do you avert your eyes or do you offer them money? I'm speaking of the ones who hold the signs at numerous intersections throughout this country.

i'm not rich enough to give right now but if i had extra money i'd give

I have given money. I have said hello. I truly believe at least 75% of people collecting money at intersections are scammers.

Doesn't anyone watch Intervention?

I hand out business cards, but no one has shown up for work yet. I do offer for someone to pick them up for work too...nothing.

watched a program a few years back, think it was Donohue, his guest was one of these people, and openly admitted that he was once a lawyer, quit and began panhandling, and made more money that way. could be he was a bad lawyer, but still

lots of them don't want to work, simply because they make a good living off of other's generosity

I'm jobless but, I don't beg.

Thease people have a bad case off O.P.M. Other peoples money.
I tell them,instead of standing on the corner.Clean up and apply for a job,he$$ your already here.
I know people that do just fine,But get all scroungy just to hit the streets for booze money.

I have given money in the past, but prefer to buy them dinner at a nearby diner or something like that.

We have a program to end homelessness in Denver that is actually discouraging people to give to panhandlers in an effort to drive them to shelters where they can get the services they truly need, be it medical, mental health, legal or counseling/rehab. It's hard to say no in the short run, but in the long run the plan is to provide sustainitive assistance that will really make a difference, and weed out the scammers!

An interesting side note is that charitiable giving to the shelters has increased, helping to meet the needs. Things won't change overnight but we are hopeful...and want to give them hope as well.

I have given, but I've also not. There was a rumor, and I'm pretty sure it was based in truth, that there were a lot who ACTED homeless, and they'd gather at a nearby bank building at the end of the evening to count up the sucker money.
So, I don't mind forking over money for people in need, but it got to the point where I couldn't tell one from a con. Even the spirit of giving has to get abused and jaded.

xactly! Now I have gotten an extra breakfast sandwich and handed it to a fella asleep on a bus stop bench before. Food is needed to fight on another day, but will not allow them to use my generosity to fund their addiction if that's an issue.

i give as often as i can bein that 80 percent of our homeless are eather weman with chiled or war vets i hate to see ppl that have fought for us to be on the street

The only way to truly help others is to teach
them to help themselves.

I agree with this approach. I give food or coupons for food & clothing, & tell them about places to get a job and/or assistance.

i'll ignore them. sometimes i look. but would never give
them money. too many con-artists and downright bad people
panhandling. give to organized charities instead or
volunteer.

I dont give cash to the jobless nor homeless, but will make a run to the nearest fast food place and get them food, will run home and get sweaters/clothing (dependent on weather) but cash money - sorry not me.

i go get them a couple of burgers and a drink and some fires............. hopefully that well get them thru the day

ive gave the homeless money, ciggys