How do YOU deal with the homeless?

[Harrowdown]

Give them my money so they can get some booze, ya not going to happen.

And that's definitly not what you were going to spend your money on?

I'm not begging for money on the fucking street corner.
I already pay for them when the government takes a chunk from pay check.

That's not entirely pertinent.

People like to think that they wouldn't end up the same way as these people, given the same circumstances. It just occurs to me, that maybe I would be unemployable if I had spent my formative years being abused, violently or sexually...whatever...I just think it may have affected my ability to concentrate in maths class. Hell, I come from a nice background and I still squandered my eduaction with a generally indifferent disposition.

I don't think reasons for being homeless, or what they spend any money given to them on, is really anyones business. Give or don't give, either is cool with me, let's just not be judgemental.

Thats true, and I am back peddling but I came off as kind of a dick. Maybe I should take a walk in the shoes of some one who has lost everything and basically gives up. But from my mind I wouldn't be begging on the streets, I would be picking up scrap metal or going through trash for recyclable material to sell. Making a sign and waving it in my face is lazy and shows no intuitive for the matter at hand. Thats my view on the matter anyway, sorry for coming off as a dick.

Give them my money so they can get some booze, ya not going to happen.

And that's definitly not what you were going to spend your money on?

I'm not begging for money on the fucking street corner.
I already pay for them when the government takes a chunk from pay check.

Well, aren't you lovely.

First of all, it's extremely arrogant of you to assume the homeless are all alcoholics. I wouldn't begrudge anyone a drink anyway, homeowner or not.

Second of all, nothing out of your paycheck goes to individual people on the street. Donating to a shelter or giving change to someone is a voluntary act of charity.

Thirdly, I checked your profile, and you're just a kid. You probably have a paper round or some shit, and you certainly don't pay tax. Don't even dare to sit there, in front of the computer that your parents probably bought for you, espousing that bullshit as if you actually deserve anything more than these people. Not everyone is as priviledged or as lucky as you, and you *are* priviledged and lucky.

But I have some issues with you.
I am 17, bit more than a kid but that doesn't matter. You say because I am a kid I don't work, wrong. I work in a kitchen during summer vacation, and it sucks. have you ever worked in a kitchen on a 95f day, the kitchen is almost 10f-15f hotter than the outside environment. Ever work the dish pit in 115f? It sucks.
It is also arrogant to assume that because of my age I can't work my ass off for my money.
On the check thing, you are right, none of my money goes to a specific person, but I never said that.
Like I said above, its the fact that there are many ways to make money if one really needs it, making a sign or asking me is lazy in my eyes.
Am I privileged? Fuck yes I am. Did my dad pay all for my computer, no I payed for half and it was a Christmas gift but I am very blessed to have a dad that works his ass off to be able to afford what we are able to afford. I may be spoiled with things I have, but I would never take it for granted because I see the shit people do to make a living and be able to enjoy it.

I didn't actually assume that you don't work because of your age. My point was that as a kid, your job isn't your livelihood. Even if you didn't work, you'd still have a home, a family and three meals a day. I'm sure you do work hard, but that doesn't make you a better person. It doesn't even make you more deserving really.

Concerning your check, you did in fact say, and I quote, "I already pay for them when the government takes a chunk from pay check." As i've already pointed out, taxpayer money doesn't go to charitable causes. That's strictly voluntary. I doubt that a 17 year old even pays taxes, to be honest. Do you?

Another thing I should point out is that it's fucking hard for a homeless person to find a job. Next to impossible, in fact. It's a catch 22, you see; you have to have a home address when applying for a job. There's still some odd work to be found I guess, like labouring jobs, but nothing that pays regularly or has any prospects. Scavenging for scrap, petty crime, or even begging, is often the only thing available.

Obviously we still disagree, but it's nice to see you display your humanity a bit. Just try and realise that we don't live in a black and white world. Hard work and a can-do spirit isn't always enough, and a lot of it comes down to luck. One bad investment, one accident is all it can take to put you and your family on the streets with those "lazy" people.

 

[Aardvark Soup]

I've only been asked for change by a homeless person twice and both asked so politely that I simply couldn't refuse.

 

[newfiegirl 110]

Depending on the circumstances, I might give them change. But I also have been known to go into the nearest Tim Horton's and get them coffee and a sandwich. In the summer there are a lot of street kids here, and when I had the money, that's what I would do.
On the other hand, if the person is drunk and looking for money....not gonna happen.

 

[Mantonio]

If it's a real homeless guy, I'd buy him a meal.

Because I don't think giving them money is a good idea.