well, here is what I do...
If someone asks me for money, I ask why, if they say they are hungry, I will seriously stop what I am doing and take them to some place, normally a fast food place, and get them something. If they decline that, I say well, you should have been honest with me, if you wanted a beer, you should have said so...Everyone has a story, some need a kick in the pants, others are under the spell of an addiction, some are perfectly content being on the streets, others are truly in a tough spot and have lost everything.
I know this first hand, I was homeless. I was a kid on the streets for almost 2 years and have seen every side of being homeless. I have talked with people that don't consider them selves homeless, but "outdoors men". I have heard all the stories first hand, and there are some people that really got the bad end of the stick. For me, it was a moment of clarity where I realized, I could not live like this anymore, and I did everything in my power to change. Some people do not have that ability, or feel they are so down and out, that being on the streets is the only option.
I try to be fair and courteous to my fellow men/women. We are all people, whether or not you have a residence, and deserve the same amount of respect you would show to a co-worker or any other passer by on the street. I am not saying to befriend them, but just be friendly. Any adult knows if it is a crazy person, and to just pass on by, but you would be surprised to hear of how they became in the state they are, and it WILL make you more humble and grateful for what you do have.
If someone asks me for money, I ask why, if they say they are hungry, I will seriously stop what I am doing and take them to some place, normally a fast food place, and get them something. If they decline that, I say well, you should have been honest with me, if you wanted a beer, you should have said so...Everyone has a story, some need a kick in the pants, others are under the spell of an addiction, some are perfectly content being on the streets, others are truly in a tough spot and have lost everything.
I know this first hand, I was homeless. I was a kid on the streets for almost 2 years and have seen every side of being homeless. I have talked with people that don't consider them selves homeless, but "outdoors men". I have heard all the stories first hand, and there are some people that really got the bad end of the stick. For me, it was a moment of clarity where I realized, I could not live like this anymore, and I did everything in my power to change. Some people do not have that ability, or feel they are so down and out, that being on the streets is the only option.
I try to be fair and courteous to my fellow men/women. We are all people, whether or not you have a residence, and deserve the same amount of respect you would show to a co-worker or any other passer by on the street. I am not saying to befriend them, but just be friendly. Any adult knows if it is a crazy person, and to just pass on by, but you would be surprised to hear of how they became in the state they are, and it WILL make you more humble and grateful for what you do have.