported housing, hostel or a local authority property- and money, in the form of benefits, but have literally pissed it up against a wall, or are trying to pay for their next fix.
In my experience, these people are caught in a cycle of substance misuse, chronic mental and physical illness, chaotic family backgrounds/relationships and the inevitable involvement with Police/courts/prison that these issues bring. With further cuts to these services, I expect the situation to get a LOT worse.
Sad but true
Was not impressed today when a homeless person was drinking with friends (other alkies) and decided the best place to go for a pee was dropping her pants and just going on the floor... pulling pants up and then staggering over to a person leaving the station and asking for money.
Im sorry but there is a limit and I have seen her around begging and once or twice I have felt sorry and given money, but no longer...
Im sorry but there is a limit and I have seen her around begging and once or twice I have felt sorry and given money, but no longer...
Some very interesting stories, some heart warming others not quite so.
Personally, I've barely ever given but always feel vaguely guilty or heartless.
I'm sure every genuinely homeless person has a long and complex tale to tell, but as in any area of society the dishonest ones paint a bad picture.
Personally, I've barely ever given but always feel vaguely guilty or heartless.
I'm sure every genuinely homeless person has a long and complex tale to tell, but as in any area of society the dishonest ones paint a bad picture.
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