Where do panhandlers spend donated money?

The I-Team hits the streets to find out what panhandlers are doing with your dollars.
More from the WCPO 9 I-Team: www.wcpo.com/n...

[@glasslinger]

"You can't always count on money you give being used for good..." That is EXACTLY what I feel when I pay my taxes!

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

the military, schools, teachers, roads, NASA, etc.. but you already know this dont you

[@lookupindasky]

Taxes are forced on us. Have documented income and try to get around that. Unless you make 8 figures or more

[@shonuff7612]

Lmfao

[@AndyMorrisArt]

you can be guaranteed a good portion will not be used for good but for evil! so yea I don't ask beggars what they intend to do with my donation to humanity... maybe another shot of dope to ease the pain is exactly what they need ... not my call.

[@turdferguson2982]

@@suzycreamcheesez4371 is that all you think those tax dollars are being spent on?

[@samcostin7586]

There was once this guy outside of a food store with a dog in the rain. It was the middle of winter and I felt so bad for him. I decided to go shopping that day just for him. I bought all the needs for him and his dog. When I gave it to him he started crying. I wish the best for that man.

[@strawberry2651]

sam Costin you’re so nice

[@lovingpurrs8388]

sam Costin and often they want but thing and prefer the money to rent a place for at least a night- they don’t have a place to take any clothes- food donations etc

[@kimberlysevastyanenko3798]

That's the way to do it.

[@brandon8900]

Congrats you got duped

[@Pumpkingilmour]

probably crying because he really wanted drug money and booze, casino money etc., and felt guilty that you bought him stuff that he already has. Con-handlers love rainy days, btw. They get twice as much money sometimes when ot rains. Stop being conned.

[@irishamerican4558]

Taking a smoke break on a greyhound bus trip to a job, a local convinced me he had been robbed of his luggage while sleeping inside the bus station. He said his bus ticket was inside his luggage & all he had was a few dollars. It was the perfect story & had me hook line & sinker. He asked me to give him the rest of the money he need to get a ticket home. There was no way I could refuse his request, because his story broke me down. I told him " come inside & put your money on the counter & I'll pay the rest" He said what is the difference if you just give me the money. That was the end of the conversation, I walked back inside but he just waited outside on the next sucker.

[@billbrasky8860]

Got to harden your heart Lots of sleazy transients like you encountered with believable sob stories. If we woke up tomorrow and they were all gone would things be worse or better?

[@m42037]

Cleaver 😉

[@cteckerman]

As pissed as I'm sure he was, I don't think using a cleaver is the best way to go.

[@PracticalPerry]

That is a good way to weed out scams from people you do not know.

[@Lex1uth3r]

Panhandlers always "need just a bus ticket". I've been hearing variations on your story time and time again for the last 20+ years from strung out dope fiends refusing to get help. They are living the lives their decisions dictated just as we are.

[@jorgerodriguez85]

My late fiancee worked for a homeless organization, & taught me a simple lesson: Those that really need the help don't ask for it.

[@Legend-nl4vy]

So how do they get help

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

I have spent a lot of time among the homeless, and what you say is 100% correct ! ! !

[@dominoeffexx4416]

AMEN, the golden rule is ONLY give to homeless people who look homeless but aren't holding a sign or asking for it. That means they have too much pride therefore they deserve it the most. If a homeless person has no shame begging, he/she will do it til the day they overdose simple and plain.

[@The666Steppenwolf]

So . True .

[@mybackyardparrots9198]

@@dominoeffexx4416 - I was homeless for 3 years. I lived in my car with my dogs - my security team. My first week of being homeless, you know who took the time to see if I was ok? The "sketchy" people you see at shopping centers asking for a quarter. Not my so-called fami,y, or friends, neighbors, religious freaks (Jehovah's) - no, it was whom the world refers to as "sketchy, drunks, dope addicts, scam artists". They saw me as new to the parking lot, they saw how I behaved, how I kept to myself & pets, and how I kept myself clean - figuratively & literally - no drugs, no booze, no hooking, no stealing. One leader of his group consisting of his wife and about 4 close friends kept an eye on me to see which type of homeless I would turn out to be. Once the figured me out, they approached me and introduced himself & friends. They said they noticed me & wanted to be sure I knew where and when to go to the local churches to get a meal. They also said, Christopher, the guy on the bike patrols the area to make sure the homeless are safe, and to call the cops on the trouble makers. Told me not to hesitate to tell him who messes with me - they will take care of them so they don't bother me. The abuse they put up to get that quarter for "beer" - well, "cousin" noticed I had lost weight since the first time they saw me. You want to know what he did? He went into store and bought me a sandwich, water & a bag of chips. That was about $5 (a fortune) of beer money that this "sketchy" person bought for me. There are many types of homeless people out there - there are professional chefs, medical assistants, drivers, elderly people who could not afford a place, many vets just waiting for whatever funds were coming, shelters were full, etc. However, one rarely notices us - they just notice the con artists - the ones on the corner with the newborn baby, or the pretty blonde woman woman with their "schooled" actor child in pigtails, holding a dolly 🙄 It takes a good soul to see beyond the scam artists and find the real needy ones. I myself was surprised by such a couple - unbeknownst to me, the cashier must have made a comnent about me, to a customer. I had just purchased $10 worth of scratch & dent salmon - 10 cans - food for 10 days!!! They saw me in the parking lot and from a distance asked if I wanted a couple bottles of cold water. My god, yes. Then he approached me and gave me a $20 bill. I was embarassed, however, they insisted I accept it. I splurged on 10 cans of extra dog food for my babies & one serving of HOT white rice from Panda Express! One $1 can of cold salmon & small can of cold spinach over hot rice!!! BEST MEAL EVER! Today, I have about $10K, a roof over my head, a better vehicle, my SS & a part time job. Let's not forget my stimulus check. Sometimes, all we need is an angel on earth to believe in us. A handup. Yes, I do pay it forward - many, many times - whether it be a food card, a carton of donuts to go with that free coffee, gatorade, water, fill their vehicles with gas, donate in grocery stores by buying food for them to feed the homeless.

[@jasonhoward7756]

When I was 16 I went to work with my father who was a general contractor at the time. We always passed a man on the side of the highway. Finally we asked the man of he wanted a job 12 bucks an hour to sweep the jobsite and we would buy his lunch everyday. No hesitation he said " I make more on the side of the road". Since then have never given to panhandler.

[@ricks.1318]

Most are LAZY losers, many with addictions ..... THAT is WHERE your $$ are going .....

[@victormalyar9200]

I know a panhandler in my neighborhood who is not homeless and collects SSI and comes to my borough all the way from the Bronx and spends the money on marijuana. He has a felony records and used to be a car thief.

[@dogloverjb6873]

I agree... I have offered panhandlers work also, and have always been turned down.

[@aw4591]

This is the issue. Some even get mad if offered food. They just want to get the next drug fix or bottle of liquor.

[@Youmaydisagree]

I work 8 hours a day so I see no reason to give panhandlers money. I am paying for enough free stuff for those who refuse to work already.

[@johnallen2771]

As a veteran of four years in the military, I am offended by anyone claiming they're a veteran who aren't. It's a slap in the face of those who served. They should be locked up for impersonating a veteran. It's not easy being in the military and these people present us as if we're bums.

[@TechGently]

We're on the lookout exposing these people. Sometimes I turn the other way, as you know during Veteran's day restaurants give free meals to Veterans. This guy with a Navy hat on was very standoffish when I said hello and asked him where he served (being a Navy Veteran myself). He didn't have an answer, I suspect he was truly just homeless and wanted a hot meal, that's okay, regardless of being a veteran or not, but when they try pan handling for that for their drug addiction that's a different story.

[@donnaburton1240]

It's called stolen valor......

[@robertafierro5592]

I feel the same way about people who claim they're DISABLED!!

[@davepowell1661]

That these people need to impersonate anything shows how damaged they are

[@uarbor70]

I am pretty sure it's actually a crime. If not it should be. Thank you for your service

[@andrewmcgee1001]

I've given money to panhandlers on several occasions when I lived in Atlanta..one of the most satisfying times was when I was on the way to a convenience store. A man asked for $$ because he was hungry. I told him to come with me and I bought him a sandwich, chips and a drink. Knowing I was feeding his stomach and not a drug habit made me feel it was well worth it.

[@ItzAWrapYo]

wether its food or drugs it doesnt matter to me, because, at the end of the day, he needed it. taking someone into a store and buying them food is absolutely humiliating to that person. but one will still go, because, at the end of the day, he needed it. dont judge.

[@ellenroehl6022]

In my more altruistic days I would hand them a bag of canned food as I drove by. Some seemed really appreciative but who knows?

[@ConservativeRC]

I give when moved by the spirit. Years ago in CA, I saw a man outside a grocery store with a sign that said he was hungry. Along with my groceries, I bought him a bag with a sandwich and other lunch items. When I gave it to him, he rolled his eyes and tossed it to the side. Very disillusioning.

[@davidv6588]

@@ConservativeRC There are food banks and soup kitchens everywhere. Anybody that tells you they need money for food is lying.

[@MeowMeow-cp3sw]

I was shopping at Trader Joe’s and a pregnant lady with two kids was outside asking for food/money. I offered To them some sandwich stuff, milk, etc. She told me she would come in with me to pick what she wanted instead (with entitlement I might add). I said no, and that I would bring her out a few items. Next thing o know I see her in the store with an elderly woman filling up her cart with expensive food items. I do feel for some people but many are there to take advantage.

[@tomt373]

She is padding her welfare checks and food stamp card.

[@alyssahamlett]

Sad but true ..I Just go with my gut

[@ricks.1318]

MORE of them are Con artists .... and prey on the elderly or religious folks ..... THAT is a CRIMINAL in my book !!!

[@thepalm1687]

So you're mad someone didn't take your required items or mad at someone who didn't mind if the pregnant lady chose what she wanted? If the pregnant woman can't or won't use the items you offered is it really helping? How long do you think milk stays fresh sitting on a hot street curb in a backpack without refrigeration? What about that sandwich stuff? sliced meats and cheese which all need to stay cold as well... Sounds like you should think a bit more on the situation before assuming someone is entitled, when they just actually know what their needs are more than you. Just help if you're gonna help, pass by if you're not.

[@taylorlangley900]

That’s why I never give money too panhandlers. I’ll buy them a burger if they ask or a hot dog in the gas station maybe even give them a beer or two and some cigs but I’m not giving them money

[@SailingCorina]

When I was a construction contractor I would ask homeless guys if they wanted to come do some easy clean up work for cash. Everyone of them came up with some ridiculous excuse. One told me he makes more money panhandling than any job would pay. He said most days he'd make over $100. Living off others money that was earned by working is a better gig for most of them.

[@blackyboi2885]

i spoke with at least two local panhandlers like tht...they yessed me and then went on begging..i only give to some who do not ask

[@movingonandup322]

That's exactly why I never give to panhandlers.

[@graceg3250]

Pan handling is a job, especially out in weather.

[@verysimlpesimon]

grace if its a job then its a parasitic scam job with generous flexible hours and no oversight or rules to adhere to or schedule..and scam guilt is employed by these begging lying hucsters scammers...prostitutes do more for the money they earn and are more honest

[@liamcallahan7160]

@@graceg3250 Pan handler spotted

[@commonsensecorner7275]

I’m 47 y/o and the first time I saw a man holding a sign that said, “Will work for food“, I was in middle school. My Mother and I went into the grocery store and she bought him a loaf of bread, some lunchmeat, some mayo and I think some fruit cups, I had to hold back the tears, but he is the only one I’ve ever believed! He was soooooo thankful!!! Years later as an adult, a guy asked for some money to go across the street to McDonald’s and I told him that I would go and buy it and give it to him, he was nowhere to be found after I bought the food!!! I was done after that, I do not give cash to someone who is just going to drink it or inject it…

[@hazelwears8728]

I feel that way as well. I too was homeless, never thought I'd be homeless in my life. Sad part, I wasn't the crackhead, it was my husband. Because of that I became the homeless one. I couldn't make it on my income alone. I'm not homeless anymore and hope to never be again. Needless to say I'm not with him anymore either!

[@kayhansen9229]

I say if you have money and you want to give it just give it to them I gave a five to a very old man and a Taco Cabana once and he walked out and bought beer with it I just laughed to myself oh well I said but I kept giving the money later on in life I found myself homeless and I panhandled I was trying to Panhandle for enough money to keep staying in the Motel 6 I was staying at I didn't smoke I didn't drink I didn't do drugs nothing and there were many people that tried to just stay in the Motel 6 so that they wouldn't be on the streets and homeless it especially dangerous for a woman to be in this kind of situation so if I see somebody I'm going to give him the money because food stamps doesn't cover anything except food if they need toiletries toilet paper shelter medicine I needed my blood pressure medicine I went without it for two years because I was penniless I couldn't even get the money from my own brother and now I have congestive heart failure because of it.

[@hazelwears8728]

@@kayhansen9229 There's more to your story when your brother won't help you especially when you say you don't smoke, drink, or do drugs. Come on now, who's ass you trying to blow smoke up? Not mine! I WAS an alcoholic and my family wouldn't help me BECAUSE of my drinking, now that I'm SOBER,all I have to do is ask and I've got it! I have to pay it back of course, but I got the help now should I need it! I intentionally asked for money a year into my sobriety just to see if they WOULD give it to me and they did. So feed the bullshit to someone who's too stupid and might believe it.

[@erikbunty2016]

Or smoke or gamble it.

[@TheBrooklynbodine]

My dad, may he rest in peace, said a bum might ask for a quarter to buy a cup of coffee. He said the corrrect answer would be, "No, but I'll BUY you a cup of coffee." Guess what? They lose their taste for "coffee" right quick.

[@singalongwrudy8690]

The honesty..."I need alcohol, drugs etc..." addiction is a nightmare.

[@JARedwolf100]

I remember one homeless man back in 2000 who was nickname “Can Man.” He would go up and down I-5 20miles picking up aluminum cans and whatever else he could sell for cash. When he couldn’t find any cans he would offer labor services like mowing, raking or washing for a small sum of coin or cash. He never begged, he wouldn’t accept cash he felt he didn’t earn it, his words when I offered him $10 out of sympathy. Very honorable guy but sadly he had mental problems that prevented him from living an average life. Story has it his family kicked him out on the streets when he was 19 and that’s how he lived for 20+ years. Got his meals at church run homeless soup kitchens and slept wherever he could keep dry and warm. Eventually he ran into the right people and they got him setup in a halfway home with care he needed. He still walked I-5 looking for cans but this time it was more or less as a job, the only job he ever knew to be honest and picks up trash also. I have no idea if he’s still alive or not but he found a way to earn a living, even if it was just pennies.

[@lemurlover7975]

@smokienhien hi I just wanted to say God loves you. :) just the way you are

[@BigLisaFan]

Saw a local "lady" sitting outside a donut shop. It was cold and she had on a light jacket. She asked me for $5.00. I told her I would do better than that. I'd buy her a hot drink, a sandwich, soup and donut and she would get out of the cold for a while and have something to eat. She said "You would do that for me"? Told her yes so once gain she asked for the money. Told her that was the offer, take it or leave it. She refused. As I walked away she yelled really loud so everyone could hear, 'No, I won't f..k you for $5.00, I'm not a prostitute." A guy walking toward me looked me in the eye and said, "Offered to buy her something to eat did you? Same thing happened to me. Hope she freezes to death ." Never again did I ever offer lunch and never a penny for professional beggars either.

[@PracticalPerry]

You should not let that one scammer make you think all homeless are like them, as they are not. Just do as you did, and question them and be specific with what you are willing to help them with. ; ) I know from personal experience.

[@Overdosed49]

@@BigLisaFan she might of wanted a beer and smokes. Don't be so rude. Stuff like that helps get through the night alone.

[@ChaotiX1]

I stopped giving money to panhandlers when one of them got violent with me for giving him "ONLY" 15 dollars. Learned my lesson from that.

[@darjohnston4222]

yes I offered a lady a subway sandwich and she tossed it at me

[@mr.washington1397]

@@darjohnston4222 Well Dam

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

You gave one of these guys 15 bucks ? How dumb is that?

[@ChaotiX1]

@@frederickmuhlbauer9477 they say hindsight is 20/20

[@wtconroe879]

That probably isn't so much money now but depending on the time frame that you're talking about 15 bucks is more than enough for a loaf of bread some meat and some cheese. Certain people just have a bad habit of not being able to understand that aggression and being ungrateful isn't going to get them anywhere.

[@charlesm8482]

I was homeless for a good two years after my divorce. I owned my own business and home before the divorce. I went into a dark depression and walked away from everything I owned and just wandered. Wound up living on the streets of Chicago and hooked on heroin. I don't do allot of plan handling. I didn't make a good homeless person. But I can tell what they spend their money on. What ever it takes to make it through the day. Renting a room in Chicago is pretty much going to cost you over fifty a day.. it's almost impossible to do.. it's hard to sit in one place when your homeless so there's allot of moving around and just trying to kill time and kill the pain involved.. I found it almost impossible to sleep on the streets or in a homeless shelter without drugs.. I've gotten off of drugs and have a second chance at a new life now.. I have a job,a home, and a wife. I try to do something for the homeless when ever I can and I don't care what they do with it. The last time I was in Chicago. I picked up a guy from a warning station I used to go to. I bought him breakfast. Gave him some money and gave him a ride..I asked him what he was gonna do.. he said he go buy some dope..I asked him if he had any friends or family he wanted to see our visit.. he has his mother in a nursing home way out in the suburbs..I told him go ahead get his dope and meet me in a couple hours and I would take him to see her if he wanted to.. I went and got him some new clothes and a pair of shoes.. took him to my hotel room let him take a shower and change.. took him to see his mom.. and took him to eat again.. he was really grateful and said I really made a difference and that it was a long time since anyone treated him like family.. It's not nothing I can afford to do very often.. but I'm glad I was able to do something for someone that was so far down in a hole.. the guy still keeps in touch with me.. and seems to actually be doing a little better.. at least he seems to be taking better care hygiene wise and spirit wise.

[@jeffreyb8770]

Back in the day, deadbeat dads fell off the radar because their paychecks could be garnished sight unseen. Interview a few single moms who couldn't care less whether their ex is homeless, and what a low opinion she haves of him for not paying child support.

[@davidnikulka1437]

@@jeffreyb8770 The system is rigged to make people homeless and fail. A man or women but mostly men are destroyed if there is a spousal breakup. Your means of getting to work like a drivers license is taken away here in Canada if social services is involved in regulating child support. Then your ostrisized in society because you can't get to work to make the bigger money to handle two acomedations one for the spouse with children and one for your self. Then you become homeless do to lack of money. It really is about destroying the family structure.

[@lucystrider728]

you did angel's work! Thank you!

[@samsimmons2831]

Truly glad you didn't take your life, stay strong & on your path

[@skindianu]

@@TURTLEORIGINAL as a lifelong doper, I can tell you, you're wrong. I get 3 square meals daily and then some. This guy here knows the drill and you obviously don't. Be a dickhead somewhere else.

[@human-qp1mf]

My daughter, grandson and I all lived together. Times got real hard for a minute. I went to the food bank and because we had 3 people they gave us each a pork loin, beautiful pears...I started crying. I felt embarrassed to be there in the first place. I never was so grateful in all my life.

[@ClarkyWarky]

I hope your family is doing okay now??? 🤗🙁

[@human-qp1mf]

@@ClarkyWarky doing fine. Thanks. It's proof you can over come. Things are NOT perfect but things are a lot better.

[@ClarkyWarky]

@@human-qp1mf I wish you and your family the best. We all got our struggles and some of us may go through harder times than others. Im just glad to hear you guys are doing fine now. 😊

[@human-qp1mf]

@@ClarkyWarky 💕

[@ascent8487]

Don’t be embarrassed if you legitimately need help! I’m glad things have improved. God bless.

[@mynameisgladiator1933]

"I served 93, 94, 95, 96 - Desert Storm" - Sorry Bud. Desert Storm was in 91.

[@SuperBigdude77]

I thought I was the only that thought about that.

[@goodnight63]

Yikes. Definitely yikes.

[@whoami7721]

I pegged that right away. I'd say no damn way you served in Desert Storm. Before that I'd ask, what was your MOS, duty stations, where did you do boot camp, etc. Every veteran can answer these questions. I even remember my drill sergeants' names through Basic and AIT.

[@mynameisgladiator1933]

@@whoami7721 you'd think a crack reporter would be more prepared with questions like that!

[@cv2594]

So many fake vets on these streets. Thats y the real ones dont get the help they need. Every other old man on the st is a "vet"

[@timthemechanix]

Yeah, I was like this in Denver back in '98, 99, 2000, fly a sign, sleeping wherever. Feeding an alcohol habit. And it help me do what needed to happen. Hit my bottom. Almost froze to death one night. Sick and tired of being sick and tires. Found my way to the local AA club. Took awhile but sobered up. Started fixing cars on street corners, parking lots, driveways with some tools members of AA helped me out with. My last drink was 1/20/01. I've been a self employed mechanic for almost 18 years now. Fixed 1,000's of cars, have 100's of friends. In 2012 I was an elected state delegate here in Colorado. Have an awesome life. Have pretty much everything I could ever want and try to help others every chance I get. So to all those who helped me, thanks. It made me make the choice I needed. Get busy living or get busy dying. I'm a miracle. Funny thing. Before I actually made it to Denver, I was flying a sign in Clarksville, Ind. I had a dog and was flying a sign next to a Biggs grocery store. A reporter did a story on me.

[@bestbargainfashion5575]

Amazing and doable for all of us; very encouraging thanks for sharing!!!

[@movingonandup322]

Congrats. Nice turn around. Glad you came across some people who helped you little by little get a bit stronger day by day.

[@danielfecht777]

Congratulations on turning your life around!!

[@stephanieguthrie2338]

Your an awesome person for sharing your story and inspiring so many I'm sure! One Day At A Time 💛

[@jimhensley4777]

God bless you and those that truly want help.

[@williamdrews9577]

I owned about 9 acres and needed a helper to mow and trim. I asked the guy I saw every day with a sign saying “will work for food”. He appeared to be fairly young and in good health and I offered him the job for the day, plus I would give him a good lunch. His reply was “oh, I don’t really want work, just a donation”. I no longer donate to any pan handlers.

[@maximusflame884]

William Drews #ThatReallyHappend

[@rolo1955]

Have to be really careful with offering them work at your home. A few years ago an old friend of mine took a homeless guy home and offered him a handyman job where he would show up in the morning and do odd jobs for her. He repayed her kindness by raping and killing her. To my knowledge he ran back across the border and never paid for his crime!

[@monroekunz1331]

I did same thing he had sign will work for food didn't want to work was 2 years ago he is still hanging around with that sign

[@soulsociety5768]

Its seems pretty simple on the surface. But you don't know how much these people have been through. How long they've been homeless. It may have even been their own choice . Its not that easy to just say yeah ill take the job. There's probably years of doubt and suffering accumulated in these peoples minds. You think you're doing the right thing by mot donating anymore, but its the unwillingness to give up on helping these people that'll make the real change. If we just wright email all off as drugged up people than we're no better then they are. You cant generalize.

[@aulerius1922]

@@soulsociety5768 stop victimizing homeless people, they dont want to work.

[@jacobhernandez4851]

I was homeless for a long time but I got my life together now. I never liked to panhandle. I just find it degrading. But I remember my friend complaining how hard it was. And to prove a point I made a sign and it said "THE KEY TO A GREAT NATION STARTS WITH A DONATION! " I was outside of the 7-Eleven for no longer than 5 minutes. I got lots of smiles and compliment saying that the sign was creative. As well as a $100 hit . I got us a room for 2 days. I told my friend it's all about your demeanor and approach.

[@eddiel2531]

I was a prison lieutenant discharging an inmate. I recognized him and asked him if he was a panhandler on the boulevard. He said yes. I asked, why don't you get a job, you're young. He said, I make $500 a day panhandling. I said, thats why I'd only give food. He cockily said, ill take food, thats $ I ain't gotta spend. Its all a scam folks!

[@eddiel2531]

I also noticed a van carrying 8 or 9 panhandlers, dropping them off at nearby intersections. I later noticed the guy in that van make rounds collecting from them. Its a ring!

[@PracticalPerry]

Scam for some, yes, not all. And, I don't believe anyone makes $500 a day panhandling; Absolutely not. I believe that is you telling a story to get people to agree with you.

[@milesjohnson5487]

Or don't give them anything.

[@MrJerryk55]

500 a day, that’s NOT true.

[@dougc.1773]

"Where do panhandlers spend donated money?"......at the nearest liquor store or drug dealer!!!!!!

[@brickboydior8126]

@Jake Eddy I hope u are doing well buddy. Srry this has happened to you

[@johnjones5354]

@Jake Eddy Three very important words in this. Those words are "in my field". This of course means that you could find work, but won't lower yourself to do work not "in my field". This, in addition to the fact that you admit to being a drug user, (which probably contributed to your job loss), makes it impossible to feel sorry for you.

[@johnjones5354]

@Jake Eddy None of which prevents you from taking another job in a different field, say ditch digging.

[@4dollarsshort620]

I am a panhandler. we use money for food, clothes, rent a room, pay for cell phone. They say give to charity organizations ? They steal it for themselves & buy computers or a roof for the building or something. If a poor person visit a charity, they'll get nothing but maybe a bologna sandwich. So give money straight to the panhandlers.

[@pacmandapackman3087]

And? Who gives a shit it's my money and if I give them it it's now there's they can spend it on whatever they want

[@plasticinfrantrydivision1842]

I was homeless when I was 19 and I'd charge my phone in a bath room and outside a building 2 times two different guys gave me 20 bucks honestly it was best thing in the world I was starving and I went and got some dollar menu burgers. I thank God for those 2 people I lasted long enough to stay alive to join the army and got on my feet I havent been homeless since. I never asked anything from people I was always afraid to pan handle it never felt right to do. I stole a candy bar once from walmart sometimes I get bummed and feel guilty about it I'd go back and apologize but I dont really want to go to jail lol. Crazy how life happens huh? I'm glad I dont have to be homeless again.

[@Soo_Blessed]

I know this sounds crazy but the older you get the more you're going to realize the hardest times is when we learn the most I've had a lot of kids live with me in the ones that had the roughest seem to have grown up and moved out and been the most responsible God knows tomorrow we don't and He lets some things happen in our lives so we're prepared for tomorrow God bless you and I'm glad you got on your feet you've made some wise choices I've learned through a lot of hard knocks that I'm never alone when you get to the point where you feel like God is all you have than you realize God is all you need He has never left my side He sticks closer than a brother much closer🌿

[@plasticinfrantrydivision1842]

@@Soo_Blessed there were alot of times I didnt think God had a plan for me but he protected me when I needed it. Thank you sandra.

[@cadaverdog1424]

You should pay them back. Give them their $20 .

[@plasticinfrantrydivision1842]

@@cadaverdog1424 cant dont know them.

[@plasticinfrantrydivision1842]

@VolDep45 yeah I didnt ask people for money though. Even though I needed it I tried giving it back I just wish I remembered their faces. But now they just exist in my memory. I saw a lot of fakers

[@jrfrondelli2023]

I'm born and raised and STILL working in NYC. There are TWO types of panhandlers: The ones that spend their money on drugs and alcohol, and the others that beg as a business. There are networks of them in NYC. Don't be fooled, and don't give away your money.

[@empirestate8791]

Um ... Desert Storm ended in 1991. By 1993, Iraq was under heavy sanctions and didn't dare fight another war.

[@mynameisgladiator1933]

Um. You don't know how to read.

[@Amy-fe6pk]

My Name is Gladiator Um. Idk anything about Desert Storm but maybe you should listen to someone who knows what they’re talking about? Plus there are plenty of other comments correcting the homeless man’s mistake.

[@mynameisgladiator1933]

@@Amy-fe6pk You're an idiot. Well you're a libtard so that's redundant.

[@USSTOLEDOSSN769]

@@mynameisgladiator1933 Democrats bad. Trump 2024!

[@mynameisgladiator1933]

@@USSTOLEDOSSN769 Got that right. By 2024, even the most hardcore idiot on the left will be pining for Trump. He'll get a hundred million votes or something.

[@castleclash19kcastleclash17]

"Yeah I served in Desert Storm 3 years after it ended"

[@GlitterPopRock]

I love when someone says they are a vet and then you ask them a few simple questions and can quickly catch who is a big fat lier or not

[@tessarix]

Just tell them "thank you for your service to our country" and see what happens. Then keep walking. Some will get teary-eyed, others will give you a blank look as though they're trying to figure out the best response that won't give them away as liars. However, a gift is a gift and how it gets used and who uses it is something you have to let go of. Be loving, give them a buck and walk away. Otherwise, it isn't a gift, right?

[@darthsoros787]

CastleClash19k CastleClash19k post ops

[@fartparty3048]

He had to stay and police call the area. 😆

[@Makinja]

The martian desert storm maybe? I hear they last quite a while.

[@stevedeleon8775]

A few years ago I read a sign "I'm hungry please help" so I went to a Fast Food place got a combo meal & took it to the person..that person got mad & threw it on the ground..I've NEVER done that again..

[@marios.sanchez]

I was homeless from June 1st 2003 to Dec 28th 2015 in one straight shot. I never "panhandled" but I did take large garbage bags and go into residential alleys in people`s garbage to get aluminum cans. Some days I would get huge loads and some days small ones. I could never make myself go up to people and ask for money🤔Now I am no longer homeless and have no need to do that

[@joywebster2678]

When i lived in Oakland California I met a young homeless guy searching for cans and so i suggested he pick some times and a spot where he could be found easily. I took all my personal cans and all tne cans from work and dropped them of to him at those designated spots. He was thrilled. Once he proved reliable i told neighbour's and friends and they started doing the same. He never asked for money.

[@donnasmith9942]

You were homeless for 12 years? How did you survive?

[@marios.sanchez]

@@donnasmith9942 I rarely reply to a reply of my reviews but this one merits a return from me. I was homeless for the time stated in my review in the milwaukee wisconsin area. I always tried to be properly supplied with sleeping bags, food and hygiene items. In the winter I would stay under a specific bridge that faced north-south in the area of what was then called "Miller Park" (where the milwaukee brewers play). I would build a wall of crates, skids, blankets held up by rocks and large tree branches to keep the north winds from blowing directly on me which would have made it impossible for me to stay there. Generally I stayed in safer areas while homeless instead of more dangerous parts of town. I was helped by several churches and ministries who would give me sleeping bags, meals and there were a couple of churches that would let homeless people come and take a shower. Some of the churches had in house meals that you can come in sit and eat which was appreciated especially in winter. I had no income so I went out to collect aluminum cans on created routes that would start in one place and end close to the recycling center and doing an entire route would take about 4-7hours and I would make $10 - $25 dollars. I never liked to ask people for money so "canning" became the regular way I chose to make some money so I wasn`t homeless and broke. It would give me more choices to have a few bucks in my pocket. In the summer I would take baths in the woods around the ballpark where no one would see me. I would fill up about 4 2liter soda bottles with water(washed out first of course) and put in a field nearby in the sun so that would warm up the water and I kept bags of clean clothes well hidden in the woods. It is important to note that I was raised in the country and also lived in alaska for 3 years so that experience made the homeless years more bearable because I still have a lot of "country" in me and love the ecology. In mid 2015 I was referred to a veteran service organization(dryhootch of america) by a non-profit group called "angels amoung us" to try to qualify for section 8 housing. The non-profit group does several things to help out homeless people. I got approved for the housing and moved into an apartment Dec 28th 2015 and that ended my homeless era that started June 1st 2003. I still visit some of the places I was homeless in but the difference now is I don`t have to sleep there. The place I am at now is my fourth place since I have been in housing. The homeless years had it`s pros and cons but in some ways were some of the best years of my life but my roads changed and it was time to change the course. I didn`t want be a man in his 60`s living under a bridge. Now I have the trappings of the unhomeless life like computer, credit cards, excellent food and so on and so on and all the conveniences but I will never forget those homeless years. Thanks for the reply🙂

[@chloechantal5017]

@@marios.sanchez Thank you for sharing your story, I enjoyed reading it. Hope all is well and God bless you.

[@shitzgiggles6456]

yeh it took your dumb ass 12 years working to get out if you panhandled might have been 12 weeks.. xD

[@SAMZIRRA]

That money goes to Heroin , Meth, Booze, and sometimes in a rare instance a hotel room, to do heroin, meth or booze. This isn't true for all people, obviously. But it happens too much.

[@DrHogfan]

you walk around interstate overpasses long enough and you'll see hypodermic needles. I was eating lunch with a couple of co-workers and a you tall strong looking white boy comes in and starts to empty his pockets and back pack. He had a pile of bills the size of a basketball in the table.

[@topnotch3232]

TROPIXSTARZ yeah quit being selfish and support people’s drug habits that made them homeless in the first place #notall

[@coffeelink943]

TROPIXSTARZ I give money to panhandlers, but not much probably between $5-$10. The problem I with panhandlers is that’s there are way too many false panhandlers these days. Like people who are faking being homeless just to get free money. It’s horrible and luckily i can a difference between fake acting panhandlers and real panhandlers who are in a tight situation

[@tompain2751]

@TROPIXSTARZ Most are addicts.

[@raymondbrunelle5539]

You don't know anyting. What do you do with your money. You don't buy booze, you don't buy chocolate, you don't splurge on food extravagance. People that are on the street need to get stoned and drunk so they don't think about where they're at for a little while. The same as people do who live in buildings. Whether you go see a movie or you do your little pornos thing stop being such a turd period. So when you give money, you give money. No strings attached to love. When your mom gives you a sweater and says you can only wear it on Tuesday would that be right? Start looking at the person in the mirror. You don't know the history of some of these people they could be heroes they could of save lives, lost their family. Just get off your high horse. Because if the of the s*** hits the fan we will all be homeless. Accept for extreme elitist........OM

[@yori4666]

I used to sit at a coffee shop and drink my coffee outside. There was a homeless guy that would come by and go through the trash cans. He never once asked for anything. I stopped him one day and thanked him for not bothering me. I asked him if he would be insulted if I offered him some cash. He took the money graciously. Some time later while having my coffee a guy came by and sat down at the table and said good morning do you recognize me? He did look a bit familiar. He identified himself as the homeless guy and said he was undercover, left money on the table and left. I couldn't believe it. An honest cop.

[@AviyahAbides]

I like this story. Thanks for sharing

[@tomaricotube]

How about doing an expose on these "organizations"? I'd like to see where that money goes.

[@karenrevell5354]

The only one that gives almost all their donations to help is the Salvation Army. United Way and Red Cross have very high paid CEOs and paid employees.

[@skullsclub]

You take these Charities and find out o their nonprofit organizations full shit nonprofit organizations can pay themselves whatever salary that they want look at the American Cancer Society go on the Google I'm not going to post it here but go on to Google and do what a link on the yearly amount the CEOs make of the top 10 Charities and you'll see a list it's like 8.5 million / American Cancer Society the CEO pays himself the Red Cross is 3.2 million dollars that had CEO Goodwill that we think that all these monies go to help all these Charities bulshit it goes to pay the CEOs and the investors of the corporation and what they call maintenance or upgrading or whatever miscellaneous bulshit that they want to give you it's ridiculous and they say well we have to pay for the rent for the place we have to pay for workers we have to pay for the power we have to pay for all this other stuff so it doesn't go to the Charities it goes to maintaining their organization maintaining the nonprofit world it's ridiculous I actually talked to a nonprofit that was in the Berkeley area that was running a an event and they wanted me to come and do the entertaining and I said well I said I'd have to do it for free I couldn't do it for you know any kind of money I never liked you can charge whatever you need to charge in the guy was talking to me about this and he was the CEO of the nonprofit organization he pays himself and then go get this he pays himself over $250,000 a year out of the organization out of all the funds that they have to help the homeless or help different segments and groups that are in the Berkeley area in California the guy pays himself a $250 thousand dollars yearly salary. It's ridiculous I understand you don't paint yourself minimum wage times that 16 or $12 an hour or whatever it is even less than that a lot of other areas pay yourself that at 40 hours a week minus at least a week or two for vacation out of the year and not sure what you make nothing more. And their discounts in Grants and you can go through the Matthew lesko free money and apply for Grants and stuff that they don't have to pay money back to when you do a loan you have to pay money back that's why the SBA that's going on right now with all this shit and we're all will give loans out you don't hear him say will give grants out that never need to be paid back see and they get free money the SBA gets free money from the government fucking the president sitting there with the s p a leader behind him and she was like oh yes we doing this and you're doing such a great job and blah blah blah and it's like yeah you're making people more in debt you fucking dumb asses if you had an SBA grant that people could apply for during this time if they would never have to pay that money back then you would have my attention but a fucking loan that means you got to pay it back they don't they don't get alone they don't get a loan from the federal government the federal government writes up a bill and gives immigrant the money never has to be paid back

[@davidnewton2714]

People who work at non profits should be paid a decent wage though id you want quality employees. Not all non profit jobs are serving soup. Some require 4 year degrees for jobs that are crucial to the community

[@zyralove4540]

How about both?

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

Gary Sinice is the only charity I know of that gives 100% of donations and have all volunteers.

[@sandienochs6132]

I was homeless in the sixties, I still remember the lady at the roadside hamburger joint. I asked for some fry’s, she made me a burger. Thanks lady, I hope you have a wonderful life.

[@PracticalPerry]

Thank you for your appreciation after all this time. I am sure God heard you. ;)

[@lozgod]

He needs to get his story straight about being in Desert Storm. lol

[@johnjones5354]

Especially since Desert Storm ended in 91.

[@beetlejamie8065]

@@royr1016 hilarious! 😂

[@natec9604]

Haha 40 and when to desert storm

[@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517]

@@royr1016 😂😂😂😁

[@AT-zl6dk]

It’s sad because my dad served in desert storm , iraq freedom, several tours in Germany and state side before retirement. It’s disgraceful to see someone claim to be apart of something so honorable like the military. As a military brat all my life it’s not cool because it’s tough lol I watch your parent leave not knowing the future . So Thankful he returned home each tour and now retired

[@slapurmom5667]

I was in middle school when dessert shield started the escalating to Dessert storm. I had a Marine pin pal Lance corporal Mathews. He sent me a deck of cards with all the faces of the bad guys( Saddam Hussein and the rest of his family and general and lieutenants). I lost contact with Mathews after it turned into dessert storm. Till six months after sending Mathews a letter asking what was new and if he was ok, General Schwarzkopf sent me a letter stating Mathews had his last call aug 3 and will remain in service for his country in spirit. I was a freshman when I got the letter and didn't understand it at the time, I put the letter away and 20 years later going through some old stuff and showing my kids some of my old pogs and garbage pail kids I found the letter and read it again.... My kids had never seen me cry before till that day. And when I hear people lie about serving this country with their very lives, for pity and couple of dollars. Makes me sick and fighting mad.

[@2_572]

Damn...

[@holycrap0866]

I’m genuinely sorry for your loss. I’m tearing up just imagining the shock.

[@ReflectedMiles]

I _love_ dessert storms, though. ☺😋

[@poison0823]

Things that never happened.

[@ItzAWrapYo]

@@poison0823 my thoughts as i was reading this

[@christesterman5004]

There's a guy I see every day when I get off the freeway for work and all he asks for is recyclables like soda cans and water bottles that just sit in your car, win/win help him out and get rid of trash in ur car.

[@Pumpkingilmour]

what the F is he going to do with empty pop cans and plastic water bottles. No one buys that shit from him. He's scamming. He knows that half the people will give him flat out CA$H instead of giving pop cans, FFS. Gotta hand it to him , he's pretty clever.

[@ayeee818]

Dude you can get more than enough money a day, by collecting cans and cashing them in at the grocery store. How do you not know this is a thing?

[@Pumpkingilmour]

@@ayeee818 It depends where you live. Where I live the only cans and bottles worth anything are beer cans , beer bottles , and wine bottles and liquor bottles. The rest....like aluminum coke cans , grocery stores offer nothing for those. The only way to make money on aluminum cans would be to collect 6 tons of them and put them into a compactor and then sell the aluminum. I am in Ontario. Why do grocers buy back pop cans and water bottles where you live? What do they do with them? HEre we put all aluminum and metal waste and plastic bottles into a blue box recycle program and large companies handle it. Even then a lot of the plastic ends up in landfill because there is no use for it now.

[@kkuerc]

Pumpkingilmour i’m in ontario too and i never heard of collecting pop cans, only beer cans

[@Pumpkingilmour]

@@kkuerc like I said , the man is a scammer. he uses the bogus 'I want your coke cans and water bottles' as a front. Its an excuse to look better and to be there every day in contact with sympathetic motorists. He probably takes every can and bottle he gets straight to the dumpster behind the liquor store after getting his daily $$$ handouts.

[@stevehardwick1578]

My one trip to NYC taught me all I need to know about pan handlers. They're everywhere there. In a Mcdonalds where there were help wanted signs, we were harassed by panhandlers, when asked why they didn't apply for work, they got angry. I've worked two jobs most of my adult life. If I refused to work, I'd be homeless too.

[@amyaaron7141]

A trip to New York City broke my heart when on the sidewalk a filthy guy in filthy blankets sat with his beautiful, but filthy white pit bull. I gave him a couple dollars and tried to give the dog a little piece of my soft pretzel. He wouldn't even lift his head. Sick dog. I just had the feeling he was using it for sympathy.

[@Dcook85]

Taxing Panhandlers? How would you even begin to do that?

[@martind586]

You take the money out of their 401k

[@ROGER2095]

And how do you figure the rate should be 2.1%?

[@TypeOneg]

If panhandlers filed their yearly income, they’d get a refund. Don’t doubt me. They can file under “entertainer” for cash only and get a refund. Yes I’ve done it. I was a dancer. ;)

[@chuckblackable]

The moron who wanted to tax the panhandlers, Jeff Berding, now wants the taxpayers to build a new soccer stadium in Cincinnati--then he can be a highly paid official of the "futbol club."

[@HYPER973]

Victoria Love did this really work ?

[@gregoryblosser4426]

I offer to buy them a sandwich and a coffee or a soda....if they say they'd rather have $, I say no.

[@heatherariza-parker5395]

Me too. I've been homeless and hate when people use the $ people give them for things like drugs and alcohol.

[@zudemaster]

I don't offer to give them shit. They are all just looking for drug-booze money.

[@tommynorthwood]

Gregory Blosser They will sell the sandwich or soda for a dollar when you leave.

[@Ben-kb2vs]

Gregory Blosser yep I do the same thing, I buy them a sandwich and a bottle of water. I never give cash

[@MastaSmack]

Yeah, that's great and all, but I've been poisoned by someone giving me food when I was homeless, so I'd much rather get the dollar and buy a banana.

[@theoriginaljackal8196]

I wanna know where they get the sharpies those things aren't cheap.

[@goldenbunny9079]

The original Jackal they shoplift them.. They STEAL them 😱

[@vg4life]

$1.50 or less

[@morningmoon3547]

The original Jackal -broke

[@leomartinez4342]

Lol I'll be damned if I pay for a sharpie ... graffiti life...

[@hunterrobinson-1395]

I've lived on the streets for nine years never once did I need to steal to get by

[@SweetColo]

My husband stops for people with signs that says ‘Will work for food’, to this day not one person has ever taken him up on it. He has a restaurant and offered food for peeling potatoes and such.

[@milesjohnson5487]

Ew! I wouldn't want those potato's even if the homeless person wore two sets of gloves. 🤮🤮🤮

[@scarynorman5397]

I’m gong to stand on the corner with a sign that says “ help me, i have a $600 car payment, need to pay it each month on the 17th” 🙄

[@mattdemo6387]

Remember kids, don't give homeless people money... Unless they can buy both of you a 40-Oz beer

[@georgeballsmcbiggalo1359]

Gotta give them 15 for a 6 pack and then let them keep the change

[@leoelliott5205]

i was homeless for more than 15 yearsevery penny i got form pan handling when to booze and drugs. the same was true with all the other bums i knew. don't give money! if you really want to help give them give a new pair of socks. in the winter or rainy weather clean dry socks are like gold.

[@scoobydoo8498]

@@leoelliott5205 not everyone is the same. Let's get that straight. Just because what U did don't mean others do.

[@leoelliott5205]

@@scoobydoo8498 were YOU ever homeless? If the answer is no then you have no idea what you are talking about. All the homeless that I interacted with on a daily basis for over15 years spent almost every penny they could lay a hand on for whatever their drug/drugs of choice was.

[@scoobydoo8498]

@@leoelliott5205 for your info I was homeless for like 4 to 5 years Anymorw questions mr. Know it all?

[@crystalyj30]

I'm sorry, but we squak about how our few dollars are spent by a homeless person, but never bat an eye about how our tax dollars are spent. I could care less about how a panhandlers spends the money I GAVE them, it's theirs and I gave it from my heart. The money I'm forced to give for taxes needs to be investigated more.

[@LAMB53087]

A big yes sir. But, we will die waiting for that

[@normanbrown8772]

I was in the Navy. I actually had a homeless guy give me his tale . He claimed that he was in the Navy for 4 years but was discharged. He couldn’t answer the most basic questions such as : Where did he go to basic training ? What was his rating ? He claimed that he was a E5 on a aircraft carrier but couldn’t remember the name of the ship or what the name is for a E5. I think we can safely say that guy was never in the Navy. If he lied about the Navy , what else was he lying about ?

[@jdjdjcjdjx3107]

You do know he could have forgotten. Could have had trauma and blocked stuff out

[@honeyplug]

@@jdjdjcjdjx3107 no no no no no no no no no no no no no. No veteran forgets not 1 second of military service... not 1 second. That's why we have so many suicides. The military is a traumatic experience by design in peace time as well as war. Most of our training was hazing with a purpose. It's designed for us to never forget it

[@nosywendigo592]

​@@jdjdjcjdjx3107 Military vets don't forget. At all. Real veterans never talk about their jobs, the discharge. They'll only talk to a veteran who's real, not some fake poser.

[@normanbrown8772]

@@jdjdjcjdjx3107 that’s like remembering where you went to college at. It’s part of your DNA as a person. A U.S. Navy sailor forgetting what there job was or that a E5 is a second class petty officer is inconceivable. Im sure what you said has happened but common sense says he lied. He just never considered that he would come across a actual sailor.

[@davidholden4543]

I had a Border Patrol talk to me in Spanish one time and I don't think he expected that I would reply back in Spanish. He questioned me for a little bit and then asked me in Spanish how did I learn to speak Spanish so well. I told him "aprendi a hablar en la fuerza aerea de los estados unidos" (In the USAF). Then he switched to English and asked me what my MOS was. I spend the next 30 minutes explaining that in the USAF we had an AFSC number, not an MOS. But yeah, a veteran can spot a fake a mile away.

[@lr8786]

I'd rather give my money to a homeless man than corrupted politicians

[@raydenny6051]

Well said

[@firestarter105G]

Problem is corrupt politicians take our money by force.

[@iopening7268]

Give it to someone who really needs it. The guy who mows your lawn, the cleaning lady or the garbage man. Any are a better choice in my opinion.

[@mr.nibblenips4231]

Most politicians are bums

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

Same thing, only difference is where they lay their head at night.

[@shaneececandiecane1434]

I give. I don’t care what they use it for. I’m giving for all of the times I was in need and the most high blessed me. If they use the money incorrectly, they have to answer for that

[@mainecoon6514]

@timothy chung Giving money to the bums is throwing good money after bad. Those who 'give w/o conditions' or those who give because they feel God has commanded them to do so are in fact enabling them to continue on their paths of self destruction. There are food banks or soup kitchens where these bums can get food if they want to eat.

[@milesdufourny4813]

You're stupid, and they know it.

[@cadaverdog1424]

No they don’t. They don’t have to answer to anyone for anything.

[@renerenatorivera9062]

I have a neighbor who is out every day in front of the neighborhood supermarket panhandling. She gets social security, and SNAP benefits. etc.(including the fact that she lives in a section 8 apt.)She actually has a larger income than mine.

[@KittyMama61]

I have given to certain people, and never would I question what they do with it. I once gave my last $20 bill to a man sitting at an intersection by the side of the road. When he looked up, he had the most beautiful, sparkling blue eyes I have ever seen. He was crying, and thanked me profusley, and then he said "God Bless You". Just that once, I felt an overwhelming sense of-love. I'm tearing up just thinking about it, even though it was many years ago.

[@Jestin612]

I was homeless and wasn't even begging and someone seen me straightening up the park I was sleeping at and gave me 20 dollars. So yeah it did mean a whole lot. I actually think it might have been a coworker. I couldn't get a good look at his face. Luckily for me I didn't stay homeless for long. That 20 dollars meant so much to me and always will.

[@bestbargainfashion5575]

We are all human.

[@talkingcargojunkremoval]

You helped a drug dealer purchase some 50 inch rims. I wouldn't piss in their mouth if their throat was on fire.

[@bobbydigital8243]

While on my to work waiting for the bus I took a seat on a concrete block right next to the stop but not in the way of people who were walking in the sidewalk. I just finished a cup of coffee that I picked up earliar. The coffee cup was a "roll up the rim to win". So I took the lid off and rolled up the rim and for the sixth time this week I won nothing. Unknowingly, I guess this gave my face a pouting look and at that very second this man walked right up to me and drops more than four dollars in change right inside my non winning cup. But before he could here me say "WTF!?", he was gone. Now this other man who saw everything walks up to me very calmly and while thinking he actually understood the whole situation I gave him this "wtf was that look right!?". He than says "Were you expecting more?". I was in disbelieve and before I could I explain myself he yells out "YOU LOOK LIKE A PERFECTLY HEALTHY ADULT WHY DON'T YOU GET YOUR ASS A JOB INSTEAD OF JUST SITTING HERE BEGGING PEOPLE FOR MONEY!". Mind you that this was a very busy sidewalk with tons of college girls walking by as well as professional business workers. The worst part was that the man yelling at me looked and smelled like he was homeless. But the combination of the embarrassment and my bus arriving happening all at that moment got me to run straight inside the bus without saying a single word. The bus was full (like I said college girls business people) so I just stood in the middle of the bus, when all of a sudden this next man comes up to me and says"Hey listen I know times are tough out there but if you'd like to earn some extra cash I can offer you a job". I was speechless. As I arrive to work I was greeted by my boss, he asks me "hey whats up", and all I said to him was "I made four dollars and got a job offer while waiting for the bus just now".

[@chalkbunt81]

Sounds like this happened on Mulberry Street.

[@BlaqMambaX]

Organizations are no better. You don't know where your money goes.

[@valuecalc]

I agree. They're often nothing but scams.

[@AngelaShiflet]

Exactly 👏

[@stacetaylor5888]

They steal from the people who really need it.

[@valuecalc]

That is Robin Hood in reverse, Stacë Taylor.

[@cadaverdog1424]

And the Salvation Army is the worst of all.

[@gregorysagegreene]

Thankyou for re-airing this. You just tarred and feathered those unsheltered who don't do it to themselves with the classic sweeping summary conclusion copout of those who have addictions. Do you feel better now? Lot more alcoholics and junkies out there now in 2022, riiiiight ? ? ? To the former city councilman: I shouldn't be giving any of my money to the government, in the form of taxes, cause you just make problems worse! Even if one is not a christian, but does have a heart, the immediate solution to an impulse is this: If someone clearly has a need but doesn't ask, then give them something. Character remains, even in those deprived.

[@atlanticatracking7286]

Desert Storm was 90-91, not 93-96

[@engineer40c89]

Homeless vet suffering from PTSD my ass.

[@reactions5783]

Stolen Valor comes natural to a thief.

[@pamelasatterfield3407]

Thank u truth finallt

[@pamelasatterfield3407]

@@reactions5783 how the fuck do u kniw foe sure asshole

[@engineer40c89]

@@pamelasatterfield3407 how do we know that this guy is full of crap? 1. Mr "I'm a combat vet" couldn't even get the dates of desert storm right. It was from Aug 2nd 1990 to Feb 28th 1991. 2. Shane here says he's 40, do some subtraction and that would mean he was born around 1978. Add up all the years, then by 1990? He would've been a 12 year old kid which is way too young for one to sign up. All you need to do to spot these assholes pretending to be homeless disabled combat vets suffering from PTSD is simply quiz them over the military, such as ask them what their MOS was, where's their veteran ID card, what was their graduating class in basic, who was their commanding officer, what base were they stationed at, where's their combat patch at, or where did they go train.

[@thelmatucker7598]

Years ago my friend and I decided to go to Jerry's sub shop for lunch . We were approached by a homeless man out front. I gave him 8 dollars my friend gave him 4 or 5. We sat down to eat and soon I went for a refill of my drink. I looked at the homeless man standing at the counter and he pulled out of his pocket a wad of money an inch or more thick. I learned my lesson that day.

[@annbriallawrence5276]

Once I saw a homeless man with a sign saying "Show that beautiful smile" it made my day and he was giving everyone compliments and their where some people who where nasty so I bought him some McDonald's. He started to cry and gave me a hug and we chatted for 30 mins. One of the nicest people ever. Just buy them food if your suppsious. I know the guy is homeless cuz I've walked down the road at night and seen him sleeping on a box

[@XantroyX]

Bullshit. They oughta be systematically executed!

[@SupDoggyTV]

Why was he sleeping on the box and not inside. Was it a hot night?

[@Saracinderallasushis]

Earl Rogers You are worse then him, dumb shit!

[@maggiep9007]

That's not panhandling. He's basically a stinky, drug addicted life coach.

[@maggiep9007]

SgtPiggie A lot of them are crazy. Paranoia about poisoned food and such.

[@megawatt5755]

I worked at a bank and we had a customer that panhandled. He would deposit the money he received every evening. All I can say is he had a LOT in his account!

[@lynnh7694]

I give them food and food only. No cash.

[@austinmckinney7442]

Hammerschlägen M nature will runs its course with the poor lady that gave birth to your little punk bitch ass too

[@naomiwilson4981]

lynn henkel never give your victims money. They might start thinking they're people. NO NO NO!

[@Haunted_Soul_808]

I give them some killer drugs

[@naomiwilson4981]

Q TV long as it kills em

[@naomiwilson4981]

Austin Mckinney just because he sucks off the homeless doesn't make. him a punk bitch. it makes him desperate.

[@1000stevenbl]

The only person getting drunk with my money is me!!!

[@Charlie-xz1jv]

Tide Pod 😂😂😂😂

[@PrinceSwaggy]

Tide Pod 😂😂😂💀💀💀

[@FSU2001]

Tide Pod True. Well, maybe a skank or two on a Friday night.

[@controversialchristian2378]

You should join the AA.

[@craigzipp6277]

Controversial Christian yeah so he can hang out with some crack heads and learn how to shoot smack

[@lilkingspade]

when i was homeless, i never asked anyone for shit. i just sat there with my stuff, minding my business,. i kicked it outside of a gas station/subway restraint so i could keep my phone charged and what not. the only time i would talk to the people going in and out of the store, was to say hi, and ask them how they were doin, and wish them a good day, then i'd go right back to what i was doing on my phone. some of the people were really fuckin mean, some of them would act like i wasn't there. that part hurt worse than coming to terms with losing the house i spent the last years of my moms with her in, and that broke me to pieces as it is... but i won't be entirely melancholy and pessimistic about it, a lot of the people were very kind, caring, beautiful souls who treated me like a human being, they spoke kindly to me, the men nodded in respect, and the women smiled and waved politely. and that's the only thing i ever wanted from anybody i spoke too. they didn't know it but if it wasn't for them treating me like my life had enough value not to be ignored, or treated like less than them, i probably would have given up and ended it, cause it's fuckin hard out there, it's hard when nobody loves you or cares about you, or would even notice if you weren't there... that's the worst feeling in the world to feel like you are taking up space in the world that people would rather be empty space than space with you in it...

[@lilkingspade]

@cos cat cheers. be safe.

[@gracec1665]

You're right...it is the worse feeling. I have found that the homeless are very caring, and most look out for each other. I also found, that if we focus on helping others even though we are still in need, it causes a person to feel valued and needed; in short, gives a person purpose in their lives. It's the lack of purpose and value that hurts.

[@thagodwecreate5179]

You think the electricity at that gas station was free?

[@cynthiasmith3660]

@@thagodwecreate5179 Do you think there was a charge for the air 🙃💚

[@thagodwecreate5179]

@@cynthiasmith3660 i think there's a charge for everything because the world, and especially america, is a giant shthole mostly populated by self-centered, egotistical, intellectual-amoebas that should all, 1 by 1 be shot in the back in the head and annihilated off the face of the earth. That's what i really think

[@marcusvenegas648]

I stopped giving homeless people money when I tried helping a friend out that was down and out, then I seen how much the state helped him out when he was staying with me he got 400 dollars in food stamps and he went and bought poppy seeds with it and made some type of drink called washing seeds, I guess that’s what junkies do with EBT… state showers these people with food stamps, they just spend EBT on drugs… then he got 26,000 dollars and he left and less then 2 months later went through it all on drugs. I told him you should have rented a room from someone and he responded with “well if I rented a room I wouldn’t be able to do drugs in they’re house” rather be homeless and on drugs then have a roof over his head… can’t help these people even if you gave them a roof and money in pocket they are a lost cause, decisions in life dictate where we are in life and all we can do is look in the mirror and blame that person looking back at you…

[@scottykingdavid]

It's always drugs. Even me in my worst addiction. 63000 dollars gone in six months. Worse mistake I ever made in my life. I regret every moment and every dime I took .. now I serve the community and give back in ministry.

[@whitelion1111]

Jesus Christ, that's nuts, and panhandling should be made illigal everywhere, these people commit a type of embezzlement

[@kbrich-nn8od]

U had the best comment out of the whole bunch'/!!! 😉😉😉🍄

[@nitinbhakta4787]

Panhandlers say "People are soooooo nice." You see them standing around with no broken legs and holding up signs with no broken arms. Their entire day goes by not working. Days go by and turn into years. These people are not disabled but lazy. Stop giving them money.

[@dogloverjb6873]

I followed a pan handler into a store that was given $20 by a lady. He purchased a 6 pack of beer and spent the rest on lottery tickets. I tracked down the lady down the street and told her. She was wasting her money thinking she was helping him. It is usually their choice they are homeless...not all, but most.

[@BRExteriorPro]

Yep unfortunately

[@robertgrubbs6956]

Hey mind your own business snitches get stiches and end up in ditches

[@ecfeclipse]

Was homeless for 2 years. Never once panhandled. I went and got a job, and now I can do whatever I want. Funny how that works

[@valuecalc]

Right. We all have to work to get the things we need.

[@ElixerSue]

I wish you wouldn't judge others. Many are broken in mind & spirit and not functional like you. Though you earn what you have, please count your blessings. And be kind.

[@valuecalc]

ElixerSue, are you talking to me?

[@ElixerSue]

sandinyourshoes No, I wasn't talking to you. But why do you have a troll account? For what purpose?

[@Dee-mo3oj]

Brandon Bakewell are u a felon ?? have criminal record

[@JuanHerrera-uc5ri]

Once I was out of town and I saw a guy begging for money without hesitation I gave the man $20 and then followed him to where I knew he would go and more than sure he handed the $20 to a guy standing outside a abandoned house and the man handed him marijuana. Thanks to that man I knew where I could buy weed when I traveled out of town. Works every time.

[@jlee6087]

Do a better story, follow people with welfare money, see where all that’s going

[@KK-ez5iz]

yeah corporate welfare has allowed companies that should've failed to be propped up and the need for continued bailouts in the future.

[@electricsutando4119]

Child support money lol

[@user-dw2tm3jm5h]

Same place

[@jessicasjourney8730]

K K exactly!!!

[@jessicasjourney8730]

welfare?! where can I get some??? shiiit I'm broke

[@oscargamboa5793]

Damn...he went on his 1st tour @ 13 years old!? What a badass...thank you for your service. 🤣

[@AreaThirteenThirteen]

I remember this guy on the corner holding up a sign that read "why lie I need a beer" so I gave him $5 and said enjoy!

[@mwillblade]

Dumb move.

[@josephlemieux1326]

Hahaha!!!!!! Yesssss, why not??

[@mwillblade]

@@josephlemieux1326 They have been using "Why lie need a beer" for thirty years, why give a tweaked out alcoholic money?

[@DAVID-ql1vo]

@@mwillblade do you have any problem with that?

[@mwillblade]

@@DAVID-ql1vo With what?

[@definitelygryffindor]

My mom bought a subway sandwich for a panhandler holding a sign that they were hungry and needed money for food. When she offered them the food, they cussed her out and threw the food on the ground. So…I don’t offer anything to panhandlers. I donate directly to food pantries and missions instead because that way I know the money and food are going to people who will reach out for it and really do need it. Inflation is just too high right now to be giving away not knowing where that money is going. Like they said, it’s just a game of chance I refuse to play.

[@alyssarodriguez9995]

I remember my mom gave me money to give to a homeless old veteran and I did, and she said that my grandpa who passed away who was a Vietnam veteran, she said something told her to help that homeless man and believed it was her dad. It’s sad to see all the real homeless people begging and the fake ones because people would stoop that low to get money others might really need

[@dmtbaby1]

Is anyone surprised they spend it on drugs and alcohol? It's what got them there . Sad but true.

[@johnq6257]

Not true. What got them there was either serious mental issues or unresolved trauma which then leads to drug usage for self medication. If the root cause is not addressed the end result will remain the same.

[@patveldon6843]

I always give money, if I am scammed oh well it’s a dollar or two. My mother said you never know when an angel is testing you....even though I am not religious it always stuck with me somehow.

[@angelapalmer6782]

Same here. You never know. And I would want someone to help me if I needed it.

[@MrOldboy1971]

It's better to give them food or a job, you'll tell who is who

[@pricillamoore6904]

Me too if I have it I'm going to give you

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

I got a question if God knows everything and is omnipotent why does he need Angels to test faith shouldn't he know?

[@user-dw2tm3jm5h]

@Riche Galuno I doubt any money donated even to organizations goes wherits supposed to.

[@gregs7519]

That stolen valor is a slap in the face to all of the people who sacrificed or gave their lives to serve our country.

[@lcrenshaw21]

Don't give to agencies!! They keep most of it for themselves as well.

[@annetteslife]

Lee Crenshaw how do you know that? I have spent some time at places such as the YWCA and is a user of a local foodbank and I know where most of the money goes. A lot of these organizations are manned by mostly volunteers so how could people like you say that the money goes to just the workers when most of them are volunteers

[@penguincommunity6218]

Lee Crenshaw it sure beats giving to heroin addicts,

[@mgtow6450]

Well, agencies have to feed their aditions too. (fat cats at the top)

[@luckyb3859]

Your choice. But, they don't go away or get euthanized by the state. They go find the money to score elsewhere. They steal. You pay anyway. Even if dope was legalized, the taxpayer would pay in the end.

[@akbychoice]

Lee Crenshaw goodwill is a for profit corporation with headquarters in FL. They get donations for free and it's all profit.

[@rayb7917]

Used to work for A Major Charity. All donations went to local thrift stores to be sold. Proceeds proclaimed to be for research and aid. These several stores making over 1 mil apiece with little overhead as its all donations. 3%. 3% percent went to the bald little kid on the leaflet. I worked the call center too. Pulling at heartstrings in order to schedule item pickups and if you're good. Cash or credit donations. 3% people. The owners went on European vacations and lived it up on the other 97.

[@shirleymorales3161]

Goodwill and Salvation Army same unfortunately

[@mrycstl9633]

I don't believe in donations. And that's exactly why. There is only one place I do donate to. Jehovah's Witnesses. I know exactly what they do with my money.

[@robertmcnearny9222]

I gave a panhandler some money for some gas, bought into his story. He immediately went into the store and bought a bottle. That was the last time I gave to a panhandler.

[@kelkel3883]

I was homeless twice in my life, both times landing in a homeless shelter. I've heard stories of the shelter taking some of the goods and giving more stuff like coffee and detergent that was meant for those in the shelter to use and handing them to the staff. As far as flying a sign, I did that a few times, mostly to get a pack of smokes cause I didn't have money.

[@davepowell1661]

Stay safe

[@111JFish]

they go to beer and cigarettes and you're stupid as shit if you think otherwise

[@startrekstardate6264]

Thats why i rarely give money to panhandlers . The last think a homeless person needs is a pack of cigarettes. Money should be spent on essentials.

[@kelkel3883]

@@startrekstardate6264 all I can say is to each his own. Not all homeless will just spend on just smokes though. You have to keep in mind that the ones in shelters are just as homeless and broke as those on the streets. Sometimes non-smoking homeless will get cigarettes to trade something with a smoker. So, sometimes there's a barter system going on in the homeless community that most people don't know about. Sometimes a homeless person is just an ass. You don't always know what you are going to get. So, if you don't want to hand out money, then don't. I'm not going to think of you as less of a person. There are people who think like you.

[@Quackerstacker1973]

To many buisness needing to hire people to give a dime to a panhandling bum if you don't want to work starve.

[@chewygaming1]

I stopped considering for panhandlers when a guy called me a prick. He approached me with his story which sounded suspicious and I said no. Said he just got off work and needed money for food. This was around 3am. At another time some guy asked and I gave him $5. He took the money then rushed to the next bystander. He showed no gratitude. I could care less for the thank you, but his demeanor made me realize something that today.

[@cnwil4594]

Interesting, a guy I had helped a couple of times called me a bitch when I told him one time I didn't have anything to give. Ever since then I just ignore him...

[@jackfavvv0280]

@@cnwil4594 Beat him up next time, don't ignore him.

[@cnwil4594]

@@jackfavvv0280 LoL

[@Lemuel928]

Never trust trashers because they are trashers.

[@amy792]

I went through a really hard time ending up in my car with my 17 year old cat who I found friends who agreed to take her in but she ries for me loud all night so I moved her into the car with me which made the sun a daily change I had to .damage to keep her safe but the nicest thing someone did was a gift left in a paper grocery bag placed near my windshield while I caught a nap in a parking lot . I woke and saw the bag and I side were 2 bottles of water , a can of fish flavored Friskies pate cat food , a lunchables and a card . I opened the envelope and the card on the front said "Hang in There" and inside the card was $2. That meant so much to me , it was really thoughtful. I was so ashamed that Ihad got my cat and I in that position because I got into a very bad relationship where I was isolated & I absolutely had to leave , and my car was my only option. I ne er could bring myself to panhandle or beg. In fact, I got so mad at myself because when people asked me if i needed help i would Lways say no - I just could not bring myself to ask anyone for help. I made it out when someone insisted I stay at their home and it took 7 months but I got a jobs a resident manager at a motel and have worked steadily ever since. It is impossible to find work and be fit for work everyday when you do not have housing. Homeless are not all cons as the panhandlers turn out to be in this story but some are suffering but cannot bear to admit needing help, even when someone offers it freely. It's just a very lonely , utterly humiliating circumstance that people make really awful assumptions about you based on your homeless status - I did not drink or use drugs & would not sell myself , which was the most offensive thing I experienced was quite a few different men could se that I wA obviously living in my car so they would approach my car to offer me $10 or $20 for sex which both repulsed & thoroughly insulted me really pissing me off it was just so predatory & opportunistic

[@Quackerstacker1973]

Construction Guy's don't care if you live in your car and shower every day you come by my job site and ask for work I will give you work even if you are dope sick and can only clean up the lot or sweep out the basement for a few hours I will get you a Burger and send you down the road with some folding cash you are showing me you have worth but sitting outside of the Walmart with a sign asking for money shows me that you are worthless and I will look down on you as less of a person because you are less of a person.

[@WWG1WWGA]

❤️❤️🙏

[@lemurlover7975]

I'm glad you had a friend (your cat) to stay with you during the hard time and I am glad none of the predators broke into your car and raped you after they got turned down. That card and present sounds lovely. :) I'm glad you never turned to drinking and drugs. :)

[@lisaperry5999]

So glad everything worked out for you and yr cat!! You are so right about everything you said about homelessness Not everyone is an addict or mentally ill. I worked for Salvation army for 4 yrs. Saw people from all walks of life. One guy stayed outside he was on the streets for 10 yrs. He refused help He was mentally ill. This year he got housing as he was getting older and the heat and cold was hard on him. People with college degrees businessmen, nurses all difficult careers.

[@devinpol4258]

While still not perfect, please remember that ACTUAL VETERANS have TONS OF OPTIONS to get off the streets. There’s literally agencies that all they do is search for them to get them out. If you see someone holding a sign about being a veteran and homeless direct then to a veteran Services Center. Otherwise you’re giving money to substance abuse. Period.

[@jasonk8793]

I agree with donating to organizations that meet homeless needs. I'm surprised how many homeless I've talked to who would rather be out on the street without the rules of a rescue mission or shelter. Seems kind of proud. Remember, often times it is a choice.

[@bestbargainfashion5575]

Something for most of us to wrap our heads around; a lot of people never really deeply consider this.

[@mulletsquirrel]

Many of the shelters force religion down your throat and some people would rather be outside than to be indoctrinated.

[@TheBrooklynbodine]

@@mulletsquirrelI'm being deadly serious here, but it seems that some of these humanist organizations could set up shelters. THEY won't cram religion down your throat. I have emotional problems, but still function. I live in public housing, but if things ever get too hard to handle, God forbid, I'm sure i could get into a mental hospital.

[@lemurlover7975]

I was homeless and I found the shelters to be dangerous places. Ex-felons go live there when they get out of jail. Murderers, incestuous rapists, etc (guys who raped their family members and then plotted out loud to rape you because you look like the family member they raped, which the staff ignored when you told them). In homeless shelters where I stayed, people do malpractice of medicine on the homeless like rip out their teeth with pliers and no antibiotics or sedatives which causes a lot of bleeding, child rape, human trafficking of children, child abuse (punching/twisting limbs/ripping out hair), animal abuse and murder of animals especially endangered species, a lot of screaming and cursing, drug deals, video voyeurism in toilets, people discussing your genitals through sexual harassment and the only way to stop them is to threaten then with a taser, prostitution, raping homeless women etc in these shelters. I am female. I have gotten raped by a staff member at one shelter, raped by a husband of a staff member at another shelter, and raped by a resident at a third shelter. A woman at another shelter screamed about cutting/stabbing people and had bipolar disorder making it possible for her to actually do that, so I had to try to avoid her but shelter staff kept on putting us together in the same room, alone with nowhere for me to hide. The current shelter where I am trying to do my masters thesis at had an incident where a staff member was stabbed 3 times by a resident. He did go to jail because it was caught on camera, but the staff member quit. I am trying to stay safe and not get myself stabbed. It's not proud, it's about not bleeding to death from being raped or stabbed or both. Strangely enough, sometimes the streets are safer. But the sex offenders also are roaming the streets at night looking for a homeless woman to rape once they are let out of jail and the police want to arrest, rape and/or beat you if they find you on the street. Also if you are a homeless and sleeping in a car, men will try to break in so they can rape you. It's just really awful to be homeless, really scary and really bloody and physically and emotionally painful. I'm glad I survived 5 years of it and now I am in grad school.

[@TheBrooklynbodine]

@@lemurlover7975 Honestly, ANY sex offender ought to be imprisoned for life, and most of the rest of homeless shelter clients belong in mental hospitals. I don't know what the percentage is of those who are "down on thier luck through no fault of their own," but I'll bet it's pitifully low.

[@Ogrematic]

Long Story Short- 1.Drugs 2.Booze F 'em.

[@jrt818]

I used to go by a panhandler with one leg asking for donations for a veteran. I was sceptical till a met him at the veterans hospital. He didn't lose the leg in the military but in a construction accident. The veterans hospital who treated him gave him too many painkillers and now they were treating him for his addiction to the painkillers.

[@burly636]

I lived in a car for 2 weeks at 23, before that I got married, my dad died the next day, I lost my job, but realized I was an idiot for marrying the man I married, went to Grand Junction, co, stayed with that guy while I worked, he drank, for 14 years. Left, then met a great man at my DoD job, married for 22 years and now he is gone and he provided for me after he passed. I reflect on the wasted time but I made a better choice eventually. Life is a choice in many situations but it can also slap you down. Make good choices when your young.

[@johnb4264]

"You'd be amazed how many beers he gets"

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

There used to be a lot of homeless by my house, and I often sat and drank with them. They spent their money on convenience food, because they couldn't cook. They bought a lot of alcohol. Others bought drugs. The ones with dogs needed dog food. Missions gave them all the clothes they wanted, and fed them pretty well too. But in the hidden camps, we drank lots of beer, got loud and crazy, and roasted whatever we had over a fire. The heavy alcoholics drank white port. Heavy druggies were not welcome in the camps I knew, because they stole. There were only a few rules, but if you broke them, you were ostracized. We had a lot of good times, with a lot of story telling, bragging, and occasional arguments, but no fights. I enjoyed their company.

[@TheBrooklynbodine]

Nowadays, many cities, mine included, have the areas under bridges fenced off.

[@josephlemieux1326]

I'm sure they appreciated you spending time with them, treating them like human beings, and not judging their lives- - Bless You!!

[@rontropics26]

I'd much rather a homeless person bought beer with my 5 bucks than a CEO of a "charity" saving for his second home with it.

[@Tj-uu1ww]

I agree

[@coolgamernadi4702]

Ron Tropics u

[@felsal20]

CEOs gotta eat too.

[@neckarsulme]

why would a homeless person need alcohol? shouldn't every dime go to housing? Both are wasted money

[@AngelaShiflet]

Exactly 👏👏👏

[@michaelvillanueva233]

We each have our own reason for sharing. Is it for us to question those receiving? What we do with our time and resource is our own business and we should just stop judging.

[@beefree7114]

Other than the Salvation Army they only give away a small percentage of the money you donate....the payroll for those agencies is staggering....I would never give to those thieves!

[@puglife8946]

trinket box its not just administration, volunteers, even at salvation army, are seen taking stuff that's donated and putting it in their vehicals! I worked at a place for mentally ill people, they would get donations, they would have raffles to make money off the donated items, some one donated camping gear, tent stove sleeping bags! the administrator kept it for himself! happens everywhere

[@RaptureMeSoon]

Susan G. Komen gives money to kill the unborn. They say they are for women's health, but kill little unborn girls. Women's health my rear.

[@sirwilliam7948]

think about being homeless, on the street completely sober. that would suck even worse..think about it..

[@khadijaahmed993]

Sir William at least they would eat and they have a better chance of getting to a better place in their life

[@shakezula7735]

Yea if your sober your gonna be like "This fucking sucks" and do something to not be homeless.

[@shakezula7735]

I know from personal experience....sober people don't stay homeless long.

[@fhuber7507]

Been there. Got a job in less than a week. The employer pointed me to a place I could afford on what he was going to pay and he called the manager to get them to defer the deposit and rent. I was paid up and doing good by the end of the month. Simple: Go to EVERY business and apply for whatever job you can get. Use care with your money. Rent a cheap apartment. Save up, work to get a better job. Don't spend on drugs, cigarettes and booze and you can be into a stable decent place in under 2 months working minimum wage 20 hrs a week. You can spend on booze or you can pay rent. Pick one.

[@ChaotiX1]

You know what sucks the worst? When you would rather sit drunk on the street than drunk in your own home.

[@dfygoh3215]

I knew a panhandler in my city he was on welfare but he owned his own home and car he was better off then me, that's why i ignore them i work for a living

[@jayl3603]

This is why you should give them food or water instead of money

[@tetch81]

Where does the money go with charities? I’d like to see a story on that

[@kimberlysevastyanenko3798]

My family and I lived downtown near the homeless shelter for a few years. I admit, I became quite calloused toward the homeless population while living there. I've seen what happens. There were all kinds of services and food options for them in the area. There were also a couple of people who lived in our building who would "go to work" (as they called it) and go beg for money all day then come home to their government funded apartment and eat their government and church provided food. I never give to panhandlers anymore.

[@matthurley921]

When I was younger,homeless were basically embarrassed at their situation and would ask to do or perform small jobs for payment..this era is basically useless created out of improper sympathy…

[@christimecarmona6810]

I never give anymore! Been burned by these POS. I bought a sandwich for a guy I got in my car and watched him throw it in the trash. I gave a guy a few bucks for gas as I am paying for my gas inside I am watching him. He gave my money I gave to him to another guy and that other guy took off. I went outside and said you mother fker, I just saw what you did. He just walked away. Yes, we want to help, but a lot of us are tired of the BS lies. I just ignore them when they come up to me

[@arynrowland862]

You know, it’s people like you that are the reason we have such little resources going towards HOUSING homeless people. You think half rotten food from a food drive is enjoyable? You think that makes sleeping on the sidewalk any better? Maybe if our country DID put more money into housing programs, we wouldn’t have such a problem. Also, be mindful that not every city, or every state has the same resources. Maybe the homeless near where you live are provided for, but there are just as many places that don’t or can’t provide for their indigent. Try to have empathy.

[@christimecarmona6810]

@@arynrowland862 Okay, why don't you go out there and do something about it! Keep talking, people struggle and the ones who BS us for the booze or drugs can take a hike!

[@kimberlysevastyanenko3798]

@@arynrowland862 I have nothing whatsoever to do with what resources are and aren't available. My lack of giving money to panhandlers has nothing whatsoever to do with what the government does so clamp off and take your bleeding heart somewhere else. When you've scrubbed diarrhea that a homeless guy absolutely sprayed all over your back door, picked up piles of trash that they dumped all over your property, had to shield your child's eyes from the woman who dropped her pants and decided to piss in your flower bed, and had them scream profanities at you in front of your child because you wouldn't give them money then you can talk.

[@GeoffGorman08]

Anytime I see a panhandler start to approach me, I already know what they're gonna ask, so I beat them to the punch and always ask them first. _"Aye man, is there any way I can get a couple of bucks from you? I've got a ton of student loans that are kicking my ass right now and I'm tryin to pay them off. I've got barely anything put back into my 9-year-old son's future college fund. Plus, not to mention with the way these gas prices are right now it's really taking a toll on my wallet. Man, I'll take a dollar or change, coins, anything you got will be greatly appreciated."_

[@mnight207]

Give from your heart and dont worry about where the money is going. So we are supposed to worry about where our money goes now? What about when we buy food from Walmart, should we worry about if our money will be used for good then? Why not? because we received something in return so it makes that situation null and void? The world is so screwed up

[@carolynmmitchell2240]

Jorrietheman dude no matter what the addicts will be out there, giving money only keeps them from stealing and causing more harm to get their fix. You really need to think more about the cause and effect of things, like the drug war making it a police state and making drugs cut with fucked up shit with no control and billions being smuggled out to Mexican cartel

[@swolfe9668]

why would you allow a lazy ass to scam you, they should be forced to fend for themselves without good honest hardworking people being scammed

[@CaptchaNeon]

There's also people who've been followed after given money and they do go inside a pizza place and buy a cheap pizza and then share it with their homeless friends. So, don't make assumptions that all your money goes to drugs and alcohol.

[@shakezula7735]

Most of it does, If your good with money you won't ever be homeless long. They are homeless for a reason and a lot of times that reason is drugs and alcohol.

[@GOFLuvr]

I've lost my faith in the chances of beggars would use my money to buy food after I've offered them food directly and they stated a lack of interest.

[@donalddees5503]

I used to give money to homeless folks all the time but have since wised up. Contributing to someone's self destruction is not compassion.

[@eraticfx]

I have a friend who gave $100 to a homeless woman with children and the lady was so grateful she cried... she didnt even ask for anything. She was just passing by...

[@scottmiller3025]

God bless ur friend

[@Tec-fv2xb]

Well she lied to your friends.

[@geraldbennett7035]

you give for yourself not to needy. STOP giving money. Junkies will stay junkies.

[@Mr1stcat]

ChaozReaper you do know those people use children so people will give them money right???

[@yunghive4771]

Mr1stcat she wasn't even panhandling bro did you read the last part he said " she didn't even ask for nothing she was just passing by" ..... smart one

[@troyhebert7169]

I don't give to all people begging but when I fill the call to give I do what I can yesterday I was approached by a man looking to sale a watch or small flash light I didn't have any cash on me so I couldn't help him but I did lend him a ear to talk to and in our conversation I could see by the way he acted that his story was true but I had nothing with me to offer but as I was leaving wal Mart heading home I felt a strong pull on my heart that he really needed help so I turned around went found him asked if he could hang around for a few minutes as I ran into wal Mart for something to give him and picked up a cooked chicken ran out and gave it to him he had a tear in his eye and couldn't think me enough but I still don't know if he lied to me or told the truth but at the end of the day the man upstairs knows where my heart was I didn't do it for a blessing I did it because I felt a call to do it

[@TonyDQT]

Troy Hebert he lied to you. He defintely lied to you. He lied to you about the watch. He lied to you about his story. He may even lied to you when he was tearing up. But he told you one truth, he needed help. So it doesnt matter that he lied to you since one thing you know for sure that he needed help and you helped him. Btw, walmart cooked chickens are always placed next to soft tortillas and soda bottles so people can make a meal out of those three items. Why didnt get all 3 items for him you cheapskate walmart shopper?

[@jayelle59]

Troy Hebert charity is doing something without being watched or needing people to know u did something good for someone, as u say the man upstairs knows so in the end just if ur doing just to tell people u did it ur really doing it to fulfill ur own self acceptance from others... But good job anyway, no need to say specific incidents I believe ur well intentioned and if u don't who the fuck am I anyway

[@sosukekurosaki9861]

Troy Hebert ain't nothing upstairs cept rats 🐁

[@michelleherron8070]

Here is the deal, 60 days ago I was a homeless heroin junkie. Gonna tell you a truth you may not like. That question "where does my money go?".... Well, the moment that money left your hand to theirs, IT IS NO LONGER "YOUR MONEY" AND REALLY IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS WHAT THEY SPEND "THEIR" MONEY ON. If they are indeed homeless and sleep on the streets sometimes get a hotel room (as I did for about 2 years) then I do not blame them for getting drunk/high. If you lived and slept on the streets would you be sober? Would you even want to be sober? I know I did not. It helps you cope with emotional trauma and cope with your current situation (that sucks donkey ass) shower 2 maybe 3 times a month. Change clothes 1 time a week (if you are lucky) no access to clean running water, in the area I was in, the closest public restroom was about 1 mile away. I spent money I panhandled on food/drinks (I do not drink alcohol) sometimes a hotel room but Yes, 80%ish went straight to heroin. I am 60 days sober. I am turning my life around off the streets just got a job today made new (drug free) friends. When I am in a better situation and have a little disposable income, when I see someone panhandling, I will always help them if I can and as much as I can. I will straight out ask if they need dope or booze and give them money FOR THAT PURPOSE. However, I will tell them there is a better life waiting for them if they can get clean and tell them they are my brother or sister and I love them. Stay safe and I love you reading this too. Love is the answer.

[@andreaescobar4595]

I remember 1st time seeing an older lady in queens new york specify Roosevelt ave. Jackson hgts and this was over 30 yrs ago with 1 leg in a wheelchair in front of a restaurant and I gave her 10.00 I felt so bad she said she was hungry Before I could turn around she rolled herself across the street to the drug dealers and literally bought drugs in front of my eyes and had no shame that was the last time I ever given me to anybody on the streets