Do you give money to homeless people?

[cwtchesandprosecco]

Hi everyone,

Interested in everyone’s opinion on this.

On the train on the way and a man started walking down the carriages asking for money for a shelter. He seemed like a genuine, friendly guy and wasn’t pushing but despite genuinely wanting to I stopped myself from giving any change.

I don’t know whether it was the feeling of being a bit trapped that stopped me, obviously can’t just walk away with, but something did.

So, would you/ do you give money to homeless people who ask for it?

No

No.
I know there are organized gangs dropped off at strategic locations in the morning. I've seen them alight from the minibus.
I give to a homeless charity and the Capuchin Day centre in Dublin made famous by the wonderful Brother Kevin and his team.

I never have.

I was pretty shocked once watching a beggar in Cardiff next to the payment machine in a multi story car park... he was picking up so much money from half the people in front of us he must have made £20+ in 10 minutes. It was probably a busy time (rugby game on) but still unbelievable.

Though I did give a guy a quid a few weeks ago outside the cinema because he was playing in dulci jubilo on a penny whistle.

No, especially not on trains as I really dislike being in that situation and don’t want to encourage it. I used to offer food or a hot drink but it was always refused so I don’t now. It’s very rare for me to actually have any change anyway.

Good God, no way.

No I don't.

I donate to our school food bank every week and give all our outgrown toys and clothes to the local homeless charity shop instead.

Salvation Army every time. The money is carefully controlled and SA do so much good for people in need.

I like to feel I'm doing good for people, giving a tenner to someone to spend on drugs isn't something I can support.

I don't generally carry cash and wouldn't want to rootle round in my rucksack for my purse so I usually keep a couple of £5 Greggs gift cards in my jacket pocket.

If someone is asking for money for food then I give them one of those. Most Gregg's now have tables inside so they can be warm for an hour as well as fed if they want to.

Yes of course I do. I don't understand why anyone who can spare a pound wouldn't pass it to someone who has nothing.

I know you're not supposed to and it'll probably be spent on drink and drugs but... I do sometimes. Sometimes I just feel pity and empathy and hand over some cash.

I used to but prefer to see if they need something. The last woman I asked didn't want cash she just tipex.

Yes, of course.

Yes I often have.
It is very sad.

No. Because the ones in our local area. Are always in the press for intimidating people.

I get this loads in my hometown outside supermarkets. I never give money.

I was asked last week when out shopping, said no to the guy. Took my trolley back, he asked again. Then retorted ‘oh, I’ve already asked you’.
It’s put me off shopping there a few months ago, so I’m back to avoiding the place again.

I donate money, goods and time to the largest regional homeless shelter

I live in a smaller town where beggars camping out has become an issue and attracted press attention. I live in the town centre and see 20 plus when I walk my dog at 11pm but none at 5am. Our town has a shelter which says it can accommodate all comers.

Yup. I every single time. We don't get a lot near where we live but when in central Edinburgh ds won't go past without giving a pound from his own pocket money. He's 6 and when he grows up he's buying a big mansion house so he can 'stop homelessness'. I'm not going to correct a good hearted 6 year old or judge, if I were on the streets and needed a drink to get through that's my choice. We give with no expectation what they do with whatever we give.

Channel 4 had a show on where a guy lived on the streets. He put on weight because so many people gave him food.

In London none of the beggers were actually homeless.

I know there are organized gangs dropped off at strategic locations in the morning. I've seen them alight from the minibus.

I used to see this in Leeds 5 people getting out of a bmw and then begging In front of TVs trinity car park all day

I don’t. I buy the Big Issue most weeks, sometimes twice. I will prioritise the only female vendor in our town. Sometimes i buy a coffee shop voucher for them.

I mainly give to the same girl, she is an addict she begs at the local shop, I hadn't seen her for a few months I was thinking she died.
She was back last week looking worse than ever, she someone's sister, daughter, addiction is very powerful, what other reason is there for life getting you so low.

Only when I'm drunk.

Oh a gave a guy 2euro outside work last week, he said he'd no bus fare, he was very grateful I saw him scoffing some crisps a few minutes later on the security camera.

“No - if you talk to people who actually have experience of working with the homeless they'll all tell you not to give directly”

I work for a homelessness charity and I give people money regularly. Or if someone’s outside/near a shop I’m going to I’ll ask if they want anything.

It won’t stop them being homeless - so giving to homelessness charities tackling the root causes is really important in my (obviously biased given my job) view. But lots of people are in desperate situations and it’s not their fault. A bit of change might make their day a bit less shit.