what homeless does with free VISA card

[azfiddle]

Thank you, I found that interesting and enlightening.

On several occasions, I have been asked for money while in the parking lot of a grocery store. I have offered food items from my grocery bag instead, and on at least two occasions noted that the person was eating before I had pulled out of the parking lot.

[schnitzle]

Interesting article. It's sad that some people were too skeptical to take the cards. I guess I would be as well. My ex-husband was on the streets for a few years (schizophrenia), I wish someone would have been so kind to him. Actually I'm not even sure where he is anymore. I'm hoping he has a roof over his head now.

We always have people panhandling at the freeway exits. I never know whether I should give them money or not. It would be nice if I could get their story instead of just handing some cash out the window before the light changes.

Some people say that they don't want to give homeless people money because they'll spend it on alcohol (in this case the LCBO) but I think I'd need a freakin' drink if I was on the streets night and day!

[badgercat]

Interesting article, thanks for posting.

I don't often give money to panhandlers (though I don't just ignore them either--that's just dehumanizing) unless I happen to have some spare $ in my pocket--I don't want to be in the business of pulling out my wallet on the street. However, a couple weeks ago a gentleman stopped me on my way out of Walgreens and told me he'd missed the evening meal at the shelter and was hungry. I asked him what he was looking for and he said "anything, Burger King, whatever." My gut told me he was honest, and so I handed him $5. (I had just bought a $2+ ice cream bar at the Walgreens, I would have felt sleazy giving him any less). Sure enough, I watched him walk directly to the Burger King across the street.

[artifactos]

There are a few panhandlers near my college campus who I see regularly. One of the girls always has a different animal with her and a sign that says she needs money for vet bills.. but her hair is always a different color, with highlights, and her nails are done. It bothers me, and I never give her anything.

The other guy I see semi-regularly tries to sell bottles of water to drivers on hot days. I think someone gives him a case of water, and he tries to make the best of it since he can't lug it around long-term. I've bought a bottle or two from him at that intersection, usually giving him a couple extra bucks along with it.

[Norse]

Thanks for posting that story. A friend of mine who lives in L.A. always keeps a box of breakfast or energy bars in her car to hand out instead of change.

[badger]

I wish they were all grateful like that.

I was getting my hair cut in a not-so-nice neighbourhood. I had my light from my bike stolen there on a previous visit. This time, as I was unlocking my bike, a steet person approached me and asked for some change. I said "sorry", and he did a total Jeckyl and Hyde and said "YOU EFFING B!%CH!!" while shaking his fist at me.

One time I saw this kid, probably no older than 20 in really bad shape on a street corner. He was pale, gaunt, and was obviously a junkie. He weakly asked me for some money, to which I said "sorry". I went into a corner store nearby and bought him some bread and bananas. Whether he ate them or not, I don't know, but I'd rather give food than money.

[Jolt]

Very interesting article. I agree with those who have said they'd rather give food than money--unfortunately there are some panhandlers who would use the money to buy booze etc. and I don't want to be an enabler. Besides, opening one's wallet out on the sidewalk is never a great idea.