Ever give money to a stranger

[Dymetrie]

I refuse to give money to beggers on the principle that, from where I work, I know it's more than likely going to be spent on drugs or booze.

Mrs Dym sometimes gives money to buskers, which is fair enough.

Sunday night on the tube home there was a young lad going through the carriages trying to get money for somewhere to sleep that night. I didn't want to give him any money but spoke to him and told him to get off at Kings Cross and call the Camden SST (Safer Streets Team, and I did happen to have their contact number on me) as they'd be able to help find him somewhere to stay. No idea if he did or not but he was very grateful for the information and advice which made me think he honestly was after money for somewhere to stay

[Feek]

I always feel saddened when I see people begging on the street, it just makes me realise that there are a lot of people in the world who are much worse off than I am. It really tends to hit home if it's obviously someone young. I have a vivid mental image of a kid who looked about fifteen sitting in the stairwell in Leicester Square underground station holding a piece of cardboard with 'homeless' written on it.

I do occasionally hand over some cash, the most recent was about three weeks ago, I popped into a drive through for some munchies, it was absolutely tipping it down and as I was at the collection point a guy who was more drenched than I thought possible came up to the drivers window and gave the usual line of "got any spare change please, mate?" I gave him a couple of quid and he responded with a huge smile and "thanks very much". It's not much, but I felt good about it.

[BBx]

I once gave a tenner to a man in Liverpool St Underground.

It was obvious he had been in a fire as his face and hands were totally burned

I haven't given for ages.. must be the Londoncentricity thing again.

BB x

[Feek]

It's a big bump here.

I was walking to the cash machine near the station today and there were a couple of teenagers sitting by the bus stop asking passers by for any spare change. I muttered "no" and walked on by. The girl responded with a cheery "ok, thank you" as she did to everyone they spoke to.

I got some cash out, walked past on the way back to work and I felt awful. I was almost back in the office when I just turned round, went the 50 yards or so back and said "Yes, I have" and dropped a £2 coin in the hat they had on the floor. This was at the same time as someone came from the opposite direction and gave them a couple of portions of chips.

This sort of thing still really gets to me and I think that seeing people begging in the streets is something I will never get used to.

[TinkerBell]

I don't think I have given money to people on the street, but I have if I have seen someone short a few at a shop or getting the bus, I see it just the same as helping someone who can't reach the high things in supermarket's.

It has only ever been less than a pound. I think I just like to help people, who need it

[Will]

I feel sorry for such people but I won't give them money... if I have the possibility of buying them some food then I'd consider doing that - but I'm afraid i'm probably too selfish. Not proud of it but it's the honest truth.

If I saw someone in desperate need for a couple of quid for a bus then I may evaluate the situation - but I'd take any/every situation at a time. My general instinct would be to not.

I had one unpleasant experience where I offered some change and the guy kicked off about "is that it?" "give me more money" and really starting to get aggressive - I walked away cautiously keeping an ear/eye out in case he tried to attack me. I don't want that to happen again as I'd probably end up in prison.

[Jingo]

I have such strong empathy for those in a homeless or sleeping rough situation as I couldn't think of anything worse than having no where to go or nobody to turn to

When I lived in Plymouth the homeless situation there was notable and around my locale, you got to recognise the 'regulars' as strange as that sounds.

One particular young man I couldn't ignore as he looked incredibly young, was silent and not particularly in a 'begging location' (i.e. was sat behind a low car park wall for Co-op). A friend and I approached him and asked if he was alright as he looked genuinely atrocious.

His story was that he was just 18, his family had torn apart due to bereavement on several fronts and he was truly alone from loved ones and friends. He had been on the street in freezing cold, wet Plymouth with no food, shelter or support- when we offered to buy him a drink and something to eat he asked if instead of a sandwich he might be able to have another milkshake as he has gotten so used to going without food that a sandwich on his stomach would make him sick

Upon chatting to him further he said how people treat him like dirt when they have no understanding of his situation, and how everyone assumes he only wants drink or drugs... "I can't afford to eat, how can I afford tinnies or drugs?".

As what happens with these folk, we saw him about for a month or so before he disappeared for good, I hope he somehow managed to get out of his situation.

[Pebs]

I don't really have issue with giving beggars cash. If they piss it away on drink or drugs or whatever, who am I to judge. I'm in no position to make a big difference to their lives, if a litre of White Lightening keeps them warm then that's up to them. It's not ideal and pretty simplistic but that's how's I feels

[A Place of Light]

Many times, but it depends on the individual. If it looks to me like they're just a "chancer" and not someone facing real hardship then they get zip.

[Rich_L]

I only give money to honest beggars, if they ask me for some money to get fags or beer then I'll probably give them some