Giving money to a homeless person: stupid?

<p>As I said, there are plenty of alternatives that are safer for you and more beneficial for the homeless. Here's one example, </p>

<p>Chicago</a> HOPES</p>

<p>That's just from 3 minutes of google, and it looks pretty good (as it encompasses tutoring and donations). But you could look through your school for the most suitable and convenient program.</p>

<p>The fact that you are developing a relationship with this man, by scheduling an appointment and taking a walk with him to get his state ID, is what makes me worry about your safety. It's not just the typical "give and go" situation.</p>

<p>aww that's very sweet of you<33</p>

<p>ah i dont think u should do that, it'll make him more reliant on other people...maybe this dude's lying to u so u'll feel sorry for him</p>

<p>my friend and i gave 5 bucks to a couple on a parking lot who looked pretty poor and said they needed it for gas cuz they needed to go somewhere that is 10 miles from the parking lot...we decided to play ninja and secretly follow them, they walked into a convenient store and got in line to buy some cigarettes and used our money...we got pis sed so we fell in line right next to them (not to call them out) but just so they know they we know that they lied to us</p>

<p>you can show him the way, but he must walk it.</p>

<p>What would you say if a parent on this board asked you, "Knowing what I know about high school graduates, I felt like helping pay his college tuition could very well change the course of his life. Even if he had done bad things in the past and was irresponsible, I'm hoping that by doing what I did, I'm giving him this chance to improve his life (and he better not waste it). Do you think I am nuts? Is he just going to spend it on something completely useless like an English degree?"</p>

<p>Well that's different. A kid can't choose his parents so it'd be pretty irresponsible to bring a kid into this world and not provide basic necessities like food and shelter. Education is not a basic necessity; you can't comapre that to food and shelter.</p>

<p>It's great that you helped him with his documents and getting him with a job. The last thing you need to give homeless people is just straight out money, because they may use it for drugs/alcohol. There was this one exception, when a homeless guy put up a sign that reads "I'm not gonna lie, I'm buying beer with this money". I gave him a dollar for being honest. I'm still a kid, so I'm not attempting anything of this nature until I get a Concealed Carry Weapons permit. Jacksonville has the highest murder rate in Florida.</p>

<p>Haha, Liist, my mom and I gave a homeless guy a dollar last week 'cause when we offered him food, he had the integrity to admit that he just wanted money for cigarettes. </p>

<p>OP: What you're doing is great. You are truly going to make a difference in this man's life. And I completely agree with what you said: often, people are forced into homelessness by things beyond their control -- and the system perpetuates the situation, creating a vicious cycle from which it is almost impossible to escape. I admire you for what you're doing!</p>

<p>Here is an incredible story of a homeless man who was befriended by a journalist in Los Angeles. Nathaniel Ayers was a Juilliard student, a brilliant violinist, before he became a victim of schizophrenia and found himself in LA's skid row. The journalist was taken by his violin playing on some corner (violin only had two strings left), and approached him. It's been a long journey for Ayres.</p>

<p>Steve</a> Lopez on Nathaniel Anthony Ayers - Los Angeles Times</p>

<p>My history teacher once told me that most of the homeless people that you see on the streets are druggies or alcoholics. The actual "good" homeless people are like ... hiding or living in their cars... trying to get their lives back together. I'm pretty sure this doesn't apply to everyone though.</p>

<p>She also told me this story about her friend giving money to this homeless guy that she always saw at the same spot. Later, she followed him and watched as he drove away in his Mercedez... =|</p>

<p>I hate it when some homeless guy is sitting out the same Subway every single day, asks you for change every single time, every single time you refuse, and then tries to guilt you by saying "God bless ya."</p>

<p>lol, rant.</p>

<p>They should be escorted to the nearest library. Knowledge is key.</p>