Homeless people, give or ignore? Options

[AyeVickaye]

Everytime I drive by Target Walmart, Food max, etc. theres always a homeless person asking for money or food. I used to always give change but Now I have second thoughts about them. Because they look young enough to still get a job, they either have a bike or dog with them & some even smoke cigs. Where do they get the markers and supplies to make their "have any spare change" "war veteran, needs help" or "anything will help" signs? I always wonder what they will do with the spare change that I give them because of chances of them spending it on food is '????' Cos some of those homeless people are/were drug addicts

I feel bad for them especially the ones that have a child with them but sometimes I don't.

[fameONE]

Has anyone here ever been homeless? Has anyone here ever really talked to homeless person?

Sometimes its better just to make some small talk than to give them anything at all. You never know what circumstances landed them on the street. And even then, you never know how long they've been there or if there actually is a chance for them to do better for themselves. You also should take into account the number of mentally handicapped individuals that find their way their because they've never received proper treatment.

If I have it, I'll give. If I don't, I don't. But I'll at least try to make small talk depending on the situation.

[-DressYourEyelid...]

Has anyone here ever been homeless? Has anyone here ever really talked to homeless person?

i was homeless for two years...
and yes, i agree. a lot of the time, the homeless just want to have a decent, insightful conversation with someone...
when you live on the streets you don't get much of that :/