Homeless.. Ethical straw poll here. Thanks x

You should donate both food and money to your local homeless shelter. They need it to help house and feed the homeless. Most of the people you see sitting on the corner holding up signs go to the homeless shelter at night where they are given a warm bed and a good meal.

I won't give them money directly, but I will offer food or other supplies if I can do that.

You are such a good heart!

I now live in a rural area where people don't panhandle, but years ago, I was in a city. A woman came up to me, asking for money. At the time, I was concerned that giving money to people on the street might be contributing to a drug or alcohol problem, so I took her to a nearby deli, and told her to order what she wanted. She ordered TONS of stuff, which told me she was probably very hungry and uncertain about the meal after the one I was buying.

No regrets.

It's never wrong to treat a fellow human being with dignity and generosity, even if it turns out they are spending their money on "bad things."

You did a wonderful thing. Don't beat yourself up. This person probably isn't perfect but may not have any money right now and your kindness may help him turn the corner. I am jobless and homeless right now. Used to make 50K. Job was outsourced, took my Aunt in who had lung cancer made $10.15/hr & lost my home. I don't spend money on anything 'bad'. I've been sober for 22 years. I have a total of less than $3.00 to my name right now. No money coming in. Any kindness shown to me is wonderful. I will get a job. Keep the kind heart that you have.

You're a sweetheart and a breath of fresh air in this crappy fkd up world. May God bless you every step of the way through your life. Just be careful helping out strangers. I've seen it end in both bad or good ways. But kudos to you for stepping up either way :flowerforyou:

there truly are good people in this world. you probably not only made his day, but his month. for once someone is caring about him. im sure hes estatic with anything he gets. and i doubt (from what you described) that he would be speding the money on drugs or anything. i got goose bumps just reading this, you are a caring person.

i grew up with nothing. if i wanted to do anything for school (dances etc) we would have to buy less food to have money for a dress of soemthing etc. i remember pawning toys after christmas, because we couldnt afford them when the bill came. i never had anyone helping my family out. and my mom never wanted to use assistance. i borrowed money from a lot of people, and now im living a 'comfortable' life. going to college, and working full time. i just paid off my first car, and my extended line of credit. if you have someone to help you over a slump in your life, its true that you can do good things with it. the littleset bit helps.

When i have it I give the homeless anything I have extra. I once was a manager at a supermarket, nothing great on the ladder scale, just a step up from a cashier. I was up front and it was Christmas time and cold outside. We had many homeless at our store that were 'regulars'. This one guy was looking for used cigs in the ashtray out in front of the store... I tell the cashier, 'give me Tops (the brand of tobacco you roll, which they bought b/c it was the cheapest) I hand it over to him and impulsively give him a kiss on the cheek. I dunno... it was that time of the year and I couldn't watch him put someone's used cig. in his mouth. Currently there is a man who walks several miles to work daily and I pass him several times a week. If I weren't a mom and wife, I'd seriously pick him up to take him closer to where he was headed. I have a soft heart...:smooched:

u did the right thing. WHat people dont realize is that once these guys become homeless, its almost impossible to get a job. Alot of people think its easy and say "they can get a fast food or general labor job:, ummm, no they cant. Background checks, reliable transportation, past work history, valid drivers ID, their clothing, and references disqualifies them. Ur doing a good thing and it is great u care, show respect, and try to make a difference in his life. The world needs more good people like you.

The fact that he asked for food for him and for his dog is telling. People who are out for money to buy drugs or alcohol don't do that. I think you did just right - and the chocolate was a really nice treat! You're a good person.

It is so easy to judge....we never truly know the reasons why people are where they are in their life. It would annoy me if he was asking, but if you approached him then I have huge respect for both you and him.

I am reading this and years are falling down. It is a person like you who makes this world a beautiful place. You are truly a gift from Heaven. You are God's hands extended! Maybe you are the ONLY one he looks forward to each time you pass by. Thank you for being a gentle heart! And may all your dreams come true! Bless you! :flowerforyou:

I think many of us are just a few paychecks away from homelessness at times. I know I've been there. I don't generally have money to hand out on the street, but the last time I was asked for help, I was on my way into a restaurant--I bought the guy a sandwich and a drink and he could not stop thanking me... I usually donate a couple times a year to local organizations to help people, and I think it's great that you took the time to ask this guy what you could do for him.