20 replies to this topic

[georoc01]

Here in Denver we have meters at every street corner downtown. Its for change for the homeless shelter. The idea is that if you want to be sure the money is going to the right place, it will. Or give money to the Salvation Army in their kettle drives. You know that will to the right place too.

Another option that you can do is pick up some McDonalds gift certificates. At least in that case if its a scam, they have to resell them.

[WreckWench]

Another option that you can do is pick up some McDonalds gift certificates. At least in that case if its a scam, they have to resell them.

That's a great idea and the food does not go to waste!

[Harleyguy33458]

Unfortunately, I come across this a lot. I am in police work and, believe it or not, most of these "I will work for food" people on the corners make tons of money more than we do. It has been shown that many of them have 6-figure incomes! A while back, an unknown TV crew in south Florida followed one of them and after being in the intersection, they got into a mercedes! Of the ones that are begging in the parking lots, many of them do buy liquor and drugs.
But unfortunately, there are legitimate homeless people that get overshadowed by the tons of the illegitimate ones. Of those, I will buy them food or whatever they want me to buy them to get through the day. But I absolutely will not give them money.
Don't get me wrong...I love people and I love helping others in any way that I can, but I absolutely refuse to give money to people that make more money than I do and don't have to pay taxes on it, either.

[WreckWench]

Unfortunately, I come across this a lot. I am in police work...Don't get me wrong...I love people and I love helping others in any way that I can, but I absolutely refuse to give money to people that make more money than I do and don't have to pay taxes on it, either.

Thank you for the insight...being in the HELPING line of work you are in you surely see more than we do.

I wonder if a line like "I give to the homeless shelter...go and ask them for assistance" would be the way to go when approached?

[Dive_Girl]

Some homeless shelters or missions who serve food, will either give meal tickets for donations or for free. For example, the Portland Rescue Mission (Portland, OR) has such a program where free meal vouchers are printable online: http://www.portlandr...rtunities/meals. Perhaps you may find such services from your local rescue mission or shelter, and then when asked in the future for assistance you can have vouchers ready. If you live a good distance from such place and you are in a considerate giving nature, you could additionally hand out a voucher for public transportation, if viable.

This method allows you to: avoid handing out money for fear it be used for something other than what is being asked for; give to your local resuce mission or sheltor; and potentially assist a person in real need.

[WreckWench]

Some homeless shelters or missions who serve food, will either give meal tickets for donations or for free. For example, the Portland Rescue Mission (Portland, OR) has such a program where free meal vouchers are printable online: http://www.portlandr...rtunities/meals. Perhaps you may find such services from your local rescue mission or shelter, and then when asked in the future for assistance you can have vouchers ready. If you live a good distance from such place and you are in a considerate giving nature, you could additionally hand out a voucher for public transportation, if viable.

This method allows you to: avoid handing out money for fear it be used for something other than what is being asked for; give to your local resuce mission or sheltor; and potentially assist a person in real need.

YUP!!! This idea ROCKS!!!

Great job Nicolle! -ww