Ask HN: Should I give money to a beggar on a street?

Re:Ask HN: Should I give money to a beggar on a street? by station909 on Wednesday June 18, 2014 @07:43AM (#7909482)

There was one time, someone asked me for small change in order to buy water. I offered him to buy the water without giving him the money. He turned away and kept walking. This is why I tend not to give money (and feel really bad about it).

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Re:Ask HN: Should I give money to a beggar on a street? by fallinghawks on Wednesday June 18, 2014 @12:47PM (#7911088)

I've been asked at gas stations for a few bucks to buy gas. That one always seems to be a scam.

I tend to give money to older people and people who are offering a service. There was a guy who hung out at a grocery store with a bottle of window cleaner and rags, and he'd clean your car windows for whatever you gave him.

If they're young, look fairly healthy, or look like druggies, I don't give. If they demand a certain amount (I've had someone demand $20 from me!) I definitely don't give.

I don't see beggars close up all that often. Here they're usually standing at an intersection with a sign. If you're on foot in the City, there's a lot of panhandlers, and I think you'd be begging yourself pretty quickly if you gave everyone a few bucks.

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Re:Ask HN: Should I give money to a beggar on a street? by applekor on Wednesday June 18, 2014 @07:53AM (#7909530)

Better to help those who don't deserve it than to neglect those who do.

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Re:Ask HN: Should I give money to a beggar on a street? by professorTuring on Wednesday June 18, 2014 @07:53AM (#7909535)

Yeps, the repetition over this is what led me not to give money but instead helping them in this other way.

Also, trust your instincts.

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