I ignore 'bums', as in the Uk we have the Big Issue, so I just don't think there's an excuse for begging. However, I always say 'no thanks' or 'I've got one' to a Big Issue vendor. (only if I really do have one, and I usually do because I buy it regularly)

It depends on the bum, what he says or does, my own mood, the amount of money I have on hand, and probably a half-dozen factors I haven't thought of. EDIT======================== So somebody may wonder -- why don't I just have some simple policy about this and stick to it? Because every moment is a new opportunity to be alive. To see "a bum" as a generic class of objects to which I should respond in a generic way is to not be PRESENT in the situation. In order to respond appropriately in life, I've become clear that I have to actually BE there, and being there means not operating strictly out of some conditioned response or pre-existing belief system about the situation. This is a lot more "work" than simply allowing some concept to take over and run the show (e.g. "Never give the bums money, they'll just spend it on drugs/alcohol" OR "You should always help those in need", or any of a half-dozen other variations. It's a lot more work -- because one has to actually participate fully in the situation with full heart, mind, and attention. It's a lot more work -- because I can't simply hand the responsibility for responding over to some fixed attitude or automated reaction. But in the end -- even though it's a lot more work -- this is the only way I know of to experience a satisfying encounter with whomever this person is on the street: I was there for them, and I did whatever seemed appropriate at the time for that specific situation. If I can say that, there's nothing left over to wonder about. There's no "did I do the right thing?" to carry into the next situation. .

I never give money to beggars because considering they might spend it on alcohol or drugs I might actually be doing more harm than good (mind you I did once point out to my ex-boyfriend who said "they'll only spend it on drink." that that was what he was going to spend it on anyway!). I'd rather give money to a homeless charity who'll actually provide things like shelter, support and counselling to help them find a home and a job. I have on occasion given food or (non-alcoholic) drink to a homeless person, but I wouldn't give them money.

As a minister's daughter and one who (perhaps) feels that I earn more money than I am worth, I give when I can, and don't (and don't feel bad) when I can't. But ALWAYS look in the eye and acknowledge the humanity of the requestor. Afterall, humans often want things that they don't need. A full three quarters of my own diet is probably discretionary calories.

I believe most bums are there because of laziness drugs or achohol why have pity for them the do it to themselves. There are exceptions.

I think we recently had a post that was very similar... here it is http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/91749

I ALWAYS know if I can or can't afford to give, I also know I couldn't save the world if I gave money to EVERY "bum" IN the world. Therefore I take it on a case by case basis.

I am a bit of a softie. Last time I was in London I paid for a homeless persons accommodation at a youth hostel for a week and gave them tips for jobs. I don't know why, but I seem to be magnetised to people in need. I didn't even leave enough for my own bus journey home - which was another stupid thing to do. Wherever I go I find someone who needs a hand, directions, whatever - its weird. Its me I suppose. One of my friends keeps being picked up by women who already have boyfriends; so its a different version of that! Don't do what I did though - it's not good. The money should have gone to a charity so I know its spent carefully... I just can't help it sometimes. Those "killed with kindness" posters really upset me, especially if I have just given someone charity the wrong way. I should be more responsible.

i used to work in seattle and this happened alot. its hard to trust homeless people because you dont know if they truely need the money to get back on their feet, or they want it for drugs or alcohol. i know there are alot of places that can help these people... especially the once that are in wheelchairs and say they are vets. so i usually tell them i dont have money... or i offer to buy them something to eat instead.

I do give them something, or will buy a meal if they need it. Jesus tells us to give to the poor and help those who need it. If I give someone $5.00 and he spends it on booze, then that is between him and God. If he tells me he needs money to feed his children and then spends it on booze, that makes him a liar. I have done what is expected of me and therefore, I feel if he doesnt use it the way he tells me he is going to use it, then that is between him and God.

well some advice i got was if you cant be sure buy them a pasty and hot drink instead of giving them money that way you know they have had something to eat and a hot drink and not fritted your money away on alcohol etc

I could tell some stories... I took one homeless guy who said he hadn't eaten yesterday and slept outside, into a store, filled a shopping basket with him, went around a corner to get some milk and he disappeared. Another guy came looking for "food for his family." I filled a bag with Cheerios, milk, sugar packets, some fruit, disposable bowls and plastic spoons. That wasn't good enough; he wanted money instead. My friend paid to get a homeless family into a motel overnight. The next morning he got a call and had to personally clean up the room and buy the motel a new mattress. Kid hadn't been toilet trained and used the bed for it all night. Now I live in an area where most of the poor are undeservedly so, and don't feel like I'm making the problem worse when I donate. Still remember the big smile I got when I handed a stumblebum a ripe tomato.