What do you guys do when homeless people ask you for money?

I say sorry. Bitcoin only.

I ignore them and don't say anything which sometimes makes them angry.

Actually I DO have sympathy for drug addicts, which is why I don't give them money to buy more drugs.

Ignore completely, except for the couple of people who've been panhandling for years in the same spot on main st. They're nice, sometimes I toss them a few cents.

Several times if there is a store or fast food place close I have asked them to walk there with me and I buy them whatever they want to eat.

I have never done this when my family is with me or if I would have had to pick them up in a car.

I know most of them are strung out on drugs but they are always appreciative of a meal. Few of them have ever asked me for more. I will not give money though.

robert- wrote:

"sorry i don't carry cash" and i keep walking

not interested in the conversation and i have zero sympathy for drug addicts

I usually say something like "hey man" and then give them whatever I have, although never more than $20. I don't know why I have that arbitrary cut-off. Seems reasonable, though.

I must have given pandhandlers, homeless or not, thousands of dollars over the years and my many travels across the US.

But I may adopt your policy, Robert. You seem like a nice guy, admired and loved by friends and family. I hear nothing but good things about you. I'm re-thinking things, based on your post.

I keep walking. Not my problem.

If they want money they can start by delivering my food.

Depends on what they look like. I've done everything from ignore them to take them back to my place, let them clean up in my shower, then knock each other's nuts around for a while in exchange for some food and cash. Just depends on my mood and how the bum seems like they'd look with the grime cleaned off.

I give them the address for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's website and tell them to go to the local library and write her an email and she'll take care of all their needs.

I say no, and if they are aggressive so am I. The worst are the ones who harrass you at the traffic medians while the lights red.

I havent had to use it yet. But I keep mace in my vehicle for the off chance one hits my truck when I tell him to **** off.

I give them chocolates and say Merry Christmas even if it is June.

I don't say anything, but I do acknowledge that they're there: I shrug and show empty hands to indicate that I don't have anything to spare (which is generally true, particularly now when I don't have paying work).

Many times--most times--their response to the shrug-and-palms is very civil. At least I've recognized their existence as human beings.

My response may partly derive from having been homeless myself from time to time.

Ignore them unless there is a child then I will give something. I realize that money may still go to sustain the parent's drug habit but if there is a chance a child will get a meal I will take that risk.

In developing countries I will give money to kids. They are not begging because their parents are addicts but because they are completely trapped in a cycle of poverty.

"Sorry man, all I carry are $100s."

wide spectrum wrote:

Depends on what they look like. I've done everything from ignore them to take them back to my place, let them clean up in my shower, then knock each other's nuts around for a while in exchange for some food and cash. Just depends on my mood and how the bum seems like they'd look with the grime cleaned off.

Do most of them floss and withhold kissing?

Socialist Squad wrote:

I give them the address for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's website and tell them to go to the local library and write her an email and she'll take care of all their needs.

I’m just happy you didn’t call her AOC like everyone else does which I find annoying. I’m not sure why it bugs me though

This year I picked up a few bags of socks and will give them to homeless guys who come up to work vehicle.

Not all homeless are addicts......even if addiction got them into their predicament.

I usually give them some money, around $20 or so if I have it on me. They may be a drug addict. They may also have PTSD or some other mental disorder and are struggling just to live. I want my kids to see that we should try to help others.

Quasi-Boom wrote:

robert- wrote:

"sorry i don't carry cash" and i keep walking

not interested in the conversation and i have zero sympathy for drug addicts

I usually say something like "hey man" and then give them whatever I have, although never more than $20. I don't know why I have that arbitrary cut-off. Seems reasonable, though.

I must have given pandhandlers, homeless or not, thousands of dollars over the years and my many travels across the US.

But I may adopt your policy, Robert. You seem like a nice guy, admired and loved by friends and family. I hear nothing but good things about you. I'm re-thinking things, based on your post.

Truly homeless people get help. Panhandlers who work the off ramps are professional beggars who don't get much help fromme.

I ask them for a dollar before they have a chance to open their mouth.