Beggars / Homeless People

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Do you give money to beggars? Do you get propositioned a lot when you are out and about?
How much do you usually give when you do give money to them?

I usually will give a beggar like 25 cents. I work in a rough, low income neighborhood and I frequent the little shops and whatnot near my work (usually the mexican food place, the post office and the liquor store). There is always people asking for money there and I can't say yes to everyone every time! A couple times I have felt uneasy after saying no, like they made it awkward or tried to intimidate me.

 

[Raven]

Where I catch the bus home from work is a run down area, there are often people coming up to people waiting at the bus stops and asking them for money.
Also I've seen a few sat by the cash points so I avoid them.

I have given some small amounts of change in the past, or bought some cigarettes or food. I tend to throw some money in if they are busking too.

 

[Kirito]

Nahh, we have a social system that makes sure everyone has a minimum income and a roof above their heads. If they're on the streets it's only because they blew that on alcohol or drugs. I won't help someone keep their addiction intact.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

If they're on the streets it's only because they blew that on alcohol or drugs. I won't help someone keep their addiction intact.

Thats the "only" reason they're on the streets? Seems like an assumption.
However, that stereotype for beggars and homeless people is pretty accurate most of the time.

 

[Kirito]

If they're on the streets it's only because they blew that on alcohol or drugs. I won't help someone keep their addiction intact.

Thats the "only" reason they're on the streets? Seems like an assumption.
However, that stereotype for beggars and homeless people is pretty accurate most of the time.

The only other reason is that they choose to be there. If you're not an addict, you can find shelter and people will help you. I know, I've been there.

Besides, we give almost 50% of our income to taxes. I might not give beggars money but I do contribute to helping these people.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

If they're on the streets it's only because they blew that on alcohol or drugs. I won't help someone keep their addiction intact.

Thats the "only" reason they're on the streets? Seems like an assumption.
However, that stereotype for beggars and homeless people is pretty accurate most of the time.

The only other reason is that they choose to be there. If you're not an addict, you can find shelter and people will help you. I know, I've been there.

Besides, we give almost 50% of our income to taxes. I might not give beggars money but I do contribute to helping these people.

Makes sense, you should keep some brochures in your pocket about the social system available to them, and when they ask you for money, hand them a brochure.

 

[Kirito]

Makes sense, you should keep some brochures in your pocket about the social system available to them, and when they ask you for money, hand them a brochure.

LOL I have to feeling I'd be hit in the face a couple of times. xD

 

[Kirito]

It's not as simple as you think, there's people out there dying to get a job but get denied, or that there's simply not enough jobs out there...

Not sure if that's directed at me, but let me explain a bit about Belgium. Some of this is going to seem borderline communism to you Americans but ohh well... Basically elected politicians here stand for the fact that everyone has the right to basic needs. Everyone's supposed to have a place to live, everyone's supposed to have an income to support themselves. The idea is eradicating poverty.

In order to achieve that goal, one of the things we do, is still give people who are unemployed some kind of income. It's not much, but it's enough to live on.

If by some chance you end up on the streets anyway, you can go to a shelter and seek help. Social workers there will work their butt off for getting you more permanent housing. They help you get a job and eventually transition into your own studio or apartment.

From personal experience I'd say 99% of the people that don't get helped, don't want any help. Sadly, you can't always protect a person from themselves.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I work in a rough, low income neighborhood and I frequent the little shops and whatnot near my work (usually the mexican food place, the post office and the liquor store). There is always people asking for money there and I can't say yes to everyone every time!

Just went to the post office to mail something on my break, then to get something to eat across the street. The same exact beggar asked me for change at both locations. He must have moved across the street, obviously he was too intoxicated to realize he asked the same person for change.

 

[Kirito]

In the USA it's a bit different, but even the UK and the USA is a bit commi...

I understand what you're saying but each country is their own with their own crazy laws and ways...

Of course, I'm just explaining my situation, not criticizing The US. Our system is flawed beyond belief when it comes to people abusing it so they don't have to work. Hardly perfect either...

 

[McConnaughay]

The only other reason is that they choose to be there. If you're not an addict, you can find shelter and people will help you. I know, I've been there.

No. Good day to you, sir. YOU GET NOTHING!

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

No. Good day to you, sir. YOU GET NOTHING!

Are you Willy Wonka?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgVS1OhucbI

(1:01)