Homeless

[Jojoanna]

AIBU to give a homeless lady sitting on the cold pavement surrounded by her possessions money?

And to all the sanctimonious posters criticising OP for 'back patting' - it's an anonymous website, she's not exactly broadcasting her 'good deeds' to anyone that cares... And hers is a completely legit moral quandary.

I've seen this debate raged a few times.

Our town doesn't have 'visible homelessness' so unless I travel out of town I don't have the opportunity to give to people living on the streets.

Someone I met at college used to sleep rough, and told me that if he ever wanted someone to buy him a meal he'd stay around food shops and beg there. In the doorways of McDonalds, Burger King etc, people would be kind enough to buy him a small meal or a cup of tea. Otherwise he'd mainly need money.

Personally I give whatever I have to hand, whether it be change, a few items of food from my shopping bags or a hot meal from a nearby place. It's not in the spirit of giving to worry about what your gifted money is being spent on.

To be honest, the last time I gave someone money the gent walked right into Greggs and bought some food. Seems like you can't win on MN sometimes!

Been uproar as our local newspapers have been saying do not give money to homeless but donate to charity instead

YANBU. I almost always give money.

The good reason why - you can buy a heck of a lot with the £2+ you'd spend on a takeaway hot drink or sandwich. Doesn't seem like good value to me.

The bad reason why - I can't be bothered to queue up at a takeaway coffee place for them.

I agree with Charlotte . Yanbu to give money.