laurelbush28762 asked: My friend and I saw a man on the side of the road with a sign that said “Will work for food” we thought the man was hungry and we had Kentucky Fried Chicken with us. Just bought it. We stoped and gave this to him. On driving away we looked in the rearview mirror and he threw it over the guardrail. Has this ever happened to anyone else? It’s no wonder people don’t want to help the needy.
Anna
8:26 pm - January 21st, 2009
Yeah, there was a guy in the same spot for two days, we gave him some food, and he didn’t look too happy. I’m like what the hell ever, if you’re so needy then you would need food. I’m not giving my money to anyone.
4:26 pm - January 22nd, 2009
almost the exact same thing happened to me, only he threw it into a bush. to give them $$ is to perpetuate their problems.
9:44 pm - January 22nd, 2009
Those people are hustlers who mainly use the money for dope or liquor. Some make more money by holding a sign all day than honest people who work.
7:13 am - January 25th, 2009
He was probably hoping you’d give him money for booze or drugs; but also, many many homeless people are mentally ill so please don’t hold it against them. They can’t help it. Maybe say and extra prayer for people like that who you see. And count your blessings.
5:51 am - January 26th, 2009
They usually want money for drugs. It comes down to choice. If you choose to hold a sign, and I choose to not give you any money then tough turkey leg. You had best respect my choice. I have offered these people work, they want a hanout no a handup. Peace.
9:18 pm - January 28th, 2009
i have,and a few offered to let work on a job site and they declined
11:11 am - January 30th, 2009
Yeah me. I gave a beggar some money he was standing next to a supermarket and a liquor store, I walked away got into my car and waited to see what hell do and saw that he came out with a bottle of booze from the liquor store. Whats up with that. I still give them money now though but nothing more then a couple of dollars.
12:26 am - February 1st, 2009
My usual policy has been that if asked for money for food I will offer to take them into a store and buy them something to eat but due to the drug problems I won’t typically give the money directly.
3:04 pm - February 2nd, 2009
I offered a guy a job a few Christmases back, working on a construction site..He told me: “I make more money sitting here than you could ever pay me” I will never stoop to that level ever again.
5:35 am - February 5th, 2009
once, i was at mcdonalds, and this guy was asking for food. i worked with a homeless mission, so i recognized him. i usually went and bought breakfast for a couple of the guys once a week. well, this guy was really drunk, and i decided to buy him some food. he was really irritated by it. i gave him 3 bucks for “the bus” also, knowing what it was REALLY going to be used for… but he was really drunk and tried to kiss me.. it was so gross, then he dropped his food all over… it was scary. but, i debate… sometimes i think that you should just give and not question. other times, i dunno… but there was one time i didn’t help a beggar and it haunted me.. because he just looked like he was really in need. recently, there was this guy that i felt compelled to help, and he tried to hit me when i brought him soem food. though, recently, i’ve observed him and noticed he is obviously mentally disturbed, i think maybe even schizophrenic.
8:01 pm - February 5th, 2009
Yes. They don’t really mean what they write on the cardboard- do they. It is the real deal. I’ve seen the same thing you experienced. I’ve even met business owners who have offered work to one. The job: picking up shingles and scrap that fell around the dumpster on the ground. The beggar didn’t want that job. He said he could make more money just holding the sign.
4:40 pm - February 6th, 2009
Not exactly, I’ve had kids asking for money to buy food and snubbed actual food when I offered it to them though. That’s why I don’t give money anymore…you know some of those people are actually sending their kids to college?! Crazy. Keep your money, and your food. I saw a great answer here the other day that said to print out flyers listing the local shelters and places that give food to the homeless and hand that to the panhandlers. Great idea cos then you really reach the people who need it and if they don’t, well all you wasted was the cost to print the page and NOT a whole bucket of chicken!
1:38 am - February 7th, 2009
my daughter and i gave a man $5.00 i don’t care what he did with the money. it was given from the heart. so i never thought twice. the man you helped was rude and not to hungry or he would have never got rid of good kfc. his loss. your loss. he most likely wanted drugs if he said he would work for food. he was a con. next time give one dollar if you feel you want to.
7:20 pm - February 7th, 2009
The truth is, that homeless people can get foodstamps.
Many receive Social Security or Disability.
In most areas of the US and Canada, meals are readily available at least twice a day, 7 days a week, at various locations. Other assistance, such as medical, clothing, and such is also available.
Some who sit on street corners with signs aren’t even what we would strictly define as homeless.
The bottom line is that most (I am sure there are exceptions) who hustle on street corners, or who panhandle, are trying to get money for drugs, alcohol, and/or cigarettes.
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I wanted to add that, from information from someone I knew that for a few months fell on such hard times he was jobless and homeless, that those who are there like he was … DONT stand on street corners, hustle, or panhandle! The ones that are there through circumstances and want to get back up … they utilize the resources available and get back up as soon as they can. He is now back in the middle class workforce and life he had before the hard times hit.
9:49 am - February 9th, 2009
There used to be a man on the corner of a exit ramp. He never held a sign up but just sat there.
I used to bring him a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, crackers and some juice every morning on my way to work.
He ate it with a smile and but never really spoke but you could tell on his face he was thankfull.
I only did this about a couple of weeks, never saw him again.
We have a begger outside our work who can be down right hateful at times.
4:20 am - February 12th, 2009
Yes. A man I gave money to told me he was going to buy wiskey with it. I really don’t mind when people do this. It’s not my job to judge them and make sure they spend the money wisely. It’s just my job to help the needy as I can. After that it is out of my hands. I will continue to help the needy as I am able.
2:14 am - February 13th, 2009
Never grow weary of doing good.Your intention is what you are responsible for not theirs. Do good for good’s sake. Peace.
9:57 pm - February 14th, 2009
that happens a lot here in my country (a country in asia). its very sad and to an extent even disappointing. sometimes, i feel just like you. i feel like not giving to beggars anymore.
one important lesson though that i would just like to share is the statement: “caritas christi urget nos”. i learned it in religion class. its latin for the love of christ urges us. its a very beautiful phrase in my opinion.
it tells us that it doesn’t matter what will be of our gift just as long as it has been done out of love for jesus who commanded us to love our brothers as we love ourselves.
this thought always lessens my irritation and makes me feel better. i suggest you try it next time you experience the situation you had. god bless.
10:06 am - February 17th, 2009
maybe he was vegitarian………