Have you even given money to homeless person on the street with a sign, or a shopping cart?

I don’t often encounter people that unfortunate in the suburbs where I live most of my life. I mentioned in another thread that I bought someone a meal instead of giving them the money they were asking for (to buy food).

In the City its quite common to see homeless people begging for money. As a rule I do not but sometimes I may give some loose change but very rarely. NYC does not want you to contribute to the homeless probably because there are a lot of scam artists out there.

I use to a lot, but like Tony said......there are a lot of scam artists out there. I did give money to a homeless (I'm assuming) man on a street holding up a sign that said he was just going to use whatever money he gets to buy beer. I thought that was deliriously honest and hilarious so I gave him a few dollars.

I have a coupe of times in the past, but not anymore. Gave one guy a couple of dollars and then he asked me to go into McDonald's and buy him a cup of coffee. I should have asked for my money back or told him to use that. I'll support food banks and other organizations but I don't like just handing over cash. Very few of the people where I live use the money for food. I've had friends offer them food and most times they say no - they just want the money.

I normally don't but did once. The guy was so exasperated about no one helping him. He said he just wanted to get a hamburger off the $1 menu. Gave him $5 & he looked like he was going to cry. Contrast to the guy who clearly had a prepared speech who asked for money one time. When he was told "can't do it today" he started cussing. Walking & looking back cussing. Then he flipped me off when I passed him again on the road.

LOL - I hope NO ONE gave him money I was with a friend once and this guy was REALLY rude in asking her Mom for money. He pointed to a bank and suggested she go there and withdraw money and give it to him. He was a total jerk!