+241 Almost any homeless person in the city can find food and clothing from local charities. When they are asking for your money, it is usually for drugs or alcohol. If someone says he needs money for a bus ticket, buy him a bus ticket. If he says it is needed for food, take him out for a meal. But don't just feed the destructive habits of other people with your money. amirite?

by Anonymous 13 years ago

Happened to me twice - a guy came up and asked for money for a coffee and when I offered to buy him a coffee, wasn't interested. Happened twice, with two different guys. I'd say the best option if you wanted to help would be to research said charities and give the money directly to them, if your research indicates they are helping people, with food and clothes, and also rehabilitation to find a job.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

I like this idea. Or better yet, (and something that I have not done much), volunteer at the soup kitchen or other charity. The help is greatly appreciated, you get a perspective on homeless life and an attitude of service

by Anonymous 13 years ago

I never give money, just food. A lot of people just want the money to buy booze. My mom once gave a homeless man a loaf of bread, and he walked away and threw it on the ground. There are people that stand on the side of the road begging for money, and some of them actually pinch their babies to make them cry, so people think the babies are hungry and give the mother money.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

Yeah, actually giving food would be better - or as Joe_Larson said, if you actually have the time, you could donate your time. I remember once, it was a few years ago, there was this guy in the paper who went to Subway, and ordered like 20 Subs, and gave them to the homeless people (it was the Subway at a train station, and there tends to be homeless a few streets away) as the subs were being made.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

I know people who buy Dunkin Donuts cards to give to homeless people, I think that's a good idea.

by Anonymous 13 years ago