Always a delema. I know some people who work for homeless agencies, and they've told me that in any city, it's possible to get 3 square meals a day and a place to sleep. Many of the homeless want their freedom though, and don't want to be tied up with the rules and regulations of a shelter.

I used to "not" give them money for this reason, but now I do give on occasion. I know they might use it to drink, but they might not and you might be able to help someone with a few bucks on that particular day.

Don't ever let someone bully you into giving them money though- I know many are drunk, high, or mentally ill, but there's no excuse for that. Call the police if they bully you- otherwise, give them a few bucks if you can spare it.

One quick note: Many of the shelters and soup kitchens have cards showing the phone numbers and addressses for help (food and shelter) in the area. You can also give them this card. They probably already know the location of these places, but it can't hurt.

I would definately give it if I had it to spare.You never know what that person is or has gone thru.I would'nt be bullied by someone for it either though.I just know if I was ever to end up in that situation,(homelessness)I'd appreciate anyones help.

sorry if i sounded insencetive..i know who most of the people are that beg for money in my area and one i know for sure has a home..just needs a drink...i gave one person five dollars at the atm a few years back and a year or so later he died from drinking, i would hate to think my five dollars was a nail in his coffin..so its very hard to know what to do sometimes.

I look at it as a form of enabling.

A lot can go get jobs or clean up their act if they want, of course, there are that few that are just a mental mess, but who can you tell?

I got that a lot when I lived downtown. I soon realized who the hustlers were, and the ones that weren't.

I have no problem throwing a buck or so in a bucket for someone playing an instrument or something, not just blantly asking for it, then being rude to you when you turn them down.

There was this one couple when I lived downtown. They would alway sit on the same corner on MWF of the week, selling gum, hell, that showed me more than someone just flat out asking for it.

You could tell they were mentally challenged, but they were making a go at it. I would give them $5 for a couple packs and be on my way.

wonder if they are still down there on that same corner 3 years later

This is an interesting thread. I think that if someone is bullying you-keep walking. Me, if someone is really desperate and really really needs a drink-(I KNOW!!!) or whatever, I give them a buck or two. I have been there-desperate that is, and really feel like just giving them some dough to relieve themselves. Enabling, yes.

I am a softy for old, worn out drunks...sorry

This is just me: if I have the money I will give it to anyone who asks. Usually it's an extra dollar bill hanging around or even a quarter. I don't ask what they'll use it for, I just pray they buy even a burger from McDonalds. Once I give it away it is no longer mine to wonder what they'll do with it. I know many people who won't give money. I would not, however, take kindly to anyone following to my car and I would actually have screamed for them to back off and if I had to I would have defended myself. It's one thing to be asked, it's another to be followed. I also don't like the word 'bum' personally. A vast majority of homeless are mentally ill people who aren't being cared for. I know as my uncle could have ended up that way. At any rate, do what you feel comfortable doing.

I have sort of adopted an attitude of "God, and I, help those who help themselves."

With the price of booze and cigaretts I couldn't affort to drink and smoke the way I did 30 years ago. I'd be out on the streets too.