bigbabyblues
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2004
I have never been asked for money by a stranger.
If I have money on me I will give it to them. there are homeless people near my office, they live under the overpass of the interstate. I will especially give it in the winter. We have "code blue" nights but the shelters fill up and there isn't room for everyone. Several of them hang around the coffee shop where I infrequently stop and if they are there when I am I will but them coffee and a snack.
I don't know their story, it isn't any of my business. they could be spending the money on alcohol or drugs, but they could also be using it to feed themselves and if they are I want to help.
I am not well to do but I do have more than they do so I can share my wealth.
I always give if I have it. If they choose to spend it on drugs or alcohol, that's their choice. As long as I'm doing what I think is right, that's all that matters.
I don't look them in the eyes, and I certainly don't respond to them in conversation.
My DH will usually either give them canned goods that he keeps in his car or will go to a drive-thru to pick up food. Not surprisingly, they don't want the canned goods - they want the cash (I suppose to buy alcohol or cigs with).
OP and others on this thread who interact with some of these people, especially if you are pulling out your wallet while you're on foot, and people are coming over to your car, I fear for your safety. Please reconsider, and find other ways to help!
Don't try to make it seem like I am putting "these people" down, because I'm not. I have a big heart, also. (And I've been encountering some of "these people", ie the groups of people that beg at stops on my commute, for many years myself; decades, actually. One of them was in the news here in Boston recently, you can read it for yourself, will post news articles at end.) I'm just saying that some of "these people" can be dangerous. Years ago they might have been institutionalized, but most funds are gone for that sort of thing, so now they are out among us. I don't think it's unreasonable to warn people they should stay safe.Please don't fear for mine.
It's daily. For years on end. I guess decades now. Never even felt a sense of fear.
*These people* are people.
And besides who knows where my life would have went.