also, just because you see someone hanging out on the street doesn't mean they are homeless...

Rhondab said:

they could be just bummin folks 4 cash, the bastids...

In Detroit I see the homeless everyday.
When they ask me for money, I ask them what for.

If it's food, then I take them to the Deli and buy them a sandwich or soup.

Supernova said:

You made him eat one of your deep fried dumplings didn't you? He hasn't been seen since.

I give them money... the only one that I've run into was this man who would ride his bike around throughout the year. About four years ago I was going to the store around Christmas time, and he was sitting next to his bike by the entrance to the parking lot... so, I thought maybe he had a flat. Anyway... he didn't. They just moved the dumpster he used to sleep behind so he didn't know where to go. So, I gave him my grocery money and he thanked me and said he was going to go across to the donut shop for a cup of hot coffee and then he was going to treat himself to a warm room at the hotel down the road. We talked some more and come to find out, he was homeless because after his wife died, his step-kids fought and took all the money they had saved and he had no other family to take him in... and on and on and on... anyway... I gave him my cigarettes and the money and off he went and he did go to the donut shop because I drove by a few minutes later and he was sitting in there.

I think about him every winter, because I usually will see him riding his bike down the road, with a trash bag full of something attached to the back, and him in the same sweater he's worn for years. This past year I never did see him...

That's a very interesting story. I met a transient once that claimed he had a PHD. He said he had been sued over a few malpractice cases and was to proud to ask for help from any family members. I always wondered if he was honest.He didn't look too shipwrecked. Poor guy,I gave him money and emphasized that he get a meal with it.

I do give them money if I have any on me to give.

When I lived in the Village in NYC, there was a man who lived in a box on the corner of my block. I would see him everyday when I would walk to the subway. I would buy him food and bring him paperbacks to read and I'd stop and visit with him and talk about books whenever I could. I think he appreciated the time spent talking and visiting with him even more than the food. He was a very intelligent, kind man who unfortunately let drugs get the better of him and his life.

It was very difficult emotionally living in NYC and seeing so many homeless people every day, and not really being able to do very much to help them in any significant way. I didn't have much money myself when I lived out there, but when I would see someone living in an old box, or wearing a garbage bag clothes, I could NOT not do SOMETHING to help that person in some way. They are PEOPLE with hearts and souls and histories and families somewhere, and they need to know they are still VALUABLE and worthwhile. My heart really goes out to them also because for reasons I'll not go into, I relate to certain elements of their situation. And I also realize that becoming homeless can happen to ANYBODY if the circumstances are right... I thank God for the blessings I've been given and I could never not do something to help somebody out who has fallen on difficult times for whatever the reason.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

exactly...mmm...I need to pay my cell phone bill...hold up...this may not be a bad idea...

Actually today at lunch I had an experience. I went to the bank and a woman was standing right outside the bank door. I got irritated cuz it's pretty hard to walk into a bank and come out saying you have no $$$. Then I corrected myself. Whenever I get frustrated or irritated with someone who has nothing I remind myself that I am blessed to be in the position to help someone out. I remind myself that I have incredible wealth and comfort compared to the person who is asking for help.

This was an older woman. Could have been someone's mom. Without a hitch, I gave her $5. I believe that helping others like this is the reason for my blessings...

I GIVE THEM WHUT EVER I GOT TO GIVE AT THAT TIME.
SOMETIMES I HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT IT AIN'T MY LIFE
AND GET OFF MY 'HIGH HORSE' ABOUT WHUT THEY GONNA DO WITH THE MONEY.
DUDE CAME TO ME AT THE GAS PUMP AND SAID "MAN I GOT A DRINKIN PROBLEM, AND I NEED A DRINK RIGHT NOW, COULD YOU HELP ME OUT WITH SOME CHANGE, ANYTHING?"
I GAVE HIM A COUPLE OF BUCKS FOR HIS HONESTY.
NOW
IS WHUT I DID HELPIN IN HIS DISTRUCTION??? PROLLY.
DO I FEEL I DID THE WRONG THING? DEFFINATELY NOT!!!

00769BAD said:

The way I look at it is that you aren't going to be able to save this person completely. You are only going to be able to bring a flash of relief/happiness/joy. If they are going to drink and do drugs, better to not have them in the position of having to steal cuz they have no money. And you know what, if my life were in such a hopeless situation, I'd probably want a beer real bad. I figure as long as you do your part, what the other person does is their business.

The way I look at it is that you aren't going to be able to save this person completely. You are only going to be able to bring a flash of relief/happiness/joy. If they are going to drink and do drugs, better to not have them in the position of having to steal cuz they have no money. And you know what, if my life were in such a hopeless situation, I'd probably want a beer real bad too. I figure as long as you do your part, what the other person does is their business.

crazyhorse said:

That's extremely kind of you...

AzureStar said:

yeah it gives you a good feeling.plus I've got some bad karma to clear up.

where I live is a trip,I mean you have the rich and homeless living among one another pretending the other doesnt exist.

AzureStar said:

yeah it gives you a good feeling.plus I've got some bad karma to clear up.

where I live is a trip,I mean you have the rich and homeless living among one another pretending the other doesnt exist.