It's pretty sad

Living in a developing country, encountering homeless people are an everyday sight. There was this recent incident about 2 days ago. I just resigned from my job at the university, and got a a call from the secretary to print and submit papers in order for my clearance to be processed and get my last months salary and leave pay. While commuting there was this man and her daughter on the other side of the seats, the daughter was crying for her dad, saying that her dad's got into accident and that they had no penny and asking us, passengers for some. that time, i didn't bought any extra cash in with me, since I need to save the meager money left at my account since the university still is holding my supposedly salary until i haven't completed my clearance.Nobody seemed to pay attention to them while me on the other hand is about to give in and give them some dime until an elderly woman politely ask the daughter and discovered that the homeless man was actually drunk and not dying. they left on a stop over and cussed and cursed. then after a few hours at the terminal, at the city on my way to the university (as it it a 2 hour commute from my home to where i work) I saw those two again who seemed to be having a good time. Some homeless people are nice and some are just mean. some even curse and tell such horrid things like "I hope you all die" even if we give them a dime and such. I had some unpleasant encounters with homeless people but not all are like that some had some heartbreaking stories why they end up being homeless. My mom often remind me to prioritize the elderly homeless people as they are already old and got no one who'd care for them. I just find it hypocrite for some people takes pictures homeless people to make them look good on social media as if giving them a meal would lessen they sufferings.

I don't encounter many homeless people, but sadly, many people that are on the street are liars, at least where I live. I used to give some money to people in need, but I've been lied to several times so I don't give them anything anymore. I prefer to give to a charity that helps them instead.

What's also important is that, as some of you said, they often aren't even considered as individuals. they're seen as "the thing in the corner of that street". So sometimes, even replying "hello" to them can help.
It's not all aabout the money, it's also about giving them a place in society, even without a home.

What do you mean by liars?

Pwale wrote:What do you mean by liars?

One homeless person came to me once with a beautiful speech "I go to an association for homeless people, they're helping me find a home. I'm trying to get a job, I work really hard. Could you just help me out to buy a ham sandwich ? Just a sandwich so I can work. I'm really hungry and I don't have money for it". So I gave him the money, and went to the same supermarket he did. But he bought alcohol, not food. For the exact amount I gave him.
I lost my faith in humanity on that matter since. I understand they need something to keep them warm and they're having a hard time etc. But don't serve white lies to the people that are actually helping you..!
Some beggars also refuse food and want only money. If you can afford to be picky on people's kindness, maybe you don't need it.

That's why I decided never to give money directly to people. If I would give directly to the people, it'd be food or something . But I prefer to give it to charity instead.

Sometimes people will refuse food because there's no way for them to know if it's safe.

I was homeless for 4 years in the past as I could not find a job and the shelters were all full. Luckily I was able to work at our local day labor pools and the ones I used you were paid either daily or once a week. Local charities and churches helped me out a great deal with food and clothing too.

My boyfriend (ex, he passed away a few years ago due to a terminal illness) was homeless for a period of his life. His parents had kicked him out because he came out as gay to them. Luckily though after a few months of living on the streets some couple, who apparently had noticed him before, asked if he had a place to stay. When he said "no" they let him stay with them.
There are such a mixture of people out there from complete jerks to kind people who'd house a homeless teenager who is a complete stranger to them.
I know it's not always a good idea to give them money because some might be struggling with addiction, but I always make sure they have something to eat. A lot of them have not had a warm meal in quite some time.

I was homeless for a few months back in 2016 and it was just awful. But from the experience, I learned to live without. It taught me that you have to live within your means. I was lucky to have met my fiance at the homeless shelter that I ended up in. And now we have our very own apartment and lots of things. And food. The local churches in our community also have meals that anyone can attend. They were very helpful and still are when we need to go to them for something to eat.

It's sad that there are so many people in the city that I live in that are homeless but so many of them are addicts and struggle with the awful drugs that are floating around our city. I'll be honest in saying that it was substance that made me homeless. My mother kicked me out and I had nowhere to go. I had to get clean before I would have what I wanted and I still do not have everything yet. I still have to gain custody back of my 3-year-old daughter.

I ignore it. I was homeless for two years as a child. I've also fallen on hard times before. I know that the number of resources for homeless people are pretty immense in the U.S. There's really no reason to be homeless unless you choose to be in many first world places. You might have a hard time in a major city, but two days of begging gives you enough money to hop on a bus to a more homeless person friendly area. Veterans have a TON of resources. They will even give you a house with deposit and first month's rent paid as a veteran who is homeless. What you do after that is on you. So, I empathize with children and animals who have no choice. I don't have much empathy for the adults. If the person seems incredibly sincere, and I approve their sign if they have one, then I will give them money. This may sound cold, but it's from direct experience.