Do you spare change for the homeless?

[vrsmxtb]

So if you're in a city or large town, do you spare change for the homeless?

If yes, how do you determine which ones you give to, or do you just give to them all? How much do you usually throw in their pot?

If no, why is this? Assumptions that what you give them won't be spent in the interest of their well-being? Feel threatened by them? Just turn into the typical blinkered "too busy" city commuter? Feel awkward at a confrontation?

It's an interesting one, I only ask as I was sat outside at a south-east London pub with mates, and a young guy obviously down on his luck was approaching tables asking for change. Now we're all well-educated, compassionate guys but unanimously we made the minimum contact with him, a brief "sorry, mate" and continued with our conversation. It just made me think, and would be interested to hear others' thoughts.

[vrsmxtb]

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.