Do you give them food or money?
Do you drive by and tell them "Get a job"

Give them food.
Help them to get educated.

I do not say or do anything.
I worked with the homeless for many years.

There are very few who don't want to be or choose to be homeless.

If they don't ask I will give them money. I have given clothes before. Never food which is probably better. I saw this poor old guy, a few months back...he was FILTHY...black with dirt...pedaling the most rusted bike I have EVER seen. I stopped my car and called him over (even held up traffic- but didn't care because my heart went out to him...he looked at least 70), He was riding in a suburb...really weird he was there. I gave him $10. He barely could smile and didn't speak. It seemed though he couldn't speak. Like physically he couldn't. He is someone's grandpa, or son, or father. Very sad

I also volunteered at a soup kitchen and after school program for homeless children.

Mostly I drive by and look the other way.

Then I say a prayer of thanks that I am not in that situation. Then my mind wanders to how is it they got there, and I didn't. Wonder how quickly it 'could happen' to me.
Think about the local service agency's in our community, give generously when opportunity arises.

Think about the bad old days when I was about 1 paycheck from the street.

I tend not to give money as I am not sure what it would be used for, but have driven to the closest fast food, ordered food and taken to them.

About ten years ago I was leaving work when I saw a man with the typical sign asking for food. I went out of my way and went to subway, bought the biggest combo meal I could get. I drove back to him, thinking that I was doing good. I held out the bag/ drink to him and said that my pastor could give him shelter if he had none. His reply was only "do you have a dollar?"

food some have been accepting and grateful and some have turned it down.........none the less, I never give money.

I've given money. I like giving fast food gift certificates.

For many years I worked at a large grocery store near the interstate. Three people came in often after spending the day panhandling on the off ramp. They bought steaks and lobster tails. One day one of the guys was telling me all about his new recliner he had bought for his frontroom. There actions changed my attitude towards people standing on corners asking for food and money.

i was homeless for close to 20 months, when the savings and loan fell, in sept 87- april 89. it was harsh, but could have been worse. i took showers outside, sometimes under a hose in 20 degree temps....pretended it was a mountain waterfall, lived in the woods with about 75 vietnam vets, and worked jobs during the night, bouncing nightclubs and exotic dancing, as well as signs and special effects jobs when i could get them. it was hard to come up with the money to get an apartment when you have to live day to day, with no refrigerator to save food, and come up with $1,500 first, last, and security. i did eventually, and i don't drink. most do. i was the only one to get out. the week after i moved in,...they started $99 move-in specials!!!! man was i pissed!!!!

They are the minority, you know.

Welcome to Mingle.

Ditto...... Never think it wont happen to you... poor choices can happen to anyone...

In the city I work in you need a license to panhandle.

The average earned is about $100 a day for the better ones. I hear all the stories.... used it to buy crack, used it to buy a whore, used it to get a motel room with the whore, used itfor heroin, used it for meth, and so on and so forth.

Never once have I heard, saved it to get a place, or buy a suit, or get a resume together or help with a job application. NEVER.

I was born & raised in Orlando where there is a huge homeless population... Most come down from the North thinking that if they can't get a job, at least it's a warm place to sleep outside...

Sometimes I give them spare change, especially if it's a family with children...but I'll usually just give them food...a couple of extra burgers from the dollar value menu is not gonna break me. I've also participated in clothing drives & when I was a member of A.B.A.T.E., we would help with the gov't surplus (cheese, etc...) give away...

Nowadays...a lot of people are just one paycheck away from homelessness...I've been there...just helping Kharma to come back around...

I bet you were but I think we have all had times like that we ae thankful we made it through.....

I would like to add that it isn't always about choices. Many times all it takes is one medical catastrophe or the loss of a job.

There are lots of homeless shelters in our area, and now Dallas will be GIVING them actual HOMES.

Winx. I agree, but the key word is sometimes.

Sometimes usually translates to 1 out of 100 or less. At least is has in my many years of experience.

It is what it is.

I have never been homeless but have come close. So when I see it I am moved to help. I keep a list of food pantries and shelters as well as books of McDonald's gift certificates. I never directly give cash because in most cases it doesn't go where one would wish food, shelter etc...But I do donate cash to established charities for the homeless.