nope, you gotta work for your money

generally no, though it has nothing to do with cheapness.

no because they always lie.

The last time I gave money to somebody like that was earlier this year. This lady came up to me outside a restaurant I was leaving with some friends. She gave me a long story about her being a teacher and getting her wallet stolen and needing money for gas to get home to her kids in Oklahoma (I live in Dallas).

I gave her 20 bucks and after she left 2 friends of mine said that she had come up to them a couple of weeks ago outside a different place telling them the exact same story and how she was a crook. I don't really understand why they failed to tell me that until after I had given her some dough but oh well. I'm definitely going to think twice next time it happens.

Eh...depends on the situation. Like if some guy came up to me at BB and asked for me I would say no. But a lot of times when I ride the train you have there are latin folk who get on and play some music for that I will definitely drop them some money.

Nope. Keep your money. I've had 4 homeless Uncles, one of which died from too much alcohol (they had to pump it out of his stomach, was a horrible sight to see). They would all lie to people just to get their daily dose of alcohol and/or drugs. I've met a lot of their homeless friends and although they are nice, you can't help but feel almost threatened by them. Very few people have signs that say "Although looking for money, more interested in employment". I think it's bullshit that I stand out in the sun all day, just like they do and beg for tips as well (I'm a carhop at Sonic), but they don't have to pay taxes and probably make more than me. I've seen the wads of $1's my Uncles have brought home.

Not only that, but because I make so low, why would I slave in the heat just to give it someone? Really? A new Burger King just opened up in my neighborhood. It has a massive "Help Wanted!" sign and in front of the store are homeless people. You would think they would waltz over there and apply. I even went into the store and asked for a handful of applications, as I was going to give it to them. When the Manager asked why I wanted more than one, I explained to him. He said "Don't bother, I would hire them right now but they just don't want to work. Are you interested"? I would have took the job, but I hate that job environment, I'd rather keep my job at Sonic, less stressful.

I like to help people out, but sometimes you can tell they are not telling the truth and that is when I don't give them anything. There is a Burger King I go to and every so many times a couple kids come in and try to get people to give them money, most people don't.

I prefer to give my money to charities and stuff where I know it is actually going to the cause. I'm all for helping people out, but when they lie, or use it for stuff they shouldn't be it makes it hard to give money to people you come across every day.

I ask for something in exchange no matter how menial it is. Either provide a service or offer something of value. If I were in a tight spot, I would be willing to fork over my watch or wash car windows. There is no such thing as free money. Don't support their lifestyle again in the future. Now that I've given you my 2 cents, dance for me.

Nope. Instead, I offer to buy them some food (since usually their story is that they're hungry and need to get something to eat). Surprisingly many of them turn that down and get pissed... so obviously food was not their main concern.

Yea it's best to just say sorry and walk away. 90% of the people with a story are lying and trying to get money for booze or drugs.

I don't give money to the homeless in America. Generally, the homeless here make more money than the average school teacher.

However, when I make my trips to Southeast Asia, I do what I can to help the suffering there. To me, seeing the homeless in a third world country is a far more humbling experience.

unless I am in my town I normally just say I have no cash on me.But that is because in my town I have only seen one homeles person and I could tell he was homeless mostly by the lack of story and the lack of hope in his eyes.

I live in NY and the subway is full of beggars. Why bother? I watched some kids breakdance in the train for money and I almost gave them something but **** it. I'll stick to giving to Child's Play and cancer research.

I typically just say sorry I don't have any money but, sometimes I offer them something to eat, There is no need to feed their drug and/or alcohol addiction. I also find very rarely do they actually take me up on the offer.

This is one of the reasons I don't carry any cash at all. That way when I say, "I'm really sorry, but I don't have any cash on me", I don't have to feel bad about lying. I have given money to these kinds of people on more than one occassion, but I don't make enough to support everyone, so I've had to stop.

This reminds me of Wombat's infamous fish sandwich debacle.

I've given a lady food before. Just some leftovers from lunch. Whether or not she ate it or threw it out doesn't really matter too much to me. I would never give someone cash though.

I live in nyc and for musical panhandlers...the only way I will contribute is if they play the godfather theme on their instrument. Why the godfather theme? Cause everyone seems to know how to play it, hell I've heard a steel drum version of it once.

that whole out of town and out of gas thing is a kinda well known scam. There are other variations of it but it's usually the same thing. When it happened to me I asked why don't you call your friends or family? They don't have anything! how is that possible?! friggin lazy ass bums..