So how do you guys/gals handle this situation?

Much like Blacksmith, I go with my gut feeling. I don't offer up money if they are smoking, those cigarettes are expensive. If you can buy smoke, you can buy food.

 

I would be concerned that I was being set up. One person to beg and another to take. I have never run into a beggar. One time I was at the gas station and I overheard a young woman crying on the telephone telling someone that she ran out of gas and had to be pushed to the station and she had no money for gas. I offered to put $10 in for her so she could get home. No cash to her. She was very thankful.

 

I try to let my gut/conscience/the Holy Spirit guide me. Sometimes I give, sometimes not.

 

I wanted to add to the above that I am under no delusion that I am not taken advantage of. That is not on me, it's their problem.

Jesus said (Matthew 5:42) "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." Not being either self-righteous or judging others, but that is where I am coming from.

 

X2. It's good to see people quoting the bible. I guess faith in Jesus Christ is not lost after all in this day and age due to the uncertainty in this world!

 

Saw one once that had a sign that said " Need money for beer" At least he was honest!
Saw another one that said the typical no job spiel all the while standing in front of an Hotel entrance that had a help wanted sign.

Gary

 

Over the years I have helped quite a few people out on the side of the road, take them to go get gas and even paid for some gas, but these people that just walk up and start asking for gas money, I tell him I don't have any money, couple of times I gave them all the change in my pocket to get rid of them.

One time I came out of the hardware store and a guy came up asking for gas money he said he was out of gas, I don't remember why but I just happen to have a gallon a half of gas in the back of my blazer, it turned out the guy was parked right behind me and after I gave him my change he was trying to sell me some really old saws he had in the back of his Bronco, circular saw and jigsaw, I'm sure he stoled from some old guys garage.
At one point he asked if I always carry gas around with me, and acted like that was a bummer
Funny thing was he didn't even want the gas I was going to give him for free

 

A lot of them wouldn't pass the pee test for a job.

 

I meant to say "father in law". My dad never owned a Ferrari.

 

I have had paid for a purchase for folks who came up short, helped a stranded motorist that didn't have $$ for gas (most of them paid me back), and other things.

You have to be careful, though. We have an "AngelTree" during the Christmas at school. Staff members and some community members take a tag and buy a gift for a specified kid- no names, just "12 year old boy" etc. Many folks bought gift cards to various merchants to give to the kids. We had to put a stop to that when we heard several families would sell them and spend the $$$-and not on groceries, or things for the kids.

We now will buy clothing for the kids and give baskets of food.

 

Portland is going to start a new program this spring. They're gonna round up panhandlers who want to work, and take them to various areas around the city to clean up trash/debris etc. Will pay them $10/hour. City leaders, who thought of this, are all excited and believe this will really make a big difference. It will be interesting to see how many want to give up signing so they can go pick up trash... I'm betting maybe 10% of the panhandlers will give it a day or two.

 

I had quite a rant to post here.

I think we know that no matter what, you can't change lazy and as long as people keep begging successfully, they will not work.

 

I like it! That may then mean that "business" kinda drys up for the remaining beggars, since everyone will know that there is work/money available for them...if that's what they really want.

 

Really doubt it will make a difference...Sorry for the negativity...

 

No doubt...I believe that if you want to work the jobs are there! If you are trying and need help you are tugging at my heart. Standing on a corner begging not so much!

 

We currently have a very hard time filling completely unskilled positions. Literally if you show up we'll give you $14 an hour. I tell them to apply.

 

So did you marry up or was your dad to "country" to have anything other than a truck!

 

I married up.

 

Me to, I'd take a Ferrari but I'd sell it after the first speeding ticket if it was not impounded if it does not have ground clearance and a trailer hitch it's not for me other than as a toy.