The Homeless

[Gavmacp]

Once a week I pass a young couple who sleep under a shelter.
Yesterday on my return I saw the young girl and bought the big issue. I chatted for a short while and she seemed nice. I went to cash machine withdrew £10 and also bought a packet of cigarettes (I noticed some butts when talking).
Later when trying to get enough change to buy a cup of coffee I said it was daft as I gave a homeless person £10. He said I had been conned as there are only 3 genuine homeless people in Norwich. Though if not homeless the sleeping overnight on the streets would appear to me to be taking things a bit far.
When I give it is with hope that they will do some good with it but I understand they probably will not. I have never been comfortable buying a coffee or food for them as I don't know what they like don't like.
Not really a question but would appreciate your thoughts.

[Peter Pedant]

// I am quite happy to think I am naive/stupid! I just give in good faith.//

Good boy for giving - nothing wrong with that.

You also wonder if you have been had. Possibly

We used to give regularly to a girl with a pony tail and american peaked cap near Manch bus station. I wondered if the mud had been smeared on her face but you know it has to get there somehow and mud doesnt fly by itself. Good teeth tho'.....

and then later a fren' said: you know that beggar from the centre ? [yeah] I am sure it was her in Newton Heath and she was getting into her car.....

so obviously beggin was her evening job ....

[2sp_]

I really can't believe that there are only 3 "genuine" homeless people in Norwich.

I give money to homeless people when I can. Usually only a few pounds, but I hope it helps a bit.

I don't care if they spend it on booze or fags. I give money to the Government through taxation and look at the nonsense they spend it on.

[Gavmacp]

Nice answer 2sp!

[mikey4444]

Ditto from me 2sp !

[jennyjoan]

I was in an off licence last weekend and there is a guy who just stands inside the offie - he looks homeless but I think he is there for a bit of heat. The assistants let him stand there.

anyway I offered him money and whilst he took it - he looked amazed - "what's that for" - "oh I said - just get yourself a drink".

[sandyRoe]

Didn't Sherlock Holmes investigate a mystery where it turned out that a middle class man was making a good living by begging? Though the old tales continue with a modern twist, I doubt many beggars finish their stint on the cold streets and then drive home in a posh car to a nice house.
Many here in Belfast are alcoholics or mentally ill, or both. I give a little to any who ask. If they put it towards the price of a drink, so be it.

[Purple_Popple]

What do you give if you see a homeless person with a dog ? I have handed over a few tins of dog food and mixer before now and a sandwich for the owner.

[jennyjoan]

About two years ago I saw an alcoholic with a dog - I never seen a dog so distressed so frightened so depressed that I wished I had a pair of scissors to cut the ugly rope he had as a leash and set it free.

Before anybody says anything - this same alcoholic with his dog used to sit outside a grammar school with a cover over him doing naughties. I used to think that myself and it was confirmed by a taxi driver I had one night. I'm sure the police intervened - I hope so!!!!

[Arrods]

In a similar vein, a guy accosted me in a car park with a story he needed a couple of pounds to add to the £10 he already had for his train fare. Showed me his bandaged leg that needed a special dressing at his local hospital. Funnily enough, when I bumped into him a year later, his leg still hadn't healed.

[Retrochic]

The best idea is not to give to beggars directly but to give to the Salvation Army or a food bank. This way the professional beggars will not get the benefit as no professional beggar would go sit with the tramps and down and outs in a soup kitchen .