Why Don't You Give Cash to Homeless People?

[Ethel mermania]

No, why should I? I don't condone alcohol and drug consumption, so, no. Besides, they are none of my concern.

I once heard from a family friend that they once gave food to a homeless person. What does said homeless person do? They attempt to return it for money, probably to buy drugs or something. Where I live, drug use amongst the homeless is notoriously prevalent, so, no. I'm not going to solve their problems, so I won't give them money. It'll be a temporary respite (if you can even call drug use that) to a perennial problem that is not even related or relevant to me and my concerns. I'd rather keep to myself and my problems. Unless they provide me with a legitimate good or service, why should I give my limited amount of money away for nothing at all? I don't know if this person was homeless, but I once gave a dollar to an aging accordion player begging for money. Since he provided a service to society (and me by proxy) in the form of a basic amenity instead of just begging around, I admired his hard-working spirit and contribution despite his age and precarious financial situation. I gave him the money because he earned it, and I wish I could've given him more.

I once heard......is kind of a warning flag for bullshit. I have heard versions of that one through the years. Notice they rarely mention the store name and I don’t know where you live; food which is prepared is not returnable. They homeless people know that.....

Part of the homeless problem is the legacy of St. Reagan. Mental facilities Pffft. We can better direct that money. We had a state facilities where I lived and they closed. I once did a psyc project there and remember seeing a few of the inhabitants become homeless. They needed extra help and simply tossing them in a group is not going to provide it.

Drug issues as well.

Oh no state institutions were hell holes long before uncle Ronnie. Geraldo Rivera will always be a super hero to me for what he did for the mentally ill by exposing the abuse of Willowbrook.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowb ... ate_School

[Parhe]

So tell me, if you won't give homeless people cash, why?

It isn't just homeless people. I'm not giving cash to anyone besides a loved one to waste on cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs. Not only are they harmful for the user, but they are potentially harmful for others and, while I don't actually factor this in, homeless people often don't have private places to withdraw to in order to limit the impact their drug use has on others.

If you think they can't be trusted with it, are you not infantilizing them?

You could make the argument, but it is irrelevant to me. I'm sorry, but I don't consider an adult mature if they have a life threatening addiction to said drugs and are also homeless. Speaking as someone who had struggled with alcohol abuse.

If you were in their situation and asked for help, would you honestly be happy with someone else telling you what you need?

I was homeless twice and, guess what, I never asked for help. This sounds callous, but I didn't want to burden others because I was homeless, once for reasons completely out of my control. I don't look down on homeless people asking for help, but that doesn't mean I will help, myself.

Is it so unreasonable for a homeless person to seek out the temporary relief of a cigarette or a beer?

Yes, it is. Also, are we ignoring the fact that giving a person, especially a homeless one, access to drugs and alcohol could easily land them in more trouble? If you're argument is that they might be better off in jail than on the streets, then this is one roundabout way of accomplishing it.

In their situation, would you really forgo any "unnecessary" luxury?

Yes, I would and I have.

Should homeless people focus 100% of their effort on getting out. Don't small comforts matter?

If homeless people want to squander their money on comforts and luxuries, then that is up to them, but why would I feel like it is my duty to help them do that? Look, I do usually give money to homeless people I see, even though I never asked anyone for charity when I was homeless, because I know it would help them and, more importantly, show that people do care. But I don't understand this crazy argument that we are somehow morally obligated to, or, at the least, morally wrong for not, help[ing] homeless people to feed into their vices.

As for the argument that we spend our money on our own comforts, luxuries, and vices but don't want to give out money for strangers to, you should know why. It is because most of us earn our money. I'm sorry, but begging for money is not, in my opinion, earning money. Heck, sell matches or wildflowers you pick on the side of highways, I'll consider that earning money. I'm not giving my hard earned money to a total stranger so that he or she can waste it on drugs which are detrimental to them instead of trying to get out of homelessness.

[The Black Forrest]

The difference is that a rich person earned their own money.

Unless, of course, they inherited their money

I went to school with wealthy kids (I am not). It wasn’t like big money was all over the place. Enough to where their futures were not at all stressful. By the time they could drive; the first cars were like Porsche level. I think it was the first time I saw a Lamborghini (probably the parents car; never asked).

Some where decent people and some you would think created the family fortune. More then a few have been in rehab through the years.

One of my good friends was big money. He went on to make even more. He was always a decent guy. You would look at him and never guess he was loaded. He does a great deal of charity work with the stipulation his name is not known.

[The Black Forrest]

I once heard......is kind of a warning flag for bullshit. I have heard versions of that one through the years. Notice they rarely mention the store name and I don’t know where you live; food which is prepared is not returnable. They homeless people know that.....

Part of the homeless problem is the legacy of St. Reagan. Mental facilities Pffft. We can better direct that money. We had a state facilities where I lived and they closed. I once did a psyc project there and remember seeing a few of the inhabitants become homeless. They needed extra help and simply tossing them in a group is not going to provide it.

Drug issues as well.

Oh no state institutions were hell holes long before uncle Ronnie. Geraldo Rivera will always be a super hero to me for what he did for the mentally ill by exposing the abuse of Willowbrook.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowb ... ate_School

The one I was at wasn’t that bad actually. The “solution” was the group homes as they were cheaper.

[Kernen]

Because no one owes anyone else a stable living just because they make bad decisions or have bad circumstances for whatever reason that may be, especially not if they're lazy or incompetent. If someone wants money, they should try their hand at going out and earning it.

People work hard for their own success or economic progress/pursuits, so they're more likely inclined to say "No!" to just giving away money for nothing in return, if scarcity is at play. No one but the richest has more money than they could ever use or want, wealth is usually all relative.

But homeless people are people too, and they should be treated with the same respect.

This backfires if you give nobody money. Or respect nobody, I suppose.

[Saiwania]

But homeless people are people too, and they should be treated with the same respect.

We don't live in a world full of equality, however. People instead make judgements, or have biases, and etc.

If someone is of truly low status, they can't reasonably expect to be afforded the same treatment from those who're above them. They instead need to either work within their station or struggle and sacrifice what is needed to advance in rank/status, if not chase their own opportunities if any should become available.

[Ethel mermania]

Oh no state institutions were hell holes long before uncle Ronnie. Geraldo Rivera will always be a super hero to me for what he did for the mentally ill by exposing the abuse of Willowbrook.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowb ... ate_School

The one I was at wasn’t that bad actually. The “solution” was the group homes as they were cheaper.

And for 70% of the people, its better than a state institution. (Full disclosure: Mrs mermania use to work in group homes). But yes the way deinstutionalization was handled here was a disaster.

[Disgraces]

But homeless people are people too, and they should be treated with the same respect.

We don't live in a world full of equality, however. People instead make judgements, or have biases, and etc.

Stop doing that, then.

[Loeje]

But homeless people are people too, and they should be treated with the same respect.

We don't live in a world full of equality, however. People instead make judgements, or have biases, and etc.

If someone is of truly low status, they can't reasonably expect to be afforded the same treatment from those who're above them. They instead need to either work within their station or struggle and sacrifice what is needed to advance in rank/status, if not chase their own opportunities if any should become available.

Yes, they can reasonably expect the same treatment because they're equally valuable. Your biases don't change that.

[Donab-Zryravic]

Heres the thing about why I mostly don't give cash to homeless people. Every homeless person and general poor people around here has been destroyed by the Drug and Alcohol Epidemic/s. I fully support getting them through it, and believe there should be more systems to help aide them, but I'm not gonna give my cash out to people that I know are gonna spend it on Crack instead of a razer so they can get a shave.

[Saiwania]

Yes, they can reasonably expect the same treatment because they're equally valuable. Your biases don't change that.

They're arguably not equally as valuable, if people are paid what they're perceived to be worth economically for the most part. People have unequal abilities just as they have unequal potential and outcomes. That is fundamentally why people divide themselves into classes and why economic inquality exists.

The elite performers who can earn lots of money very easily relatively speaking, have nothing in common with people who're the opposite of those things and vice versa. Maybe the richer person is just objectively more talented/skilled or is better at business/investing than the person who's living under the bridge.

[Cannot think of a name]

If I have it, I'll give it. I don't care a wink what they do with it after that.

[The Black Forrest]

If I have it, I'll give it. I don't care a wink what they do with it after that.

Indeed. What is fascinating is the people who will spout “Freedom uber alles!” are also suggesting “but but they will buy booze or drugs!”

You mean like everybody else?

[Intaglio]

Unless, of course, they inherited their money

The money was fairly acquired even in such a situation if taxes have already been paid on it. A person is entitled to use their money/net worth however they see fit assuming its not illegal, which includes leaving it to someone else if they die or are ready to divest from everything.

Why shouldn't my middle class dad for example, not be able to transfer the $700,000+ in assets that was slowly built up over 40+ years of working and investing to his family or something else he chooses for when he dies? The rich are only being afforded the same rights as other people have, with regards to managing their own financial affairs.

Why should the state/government get any more beyond their share from taxation?

The point I was making was that all wealth isn't earned; I never said anything about government nor did I say they shouldn't be able to transfer the money as they wish.

[Loeje]

Yes, they can reasonably expect the same treatment because they're equally valuable. Your biases don't change that.

They're arguably not equally as valuable, if people are paid what they're perceived to be worth economically for the most part. People have unequal abilities just as they have unequal potential and outcomes. That is fundamentally why people divide themselves into classes and why economic inquality exists.

The elite performers who can earn lots of money very easily relatively speaking, have nothing in common with people who're the opposite of those things and vice versa. Maybe the richer person is just objectively more talented/skilled or is better at business/investing than the person who's living under the bridge.

That's not necessarily true, and even if it were, that doesn't change that every human being is valuable just for being a person.

[Skaldia]

I have on occasion. However, sometimes I haven't. In those occasions I haven't, it's usually been in cases where the homeless person in question has made me feel threatened or uncomfortable. Just to clarify, I'm a big guy and quite confident in my physical prowess, but when something feels off about someone, I tend to trust my gut and attempt to exit the situation. But yes, normally I do try to give cash to those who need it the most, if I have it on me.

[Forsher]

If I have it, I'll give it. I don't care a wink what they do with it after that.

Indeed. What is fascinating is the people who will spout “Freedom ubber alles!” are also suggesting “but but they will buy booze or drugs!”

You mean like everybody else?

What I find interesting is... why the disconnect?

Well, I suppose, maybe there are a lot of people who would rather people in general not buy booze and drugs but I don't believe that (at least, not for alcohol).

[Cannot think of a name]

If I have it, I'll give it. I don't care a wink what they do with it after that.

Indeed. What is fascinating is the people who will spout “Freedom ubber alles!” are also suggesting “but but they will buy booze or drugs!”

You mean like everybody else?

There's no amount of booze or drugs that's going to make their situation not suck and if it gets them through the night, the fuck do I care? The idea isn't to teach them a moral lesson, it's I have an extra $5 and this cat needs it more than I do.

[The Sherpa Empire]

It's not about how they will spend the money. It's about the way they treat street vendors, street performers, etc. I will give money to buskers, but NEVER EVER to panhandlers. Giving money to panhandlers is subsidizing abusive behavior that makes it more dangerous and less financially sustainable for artists and musicians to share their creations with the public on city streets.

While I was doing the street art thing, I did meet some homeless people that were OK people and genuinely down on their luck, but they weren't aggressive panhandlers and the "good samaritan" types never gave them much money. If you really want to help the homeless by giving them cash, I would recommend leaving gifts for homeless people that you find asleep on the street instead of those who come up and ask for it. That way, you get the people that are too depressed, drunk, or embarrassed to even beg effectively.

Also, while this is not directly related to my point, you may find it interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lDd3-0_9j4

[The Emerald Legion]

If I have it, I'll give it. I don't care a wink what they do with it after that.

Indeed. What is fascinating is the people who will spout “Freedom uber alles!” are also suggesting “but but they will buy booze or drugs!”

You mean like everybody else?

And? Do you think I go around buying non-homeless people booze or drugs? I loaned a coworker $20 for booze once, and I've regretted that decision ever since.

Dudes in prison now for drinking and driving. He killed someone.

Did I tell him to do it? No. Did I know he would do it? No. Do I even know if it was the booze I helped him get he was drunk on? Also no.

But I don't drink. I don't think you should drink. I can't/won't stop you from doing what you want with your own things but I'm not going to *help* you do it.

[Unstoppable Empire of Doom]

"Hey, can I get a dollar? I am starving."

"Hey, how about I buy you a meal?"

"I don't want no fuckin meal."

"???"

This is a typical conversation I have with homeless people outside fast food places or gas stations. There are also the "homeless" people at every highway exit ramp that drive a moped home every night. Oh and the "homeless" couple who park their 2018 extended cab in the Walmart parking lot everyday and hold signs at the entrances until they are handed a few hundred dollars for groceries. I guess they shop at whole foods because they promptly leave.

IMO do homeless deserve some small luxuries? Sure. That does not include drugs, alcohol, and tobacco though. Those are likely a large part of why they are homeless. So donate or volunteer at a shelter. I use to work with habitat for humanity (hand up not hand out). Offer food. Don't hand money do the fakes or the addicts. It won't help.

[Grinning Dragon]

"Hey, can I get a dollar? I am starving."

"Hey, how about I buy you a meal?"

"I don't want no fuckin meal."

"???"

This is a typical conversation I have with homeless people outside fast food places or gas stations. There are also the "homeless" people at every highway exit ramp that drive a moped home every night. Oh and the "homeless" couple who park their 2018 extended cab in the Walmart parking lot everyday and hold signs at the entrances until they are handed a few hundred dollars for groceries. I guess they shop at whole foods because they promptly leave.

IMO do homeless deserve some small luxuries? Sure. That does not include drugs, alcohol, and tobacco though. Those are likely a large part of why they are homeless. So donate or volunteer at a shelter. I use to work with habitat for humanity (hand up not hand out). Offer food. Don't hand money do the fakes or the addicts. It won't help.

A couple years back there was a lady who would do the same thing, used her two young kids as props one about 4yrs old, the other still in a stroller. Come to find out, after she would grift a few bucks, she walked back to her car, a pretty nice BMW and the kicker was she was married to a doctor.

[Bear Stearns]

Because what is the point of it? You're enabling a bad habbit. Unfortunately, many cities also make it illegal to just give them food, so you're left just ignoring them.

Anecdotelly, I once gave a hobo a $100 bill when I was drunk and didn't realize I gave him $100 until he started telling everyone outside the bar how awesome I was, but I was pissed because I only meant to give him $5.

[Bear Stearns]

"Hey, can I get a dollar? I am starving."

"Hey, how about I buy you a meal?"

"I don't want no fuckin meal."

"???"

This is a typical conversation I have with homeless people outside fast food places or gas stations. There are also the "homeless" people at every highway exit ramp that drive a moped home every night. Oh and the "homeless" couple who park their 2018 extended cab in the Walmart parking lot everyday and hold signs at the entrances until they are handed a few hundred dollars for groceries. I guess they shop at whole foods because they promptly leave.

IMO do homeless deserve some small luxuries? Sure. That does not include drugs, alcohol, and tobacco though. Those are likely a large part of why they are homeless. So donate or volunteer at a shelter. I use to work with habitat for humanity (hand up not hand out). Offer food. Don't hand money do the fakes or the addicts. It won't help.

A couple years back there was a lady who would do the same thing, used her two young kids as props one about 4yrs old, the other still in a stroller. Come to find out, after she would grift a few bucks, she walked back to her car, a pretty nice BMW and the kicker was she was married to a doctor.

don't gypsies do this kind of shit all the time

[Lumio Magika]

I just try to avoid them. I'm more than aware of the possibilities in giving them money, as well as the ways those situations might be handled better. Nevertheless, my conscience won't allow me to leave it be. I've dedicated my life to helping others, and the homeless strike my heart. I always end up giving them something.