[Canadaka]

Living in downtown Vancouver, like in any city, there is always homeless people or panhandlers. I never give them money, its not that im not generous, its that i am one of those people that thinks they will just use it to buy drugs.

But today after doing some Christmas shopping I bought some take-out chinese food from the foodcourt and on the way home stopped at the 7-11 outside my apartment, where there is always a homeless person that opens the door for people. I asked if he wanted this food, he replied, "Oh God please, I'm so hungry". He seemed 100% genuine that he meant it, I still won't be giving them money, but I think this is something I will do more often.

What about you, do you give people on the street change, or food?

[Indelible]

won't give people change....especially not here... here the liqor stores won't sell alcohol to natives, so they go buy lysol instead.....

would give food if i had the opportunity like how it happened to you....in fact i was in a subway restaurant and someone had bought a bowl of soup for a homeless lady in a wheelchair but she had a shaky hand so she couldn't open the cracker package so she asked me to open it and i did gladly.......... not quite the same but....

[Banff]

I give them money but I'd rather do what you do/did because loose change can add up to an awful lot of money . Some have told me they can make in excess of $200.00 . I think you were sharp about recognizing someone who really needed the help .

I've thought about getting Walmart gift cards but loose change is about all I can handle right now .

[Bodah]

Lats year about this time in Ottawa, there was a guy on the market begging for change. I normally never give any money to panhandlers.

But this guy about 35 yrs old was wearing shorts, I dont know if he was robbed and had no clothes or if it was an act. Either way it was pitiful. I went to the bay and bought him some jogging pants.

I went back to him and gave him the pants, without the bag or reciept so he didn't know where I purchased it, he looked suprised/thankfull when I handed them to him. I didn't stick around and chat with him, i just said "hey heres some pants man" and left.

Hindsight tells me I should of went back in an hour and see if he was still there, and if he was . Was he wearing shorts or jogging pants ?

[Wada]

In the past I've made arrangeents with a local DQ and a pizza shop to feed specific persons and bill me at the end of the month, otherwise I give to the local food bank.

[Arctic_Menace]

I never give money(mainly cause I'm broke ), but I do give any food that I have or I buy them coffee or hot chocolate...

[Scape]

I buys goats and some hens.

As the saying goes, give a man a fish feed him for a day. Teach him and feed him for a lifetime.

[canadian1971]

Whats the best thing about dating a homeless chick?







You can drop her off anywhere!

Thank you...thank you...I'm here all night.

[Saskanna]

I donate to panhandlers fairly often.

I hope they buy food but if they don't, well, bless them. I hope it is a good trip! One day I was on a main street in Regina when a lady approached the window of my car. She was pushing a grocery cart with a bunch of junk in it. She asked for money but I didn't have any change. Went and did my business and when I came back out she was up the street a ways. I couldn't help it, I stopped and gave her $10.

I also donated $100 to a local fellow today cause his house burned down a few days ago. They were asking for donations to be dropped off at the RBC. We have so much and it must be shattering to lose your home just before Christmas.

I never have any problem giving to the homeless, the panhandlers, etc., and always feel I am so fortunate with what I have compared to some. I don't care if they are scamming. If they are, I hope they help someone less fortunate also. I like the idea of giving with no possible thought of being recognized or applauded for it. Well, unless you call this recognition. I really refrain from giving when it becomes a public display of generosity. I would rather give locally to someone in need than send money to Africa.

[Banff]

Scape Scape:

I buys goats and some hens.

As the saying goes, give a man a fish feed him for a day. Teach him and feed him for a lifetime.

Damn I almost thought you were joking but goats and hens really are a great gift . Really, laugh if you like but I think thats totally cool . (not for local homeless or needy but as a gift or donation its worth a fortune)

[Clogeroo]

I usually don't give them money but I will give them food sometimes. The only ones I give money are those who play music. I guess its like the bears if you encourage them they will just come back the best thing you could do for them is probably give them nothing.

[Snorkmaiden]

Scape Scape:

I buys goats and some hens.

As the saying goes, give a man a fish feed him for a day. Teach him and feed him for a lifetime.

My mom bought an African family a cow through a similar program.

[Banff]

Snorkmaiden Snorkmaiden:

Scape Scape:

I buys goats and some hens.

As the saying goes, give a man a fish feed him for a day. Teach him and feed him for a lifetime.

My mom bought an African family a cow through a similar program.

I saw cows in the list , $600.00 I think ...too bad we couldn't come up with a scheme which would pay enormous dividends like that to ' our impoverished .

[themasta]

If I have leftovers I hand it to whomever asks. As for money, hell's no, especially not to the asshole outside the liqour store trying to get money out of people by guilting them. He just goes and buys booze with it after anyway. Screw him. In general though, there are many options for homeless people, at least here in Edmonton. So when a bum asks for money for food, I give him the address to the Mustard Seed. Downtown E-town though, he should already know.

[USCAdad]

We donate to a shelter in Van, buy bulk socks at Costco and hand them out, occasionally buy winter coats at the Seattle Good Will 1.49 a Coat and then donate them up North.

I've had bad luck in the States giving food to people panhandling outside of stores or restaurants. I've had the experience of going out of my way to buy someone hot food, only to watch them hide it so they can continue to try and get coin. Oh, well. It's the homeless kids that really tear at my heart, especially once it starts getting cold and wet.