What about those people who try to clean your winshield with the dirty newspaper/rag type material with a bucket of muddy water with piss in it, hoping for some change?

I've had it happen time and time again, so I always nod before they even aproach my car or roll down windows and point no in a way.

There are always those who insist and still do it, and well not to be a little punk I just spray my water/wipers to get them away.

Here in houston, there are way too many and it seems we see them at every intersection.

I like the idea about giving them a meal or paying for one if they decide to follow, I'll try that next time instead of saying no or giving the person change.

 

Oops - forgot the best one I've seen.

San Francisco a couple of years ago - guy was sitting on sidewalk and had sign as follows:

"NOT HOMELESS, HELPLESS, HURT, OR HUNGRY. ALMOST HAVE ENOUGH CASH FOR A HOOKER."

I gave him a buck and laughed for a block.

 

My parents always taught me to give from the heart....

Two years ago I was riding my bicycle and ran accross one at a corner. He asked for spare change and I told him he should try to "earn" some money instead. He said that people would usually be scared away and they would not let a "homeless individual" into their homes....that made me think about how lucky I was to have a job and a place to crash....

I told him to follow me. We went to my house (8 blocks away - he jogged). He mowed my yard and cleaned my windows.....and did a hell of a job at it too. My exwife was a little disturbed about the whole deal...she actually got pissed and left the house (b*tch!).

Anyway, after he got done he pretty much cleaned the fridge....I have never seen someone eat so damn much so quickly. I offered the man a beer and he said he did not drink .....gave him a very nice tip and a beat up ol' Specialized.....

Guess what fellows, last Christmas I got a card on the mail and a box of expensive chocolates........and a picture of "Sam". Sam now HAS a job. He owns his own freaking mowing business and he still has my Specialized........what goes around comes around.

Sh*T....he might be on this board next year

Angel

 

HMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm how about the people that inherit money even though they are MF pricks??

 

Be careful out there. The last thing you need is for someone to grab your wallet and make a run for it when you go to hand them a couple of bucks. I'd say "sorry, I can't" or something like that. Although, there was this time where a guy came up and told me that if I could give him just one more quarter, he would have enough to go buy himself a beer. So, I grabbed loose change and hooked him up.

 

living in Berkeley, i'm approached by homeless folks at least a couple times everywhere i walk. as a freshman, it was not easy to say no. these folks have lived on the streets here for years; they know a freshface when they see one. but as you get older and you know a bit more about the community, you know who's the one that's buying food with his $ and who's the one that goes out to get smokes and drinks.

$20 isn't something i think a homeless person would make good use of. if i'm on my way to get some food and i have some money in my pocket, i'll buy them a meal. i figure it could happen to any of us, and i would definately appreciate a good meal if i was in their shoes. BUT, on those days that i'm walking to work or i don't have time and someone yells out "you'll get yours" when i deny them any of my $, i feel no remorse. guilt isn't going to get me to help them. i haven't nothing to feel guilty about.

90% of the folks here are understand the value of the dollar. what you do with your money is your choice. encouraging your kids to give is always a good thing. shield them from seeing that homeless guy turn around and spend it on alky or hop in a brand new car. but don't ever feel guilty about not giving. do what you can to the extent that you feel comfortable. the homeless' misfortune doesn't obligate you to pay them.

 

There is a guy in Pasadena who one day is a homeless, disabled Vietnam vet with crutches and his arm in a sling, perfectly healthy the next day, and blind with a seeing eye dog the next day. Pretty funny.

 

If that's the only reason they have money, that's the luck of the draw. But the respect that usually comes with money won't be theirs.

If any of you have read Atlas Shrugged, you'll know what I'm referring to when I say this: You can't keep a good man down. If you're fit to have money, then inheritance doesn't matter, because you'd build a fortune anyways. If you're not fit to have money, but you get it, it will be gone soon enough. The money does not corrupt the man, the man corrupts the money.

 

I do what most people do. Offer to buy them some food. If they refuse and ask for money i tell them that all i can provide is food. I tell them that if they want money I will buy them a newspaper so they can look for a job. I do have compassion for the people who truly are homeless and can not get a job. The ones who have mental illness that prevent them from working. Unfortunitly some people have taken advantage of others misforutnes.

 

I also just want to add that 99% of the time, you're putting a band-aid on the problem. If a person doesn't want to help themselves, your help isn't going to do anything.

Like the old adage goes: You give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.

Z06-Killr, your situation is certainly a unique one. If I knew my help would lead to such a turnaround, I would certainly consider lending a hand. Problem is, your situation is a rare one.