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Giving to "Homeless" People
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Do you?
I live in London and can sometimes be approached 4 times in a day for people asking for money for a "hostel".... Sone can be really pushy and quite aggressive and sometimes, you see the same person with the same story and them drinking beer with other beggars later...
I tend to keep a seperate purse or pocket for change and set a little aside now..
I can't always know if people are genuine, but know there are issues with some hostels charging...
But I have to say I get desensitised now and sometimes pretend to have no change, especially if the person is intoxicated and I feel unconfortable...
I have noticed an increase in beggars (also, people drinking on the street, not that I am insinuating they are linked) and have been told by people who work with homeless that the majority have drugs problems... But some will be genuine too...
I was wondering what people feel about giving money to homeless people?
I live in London and can sometimes be approached 4 times in a day for people asking for money for a "hostel".... Sone can be really pushy and quite aggressive and sometimes, you see the same person with the same story and them drinking beer with other beggars later...
I tend to keep a seperate purse or pocket for change and set a little aside now..
I can't always know if people are genuine, but know there are issues with some hostels charging...
But I have to say I get desensitised now and sometimes pretend to have no change, especially if the person is intoxicated and I feel unconfortable...
I have noticed an increase in beggars (also, people drinking on the street, not that I am insinuating they are linked) and have been told by people who work with homeless that the majority have drugs problems... But some will be genuine too...
I was wondering what people feel about giving money to homeless people?
0
Comments
A man seemed a bit flustered yesterday when he tried to stop me and my mate and I said "oh I remember you from yesterday".
I remember seeing another woman pushing a wheelchair up the street in Kings Cross. When I came back, she was sat in it pretending to shake to look like a better beggar.
Which charities are saying not to give?
There was a story earlier this year about someone pretending to be homeless and he was begging on the streets. It turns out he was quite rich and not homeless. I know he's in the minority; but it does put me off giving to beggars.
So what if they spend the money on drink or drugs. That's only what I'm going to spend it anyway.
I guess I generally give money to genuine charities. This is to avoid the charlatans and the liars. I couldn't give a toss if people will spend their gains on booze and tabs but I do give a toss about giving to tossers and thieves.