Food and drink many times.

 

Bought gas one time and I made sure he put the gas in.

I've purchased a hotel room for a woman and her daughter trying to escape abuse. She did go back to him that time but eventually left him for good. I've also given food. I normally don't carry any cash, so I can't give it.

I'll give the guys playing music after a ballgame a buck or two. That's about it.

If I have cash on me I typically give it to those asking. However, I have slowed my roll on just giving them money. I now ask if they want something to eat rather than just give them cash. I once bought this man a chicken sandwich from a speedway and he was so upset I didn't give him the cash that he threw the sandwich away in front of me. That was the day I almost beat up a "homeless" man.

I get what you are saying and I do not dispute that there are those who are not truly needy. But I know that many truly are in need. I just err on the side of helping someone who scammed me to make sure I don't turn away from someone who did. Having been in dire circumstances at certain points in my life, I just can't bring myself to pass by. But I understand why others do. I'm not judging anyone. Just doing my thing.

 

Its a good hearted approach. The problem with that approach is you're hurting the addicts that panhandle for drugs or alcohol. I too have given at times, then I'm guilt ridden on if I did the right thing or not.

I'll give the guys playing music after a ballgame a buck or two. That's about it.

 

They are the exception to my rule. Guys are working, right?! I'll throw something their way.

I did once. Won't ever do it again. I saw the same cat in the parking lot where he fleeced me the very next day trying to get some money from a lady while she was still in her car. At the time I drove a hotrod. I flew in the parking lot, pulled up the Ebrake and slid it within 5 feet of him and jumped out of the car and yelled to the lady that he was a scamming expletive, told him that if he didn't leave I'd call the cops and that I wanted my $20 back. He took off running up into the woods. Crackhead.

Its a good hearted approach. The problem with that approach is you're hurting the addicts that panhandle for drugs or alcohol. I too have given at times, then I'm guilt ridden on if I did the right thing or not.

 

I understand that perspective. I feel guilty when I pass by without giving, because that person could have legitimately needed it.

98% of them are professional scam artists...aka losers

98% of them are professional scam artists...aka losers

 

I don't know about your area, but it is not a 98% scammer ratio in Louisville. But, we have significantly more homeless than smaller communities.

I don't know about your area, but it is not a 98% scammer ratio in Louisville. But, we have significantly more homeless than smaller communities.

Very true. But you know better than most that there are so many avenues to help those folks that are legitimate and the benefits are great.

This thread really hit home for me. I never give to panhandlers but just recently I was at a gas station & was approached by a young lady for gas money so she could get to her sick mom in another city. I was on my way to church when this occurred so I told her once I got gas to pull her car in behind mine. I looked at her & asked her after she got gas if I could pray with her for her mom when we finished praying I asked her when she could to pass on an act of kindness to someone whether she did or not only God knows but she thanked me & said she would. I truly believe God put her in my path to open my eyes on the needs of others. Kudos to rockmom for her acts of kindness!

I have struggled with this one for years and I have a bit of peace personally with the following:

 

I do not know anyone's situation. I do not know who is a "scam" artist and who isn't. I do not know nor can I control what anyone does with donated money (that is their issue not mine). I do know that I want a heart that is soft towards those in need. If giving a dollar or two here or there is payment to insure that I don't judge others situation too harshly and that I remain sensitive to the issues around me then it is money well spent.

 

I am not perfect. I do not always follow what I said above; however, I do not like me much when I view others in a really harsh way.

I heard someone say that in Louisville(?) they now have signs listing a charity that helps the homeless posted in places where panhandlers stand by roads requesting people donate to the charity instead of giving panhandlers money. Anyone seen those signs or heard of that?

I’m less apt to give money (simply bc I don’t carry much) but I give food, water bottles, etc. Particularly remember once a person going through garbages and chased her down to give her a few sandwiches. I’ve filled up gas tanks twice before.

 

I’ve screwed up and screwed over others in my past (and I’m sure I’m not finished) …. So look at this as being the hands and feet of Christ when I’m able.