[Kizzy]

The offer of food patronising?
wow...and theres me thinking it was nice just to offer, that someone took a moment from their day to suggest it...
How wrong was I?

[joeysteele]

I don't see anyone asking for money much at all, however, the times I have, I have helped, one wanted to get to a hostel place and said he had to pay for a bed, it turned out he was right but not to the tune he said it was.
I took him for a meal but he wasn't allowed in the place so I got us both fish and chips and he did eat them.
I then went with him to his hostel place and paid for a few nights for him,it wasn't usually allowed but they did on this occasion.
I think he was glad in the end to see the back of me as I was willing to assist him but not throw him a fiver or more which would likely have gone on alcohol and I do also talk a great deal.

Never saw him again,as for those who have caps or boxes in front of them and who don't ask for specific amounts then I give whatever change I have on me at the time.

At the end of the day, they are people and I think most are genuinely on hard times, some for likely most of their lives. They don't want comfort,they don't want organising either,the way they live has become a way of life to them, like the opposite of being institutionalised.

I will though always remember the guy I took to the hostel, I did say why not go to the Council and get some permanent help,care and a roof over your head that would be yours.
His answer was that 'anything good that happened to him, was fine while it lasted but he knew in the end all the good and routine would soon change and he would be left high and dry again.
Alcohol he added, got him though most of the day and made it bearable.
Living as he was, he knew what to expect each day and the bits of help he got, got him through.Never expecting anything,just asking and hoping'.

Made me feel sad, I don't know what the answer is to it, I cannot though walk past or ignore anyone in need.

[Livia]

I don't give money to beggars. I do buy a Big Issue from the same chap every week.

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Livia

I don't give money to beggars. I do buy a Big Issue from the same chap every week.

..yeah, that's what I do...it's the same guy and he usually stops and chats for a little bit when I go into town on a Saturday...

[Mrluvaluva]

A couple of lads were asking for money today, but they were not getting any from me. They looked like they were on something. Back at the bus stop later, I noticed a woman avidly watching them coming back drinking beer. When they saw her, they ran off down the road. She turned and said "I must be so gullible. I thought they wanted some money for food, as they were going into Asda, so I gave them £10. Ten quid? I was quite surprised. I bet they thought Christmas had come early. I bet she thinks twice next time. The minority spoiling it for the majority again. Or is that the other way round?

[Kizzy]

Thats the issue some have now, you want to make an altruistic gesture but are you simply feeding an addiction?
The offer of a warm drink or food would I think be the only option for me.

[Shaun]

Sometimes, only if I can really afford to spare it though.

The idea of it feeding their addiction never really bothers me. They're still homeless, they're still broke... if their only respite is alcohol or drugs then cool, glad I can help.

[lostalex]

It totally depends on the person. Sometimes I do, if i just have a feeling that I should. but most times i just say "sorry" and try not to make eye contact.