by LuckyLefty on July 30th, 2008

LuckyLefty

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Have you ever done anything to help the homeless?

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Answers. 54 helpful answers below.

  • by Galeanda on July 30th, 2008

    Galeanda

    Yes, I've donated work clothes so they can find a job, including makeup and accessories for women so they can look nice. I've donated food, time, work, other things. I've volunteered my time to find alternate living arrangements and driven them for medical care.

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  • by Symbeline on August 31st, 2008

    Symbeline

    I often give them change, without patronizing them about their motives or common sense. If they want it for heroin or alcohol, be my guest. If that's all that can help them, it sure as hell isn't up to me to try and guide them to the proper road, whatever that is, and it isn't up to me to judge them about weaknesses, or getting help or whatever. If they really want it they'll get it, and anyways, a lot of rich people do things equally as stupid with their money.
    I'm the one who decides to give them change, and nothing comes from me as a condition, the change and that's it.
    I think it's damn insulting when people bring it on themselves as to what the homeless should do, or not do.

    Sometimes I ask them if they want a cigarette, it's actually surprising how many of them decline the cigarette.

    Otherwise though, I haven't done much else. They understand easily that you have your own problems.
    Change isn't much, but maybe sometimes they're collecting thoughts, too. Anyways I've seen more genuine smiles from the homeless than I have on the people who walk by them.

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  • by Sweet T on July 30th, 2008

    Sweet T

    Yes, I do, every chance I get.

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  • by Anonymous on July 30th, 2008

    Anonymous

    We have donated clothes, food and money to organizations that specifically assist the homeless.

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  • by Major Look at yerself on July 30th, 2008

    Major Look at yerself

    I am a support worker in homeless shelters, and I have come to believe I can do nothing to help.

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  • by DudeLer 2 on July 30th, 2008

    DudeLer 2

    I give the homeless friendship, dignity and self respect.

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  • by bagicide stayed 10 months too long on July 30th, 2008

    bagicide stayed 10 months too long

    I've emptied every bit of food in the diaper bag for somebody with a "will work for food sign" several times, or gone through a drivethru and come back with lunch. I give all our old clothes to the clothing bank.

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  • by Account Closed on July 30th, 2008

    Account Closed

    I go on food drives to help feed the homeless.

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  • by Zibbys Mind Is In the Gutter Today on July 30th, 2008

    Zibbys Mind Is In the Gutter Today

    I've donated a lot of items new and gently used to all kinds of shelters and organizations. I will never give a homeless person cash, I donate my cash to places like Metropolitan Ministries and The Salvation Army. Those places can guarantee me that the money will be used for good, not beer and smokes.

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  • by Willow on July 30th, 2008

    Willow

    Yes...here in the UK I have helped the homeless by taking unwanted clothes into shops called 'SHELTER'.

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  • by PixieDust_and_DemonHorns on July 30th, 2008

    PixieDust_and_DemonHorns

    i wish i could do more...but i have donated clothes to places that have helped me out before and i have given change to homeless families and people. i mostly donate to cancer organizations and childrens hospitals tho

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  • by gypsyeyes on July 30th, 2008

    gypsyeyes

    I've always donated things to the homeless and I've done work at the mission. I have a uncle who is homeless but, he didn't chose to be homeless. He was working and had a place but then he got sick from his diabetes and was in the hospital. They ended up kicking him out of the apartment. They didn't care if he was sick. He can hardly hold a steady job now but he continues to do odd jobs wherever he can find them. Right now he's in a shelter and getting help. So, to the people that want to bash on homeless people you don't know everyone's situation. God forbid something was to happen to you and suddenly your out on the street. You would want help.

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  • by MRSHINYSHOES on July 30th, 2008

    MRSHINYSHOES

    When I was a summer school teacher way back, we had a lunch program at the school whereby the homeless on the street were able to come in for hot food and soup. I volunteered all summer in that program. It was an inner city school and I found my experience very rewarding. The program no longer exists as the school has since closed down, but I have good memories as a summer school teacher there.

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  • by Mastodon on July 30th, 2008

    Mastodon

    I helped out a soup kitchen once, most of the people who came by were substance abusers and most of the volunteers were doing community service so they wouldn't have to go prison. It made me very cynical about the whole deal so I never went back.

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  • by Pete Parker on August 14th, 2008

    Pete Parker

    Put money in their hands...what they do with it is their choice. They can't help their condition so why not have sympathy for them.

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  • by Jen-Jen on July 31st, 2008

    Jen-Jen

    I have opened my home ... Along with donating both time, and money to both the soup kitchen, and local shelter back home.

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  • by Rollie on July 31st, 2008

    Rollie

    Yep. We live where it gets cold in the winter. We give winter clothing to the organization that shelters the homeless. I saw a jacket I donated on a young woman one winter day. I was glad she could use it.

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  • by Lady Lavender on July 31st, 2008

    Lady Lavender

    Yes, I volunteer for an organization that helps the homeless and low income families. I also volunteer to bring food to the homeless through my church.

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  • by - M.C.S. - Dave on July 30th, 2008

    - M.C.S. - Dave

    Many of times. Plus I always put them in my prayers. For we never know. We just may be in their place, a day or even a hour from now. Its always good to help others........Plus 5 for your question.

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  • by BeccaBaby on July 30th, 2008

    BeccaBaby

    I have given lots of clothes over the years. I've bought sandwiches for people asking for change. I wont give them money but food, yes. Everyone deserves a meal if they are hungry.

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  • by JuJubee is wearing a COAT of chocolate on October 3rd, 2008

    JuJubee is wearing a COAT of chocolate

    work at food bank, work in food line for thanksgiving, take blankets to those that won't go to shelter

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  • by An American Girl on October 3rd, 2008

    An American Girl

    I sometimes carry gallons of water and crackers/peanut butter to give out. When it's cold outside, I'll give them gloves, and things to help keep them warm. I can't remember the alarming statistic but many of us are only one paycheck away from being homeless. I believe in paying it forward.

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  • by Shelly on October 3rd, 2008

    Shelly

    I once was homeless with 5 kids and pregnant with baby #6 when my useless exhusband left me. Yep, pulled up to the local homeless shelter and opened the door for me and the kids and let us go. I could not even breathe. I had no education other than finishing high school. No job experience, low self worth. I had to pull myself together and fast! I finished my higher education with a 4.0 and perfect attendence while homeless and raising 6 kids. I now give back every chance I get. I help run the local food bank and volunteer as a teacher at the local Positive Parenting(preschool). I think everyone should think outside there own box and think what it would be like if life threw you a crapy curve ball.Would you be able to overcome easily with no one there to assist you? I am thankful everyday for the people that decided I was worth giving a pep talk to or a meal for my kids when we had nothing to eat. Warm blankets and a borrowed floor for the night. I kiss my kids at night and thank god I have my own home now. We take nothing for granted in my house. FYI: My exhusband pleeds for my return.....yeah right!LOL Shelly

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  • by you.dont.know.what.love.is on September 22nd, 2008

    you.dont.know.what.love.is

    I give them food.

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  • by Cheery Cherry on September 13th, 2008

    Cheery Cherry

    Yes. I've given them money and my time by sitting down and talking (and listening) with them and treating them like a person.

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  • by DreAnna on September 10th, 2008

    DreAnna

    yeah I set up company and personal perpetual accounts to assist the homeless :)

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  • by Anonymous on September 10th, 2008

    Anonymous

    I've given money and a ride to a homeless guy in the past, but that's about it.

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  • by singwell-is off researching a lot on August 31st, 2008

    singwell-is off researching a lot

    Yes indeed. I feed them. But I ask them first if they want food. If they don't want it, then I go to someone else and ask. I have a few I know reasonably well now and I keep my eye on them, to make sure they are ok. It's better to help a few that you know well, than to spread your help thinly. I have found bedding for them, clothing and food. I rarely give money. Firstly, because I have little. Secondly, because it is a policy that we have found better throughout the years (I am a pastor's wife and we have been involved with the poor in various parishes for the last 25 years)
    I also support orphanages in Bali and children in need in other countries, by equipping and informing tourists going to these countries, as well as raising money myself. Go to my website (see my profile page on AB) and see what we have been doing.

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  • by dre43092 on August 31st, 2008

    dre43092

    not much except giving money to homeless kids when they beg. some homeless ppl take ur money n buy drugs or cigarettes. a friend of mine once bought a homeless person a big mac n fries or something n the homeless person through it in his face. he wanted money. so i dont plan to help the homeless. im only 16 but in a couple of years i will donate to feed the children n stuff like that. maybe even work w/ the unchr or something n help ppl in africa n cambodia.

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  • by milf_in_training on August 26th, 2008

    milf_in_training

    Yes, I've volunteered at my local Red Cross, they have Friday night showers & supper for the homeless. I've also volunteered at my church soup kitchen every 6th Sunday (can you believe in a congregation of over 18,000 there are only 6 groups of five or more people that are willing to help? So we trade off...) I also started getting in contact with local businesses that have people holding the signs in the street corners (you know... furniture sale, home auction notices) and got about four jobs lined up for some of the people.
    I dont ever hand out money, anyone can do that... it's your time that you invest into changing the problem that counts!

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  • by Davids Girl on August 21st, 2008

    Davids Girl

    I don't have alot to give so I haven't contributed as much as I'd like. I have donated though i.e. clothes, blankets, toys, food(lots of food), and furniture(to the shelters). One day I will be able to do more.

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  • by fallenangel666 on July 31st, 2008

    fallenangel666

    Bought the big issue mag loads of times

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  • by Langenschwert on July 31st, 2008

    Langenschwert

    My job involves helping the less fortunate, and sometimes that means homeless people, so yes I do, pretty much daily, though sometimes in an indirect way.

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  • by Inquisitive minds want to know... on October 14th, 2008

    Inquisitive minds want to know...

    I do lots of stuff. But I have a few homeless people that I visit at least once a month. I let them use my cell phone to call loved ones. I bring them food. I bring them gloves/hat/scarf in the winter.

    And at can drives, I always bring can openers instead of cans.

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  • by Vikidoll on October 14th, 2008

    Vikidoll

    Just the other day a homeless dude asked me for some spare change to buy a sandwich or something. I looked through my purse but only found a penny. So, i told him to come with me to buy a subway sandwhich. Everyone looked at me like i was nuts bringing in some homless dude but at least he had something to eat

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  • by Maryjo on October 3rd, 2008

    Maryjo

    Not really. But played with those children for some time

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  • by Teri on October 3rd, 2008

    Teri

    What a wonderful bunch of people here at AB...I am very pleased!!! I also have done some but not enough....

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  • by Talimze on October 3rd, 2008

    Talimze

    I worked at a soup kitchen when I was thirteen during Thanksgiving. Of course, I was forced to do that by my church, so I don't know if that counts.

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  • by needtoknow on October 3rd, 2008

    needtoknow

    I have given money to the homeless, if I see one. I give money to the shelters also, and the Equinox thanksgiving feast for the homeless in a city near my home.

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  • by CaRbOnPrOdUcK is Baccuss on October 3rd, 2008

    CaRbOnPrOdUcK is  Baccuss

    On x-mas I give the town "wanderer" $100.

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  • by 2highspeed on October 3rd, 2008

    2highspeed

    I have started a food drive for the homeless shelter at the last two churches we were at. Our church in Hawaii donated enough food to fill the back of a full size truck for Thanksgiving (several thousand pounds). They have continued doing it even after I left. I started it here where I am now, and every year at Thanksgiving I make the delivery. The shelters really appreciate it, and it shows Christians really do care.

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  • by Nightsun on September 13th, 2008

    Nightsun

    I do what I can, although I haven't done enough. When I get more involved in volunteering than it will give me more to do. Right now I'm interested in helping people through peace corps/a Canadian program where I help people for 9 months, but besides that I haven't done too much to help the homeless right now.

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  • by Gold_Autumn on September 10th, 2008

    Gold_Autumn

    I always donate the clothes i don't fit into anymore. And once i bought a bum a bottle of vodka for getting me beer while i was under age...

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  • by Anonymous on September 10th, 2008

    Anonymous

    I donate money monthly to a couple homeless shelters in my city.

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  • by WoOZackWoO on July 30th, 2008

    WoOZackWoO

    I'm sure I'm going to be comdemned by other ABers, but I don't feel for the homeless. You have to do A LOT wrong to be homeless in my opinion.

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  • by Latinabeauty is ...indecisive... on May 17th, 2009

    Latinabeauty  is ...indecisive...

    i give $$, and my ma and some of her friends did a walk for hunger.

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  • by Roaring on October 14th, 2008

    Roaring

    On three different occasions, I opened my home to those in need. Volunteered at a shelter. Bought a fellow some lunch. Given some rides.

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  • by Kommandor Kody on May 17th, 2009

    Kommandor Kody

    Short of eating fries & a burger washed down by a cold butterscotch shake at Dick's burger hut right in front of the vagrants, not much if any. It's when I'm smacking my lips & rubbing my belly after eating at one of Dick's picnic tables surrounding the structure, that I offer the vagrants help when I say... "Man that was good! Betcha wished you were employed so you could afford to eat"!!!

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  • by Carl_07 on May 16th, 2009

    Carl_07

    Yes, I always give them any spare change that I have=)

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  • by Italian_Gypsy on May 31st, 2009

    Italian_Gypsy

    In the past I did the normal things like donate money, food, clothes, but after "walking in their shoes" I can easily find more compassion and kindness for them. I know "the system" is doing what they can, but what they really need is more permanent (safe!) shelters in addition to what the programs can provide.

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