We call them panhandlers in the US. I don't donate because it's impossible to tell those legitimately in need from those who are unwilling to help themselves. I have seen professional panhandling take place where people were dropped off at strategic locations by a large van and placed. Really?

So driving around Omaha today there is a guy on a corner with a sign. They cannot step into traffic so I drove extra so I could hand him a bag. He REFUSED it! I don't know what he thought I was trying to give him, I don't think he was fully cognizant. He kinda rambled and there was lots of car noise. But he refused my bag, I even put an extra $5 in it becase it was such a crappy day. He had odd old shoes and odd pant, not jeans. I was hurt, but I realize it may be a symptom of whatever disease he has.

To say that social service will take care of these people I say "cracks." There will always be some folks that fall in the cracks. There are some too ill to deal with the system. Have you ever been to a shelter? Sometimes they are scary places, and frequently families are separated. Many people are just a paycheck away from being homeless. I do not, cannot, and will not judge. I will help when I can, but sometimes you just can't help.

When the mental hospital were closed it forced thousands of mentally ill onto the streets. More are on the streets every day. The dearth of mental health care in the US is attrocious. I work in short term disability claims. I talk to people frequently who have to wait weeks if not months for appointments with counselors/therapists. They can't work, and I can't pay them unless they are receiving appropriate treatment. There are few things scarier in the US than being poor, because the system is set up to keep your poor. If you throw mental health issues into that mix it is a nightmare.

When I lived near McChord AFB I frequently used to see panhandlers near I5. One of the things I notice is patterns and shapes. Soon I realized the sign that was being held today was the same sign as a different guy had yesterday, some of the letters had unique shapes. I was not and still am not sure what to make of that. Was it a panhandling ring? That was 20+ years ago. Sad that we haven't fixed our problems homelessness and poverty in that time.

Explain me... what kind of beggars? Professionals? Needy? Homeless? Alcoholics? Drug addicts? Organized? Hungry? Unemployed? On welfare? Just plain lazy? Amateurs? Dissabled? Gamblers? What kind you talking about?

I would not use the word "beggars" but someone down and out, needing assistance or help.

Absolutely not most of those people use the money to get high with.

Absolutely not. It is far better to give to organizations that help the homeless than to the individuals. To me that is enabling.

Years ago, at our companies annual holiday event the United Way asked that question. They also said not to give to beggers as there were plenty of programs in the city to help these people.

I rent a room to a friend who was homeless for a while he taught me how to spot fakers. Lot more fakers than needers.

I gladly offer food/beverages....mostly earn "fuck you" from it because they want cash for drugs........sigh.

I would give to beggers but the only ones we get in my area are false. They want to come inside for a drink of water or to use the bathroom. Often a child is with them. They use this child to help gain entrance and then case the joint, also stealing all your meds from your bathroom. Since they have been inside your home you could be robbed in the future. This is the way of dopers in my area of about 1200 people. Sorry! I'm not your mark.
But if I do get a real begger and I can see they are real I might help them. They still cannot come inside. I will serve them on my porch instead.

Not always. But I figure if the change in my pocket is gonna break me, I've got bigger problems, so what's the harm? I've also taken a hot meal to a group living under a parking garage when it was ridiculously cold outside. Least I could do.

Yes. Because I've been there.

I do - just small change in most cases and if they then go and spend it on alcohol or heroin, at least they got the money given to them rather than having to carry out a (possibly violent) crime to feed their addiction.

I give more to female beggars. Life on the streets is tough, but it's a whole lot tougher if you're a woman.

I donate food, clothing and household items to people I know in town who need it.

Sometimes I do. It makes me feel good to do acts of kindness and acts of consideration for those who cannot fend for themselves.

I look at their shoes.....it's evident who needs some financial help......

I keep ziploc bags in my car. Each bag has a pair of sox, several individually wrapped personal wipes, a mylar blanket, and $5.00. I give them out whenever I see someone with a sign along the road where it is safe for me to hand it out. I've gone around the block to hand it out. Why? Because I don't judge and because I can. I also have a stack of $5s in my car to hand out as needed. I might make a difference, I might not. But I tried.

I may give to street entertainers if it is real enjoyable and not intimidated but not to pathetic bludgers!

Usually tickets to public transportation or a meal.

The last beggar I gave money too I found later fucked up with a needle hanging out of his arm. I normally get them something rather than money.

I used to give to beggars because I felt lucky not to be on the street like them. However, over the years, I began to realize they need to help themselves (if they are able bodied). I also think maybe half of them use the money for their addictions which I don't want to be a part of. I think most people can find a job doing something if they try hard enough.

I do. There is a homeless man that I see around town and when he gets low on insulin he holds a sign up that says "need help paying for meds". I always try to give him money when I see that he's low on medication. It doesn't bother me that some people would try and abuse my kindness. I gave for the right reasons and my conscience is clear. If someone is pretending to be in need then that's something they will have to live with.

I live in a country with an extremely generous welfare system, we have free medical, we have lots of emergency assistance programs, I work on many of them myself. I do not believe it is good to feed peoples habits.

Sometimes I do.

If I have loose change in my pocket I'll sometimes donate that if the person asking isn't obnoxious in any way.

Totally depends on how I’m feeling that day and if I get a good feeling from them.