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.

[McMouse]

Do you have a spare room?

[RATTER15]

//I have never been comfortable buying a coffee or food for them as I don't know what they like don't//

Its free food, I dont think they will be over fussy if they are hungry to be honest.

[anneasquith]

'' there are only 3 genuine homeless people in Norwich'' what ?

[carrust]

Most of the homeless in my city have drink or drug problems. So the worse thing you can do is to give them money. I've bought them food and a hot drink. As ratter says, if they're hungry they'll eat it.

[Gavmacp]

Personally I try to treat all people as I would like to be treated.

[RATTER15]

//Personally I try to treat all people as I would like to be treated.// dont we all, generally speaking.

[AlwaysConfused]

I lend an ear to a few of the homeless whilst on my way to work at 2.30am. I've got them a hot cuppa on extraordinarily cold days, but mainly I listen to their woes and advise them on where to get help etc. I've helped a fair few people without ever parting with money.

[Gavmacp]

Ratter,
I am not sure. I work in the 'caring' profession and I don't always see it.

[RATTER15]

Same here Gav, im also a Carer. that is why I said "generally speaking"

[Baldric]

I know one in E/Kent who spends all day sat in an Arcade with a skinny looking Dog sharing his flattened cardboard box cushion and a sign saying 'homeless please help' in front of them.
Was waiting to pick OH up in local car-park early one evening, he and the dog turned up, got into a 62 plated Passat Estate parked next to me and drove off.

[Gavmacp]

I recently listened to a man on the radio discuss how he was abused as a child. It was heart breaking! And I generally am not one to be moved to tears but I cried. He developed a heroin addiction and was homeless for a while. Things for him had started to become good. When I see someone homeless I just wonder what their story was/is.

[ummmm]

Or someone who 'appears' to be homeless. Many of them aren't.

[janbee]

I never give money... ever ! I will however, buy them food. There is one homeless man in particular and I will always take him in to a local cafe and make sure he has a hot meal , etc etc.We have loads of homeless here in Brighton and there is a crowd under the Pier who BOAST about making over a £1000 a week from tourists in the summer. NEVER ever give money.

[Dizmo]

I certainly wouldn't buy them cigarettes or give money. I'd probably buy a blanket, food and water for them. In the past I've helped homeless people in the street but have never given them money. For £10 + the price of the cigarettes you could quite easily buy enough dried food for a homeless person to keep warm and with food for 2 weeks, easily. Just my opinion.

[RandyMarsh]

4 families own as much money as 12m of us put together and someone is worried that we are being conned by the homeless? lmao.

[Gavmacp]

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

[Dizmo]

You also have to take into consideration that if the person is genuinely homeless they are also a good target to be robbed.

[Dizmo]

Gavmacp: It's so easy to give money, it's harder to go to the extra effort of going to the shop and trying to build a hamper for that homeless person. I'm not criticising you, at least you show you care.

[Retrochic]

Instead of giving money to the homeless give it to your local Salvation Army. You will be assured then that the people who need it are getting it.

[Retrochic]

Dizmo -how on earth is a homeless person going to cook dried food? If you buy them a hamper they will sell it for cider or drug money,that is the nature of them.