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Man Shares A Rude Note A Deaf Broke Man Left After He Gave Him Food
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Man Shares A Rude Note A Deaf Broke Man Left After He Gave Him Food

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With so many people living below the poverty line, it’s no surprise that sometimes they are forced to rely on the kindness of strangers to get through the day. However, with so many stories flying around about people who pretend to be poor or disabled just to scam people out of their money, people are sadly becoming less willing to help strangers.

This story, shared by a Redditor, is no exception. A computer store employee had an unusual encounter with a deaf person who came into the store not to buy a new monitor or software, but to ask for food. Wanting to help but having no other food to offer, he gave a few snack bars to the disadvantaged man. However, the man refused to take them and left a rude note saying that he won’t be able to feed his family with snacks alone. While many people began to suspect that the guy was actually a scammer, others decided to share heartbreaking encounters they had with people in need, to prove that not everyone is trying to scam you out of your money. Scroll down below to see the note for yourself, as well as the discussion about the complexity of begging and charity that it sparked, and let us know what you think in the comments.

More info: reddit.com

A Reddit user shared an encounter he had: “A deaf guy came into the computer shop I work at asking for some food and this was all we had. When I came back out to the front shortly after he left this was sitting on the counter..”

The note read as follows: “It’s sad when you can’t even get food for my grandchild + wife I hate to feed my family this for dinner would you do that to your family”

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People were so appalled by the note they couldn’t even believe it was real, so the OP had to provide evidence

Redditors quickly concluded what the deaf guy actually wanted from a computer shop employee

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As most people rushed to judge, others decided to share wholesome stories proving that not every person asking for help is a scammer

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kristynlnu avatar
K. LNU
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no issue with buying someone a meal, or a few groceries. But I do have an issue with giving over cash. I know not all will use it on drugs and/or alcohol, or are just panhandling (it can be a lucrative "job."), but with food, I hope their family is really getting fed. However, I do agree, why leave the note? Just don't take the offered snack (esp when it's a computer store, not one that sells food) and move on.

suzi63 avatar
Suzi Gauthier
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've heard of some people who keep McDonalds or other fast food gift certificates to hand out instead of money.

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gensaccs avatar
Gëë Bëë
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know people avoid giving cash to people who ask, i did too until a situation a few years ago. I gave someone £3 who was asking for change and he walked literally 50ft into the nearest pub! I felt so conned! i happen to mention it to my Dad one day and he said, what we/i may not know is that he will probably sit in that bar all night stretching out the little money he had so he had somewhere warm and friendly for a while. I later found out that was exactly what he did. He was know in the pub for sitting in the corner with half a pint that he could make him last 2 hours. Then he would buy another half and do the same. So if i see someone on the street on a cold night asking for change i wont automatically rule it out.

cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know full well I've been conned several times. Some of the lies people tell begging for money are so obvious, but I hand them money anyway. I'd rather somebody take it and not really need it than deny it to somebody who really does need help just to save myself from being conned.

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bpbperic avatar
Night Owl
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was approached once by a woman asking for money for food. I offered to buy her a donut (being a student I didn't have much money with me) . She accepted so I bought two and we ate together in comfortable silence (I'm not talkative when I eat but eating alone most of the time sucks after a while)

wil_vanderheijden avatar
Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's that saying: "Beggars can't be choosers." If the beggar thought that the food he got wasn't good enough, he could have just left and leave the food there. Writing a passive aggresive note won't get him the 3 course French Cuisine dinner he's apparently looking for.

mintyminameow avatar
Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Yep, because anything other than a gross power bar is a 3 course meal from France for some reason. Poor people love tearing down slightly poorer people. Ew.

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rachelle avatar
Rachelle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One Christmas Eve, many moons ago, I was working at a video rental store in downtown Edmonton (Canada). We had our fair share of homeless people, drug addicts and the like come in , really just trying to warm up, as in winter it can get below -40C. Well, this particular day I happened to look outside to the parking lot and saw a man dressed in black attempting to break into a car, and had already smashed in the small side window. Out of NOWHERE this homeless man jumps him — he drops his jimmy, and (I think) is so shocked that someone intervened that he just bolts. The homeless man then comes into my store and asks me if the car belongs to a customer. It did. He then went on to explain to the owner that he was sorry he didn't stop the potential thief before he smashed the window. The owner of the car was visibly upset, and honestly seemed very ungrateful to the man who had essentially saved his car from being stolen. As the homeless man was exiting the store, I called him back...

donutlsf avatar
A Dyke From The Dreamworld
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The comment trailed off. Can you continue it from "I called him back"? I'm sorry if you meant for it to end that way, it's just I wanted to check in case.

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rachelle avatar
Rachelle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And asked where he was off to. He said he didn’t know, as all of the homeless shelters were full. I made the decision right then and there that I was going to help this man, in the very least, to have a warm and safe Christmas. I gave my co-worker $100 (Christmas money from family) and instructed him to take my car and drive him to the YMCA, pay for 3 nights stay and give the remaining money to the clerk there for food for him the same amount of time. The man was so grateful that he began to sob, and I simply said: “you need a hand up much more than I need a Christmas treat.”. Later that evening my family gave me the third degree for being so “naïve”, but I know I did the right thing. I still think about him from time to time and sincerely hope he’s in a better place now. Long story short: kindness goes a long way.

michin3 avatar
Mike Chin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why you naive?, you know the money went to the YMCA at least, you didn't just hand 100 to the guy

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popapach avatar
troufaki13
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't usually give people money, and the following story made me stop altogether. A few years back, I was walking down the street and saw a man with a paper cup in his hand. He seemed a little disheveled so in my head I decided that he was in need and I should help. So I walk up to him and put some coins in his cup, only to hear a splosh! He gave me a wtf look and I run away in shame! He wasn't homeless at all and he wasn't asking for money. He was just drinking his coffee looking very tired :|

bpbperic avatar
naomiarmitage avatar
Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having been on both sides of this, I can totally understand why someone would ask for money instead of food. Many area charities have food pantries, clothing "closets", and other ways of meeting the material needs of poor folks, but there are still bills to pay. There were times where I was struggling to pay my rent, but had more food than I could ever eat. I can't put a can of beans in the gas tank. I can't keep the lights and heat on with a cheeseburger. Truth is, the one thing most charities need is the one thing most people are loathed to give--money.

emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We just recently had a hurricane come through our town. Many people with no homes, no electricity or no money for food. So some businesses are setting up relief sites for people to pick up supplies. Denny's had a truck down here feeding hot meals to people with no money and no power to cook. Along those same lines, since we were not too put out by the hurricane, I went and bought simple food items like Bread, Peanut Butter, Jam, Spam, Canned Chicken, crackers and cookies along with cases of bottled water. When I pulled up..three families with multiple kids descended on the food. I was happy when I saw one mother pop open the Peanut Butter and Jelly there on the spot to make sandwiches for her kids. She had the kids come over and say "Thank you" with hugs. Made my heart smile.

gabriellelange avatar
Gabrielle Lange
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having been in the position of having to ask for help I just want to say this: Begging feels HORRIBLE and you hope very deeply that someone will see your need and give you real help without you having to ask. It is easy to get angry and saddened by the lack of compassion people have and easier still to lash out. Lashing out, when you are at the bottom can feel like you are holding on to some sort of dignity. Now, having said that consider this..helping another human being is NOT about judging them - they probably already are judging themselves harshly enough. It is NOT about taking control of how they use the resources you gave them - you don't become their moral boss just because you gave them a few dollars. Helping others is about acknowledging that we are all in this together, that God is helpful and that by helping we are honourin our god like nature. Help freely, without rules and without expectations because it is GOOD FOR YOU. Do it without bragging about it. No need to shame,

rheannekrantz avatar
Rheanne Krantz
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well said, Gabrielle. This is a perfect reminder of the value of empathy and embracing others with kindness instead of shame.

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rheannin91 avatar
Rheannin Wright
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate to say this, but I have been there. Not deaf, but I was a broke college student who had to drop out due to my Mom getting bone cancer and her bringing in my disabled Aunt. Before you judge, I was living in the bad parts of Southside Chicago where I grew up and was NOT going to put them in one of those s****y nursing homes. We didn't have health insurance, and to obtain help from the state of IL when you are over 18 (even disabled) means taking time off work, and waiting months upon months. I was working as a nanny, but that barely covered the cost of their medications, rent, utilities, etc let alone food. I would have picked those bars up so fast and probably cried out of gratitude! Thankfully, I am no longer in that situation and offer help to ANYONE I encounter, but if I offered what I had and received this note in return I would not feel any sympathy. Also, I am not biased, but do some research or live in a giant city, MANY deaf people are notorious for being entitled jerks.

mastermarkus avatar
Master Markus
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That sounds like a massive issue with being in the U.S. where you have to pay for all your healthcare.

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webmaster_8 avatar
Paul K. Johnson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something maybe to think about. I know the guy gave different reasons for refusing the food so this probably doesn't apply. A lot of homeless people come into my hospital and I do the body assessments of the males. So I know what I'm talking about regarding their outward physical condition. Many homeless people have few if any teeth and most of those bars are loaded with nuts which are impossible to eat when you don't have teeth. Many of them are very hard as well so the only way they can eat them is to tear off a chunk and soak it in their mouths until it softens enough for them to chew it with their gums.

mintyminameow avatar
Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have normal teeth and Kind bars still are tough to eat for me. They’re way too sweet too.

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jmason_1 avatar
J Mason
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a stranger gave me several Kind bars, I would be grateful and yes, I would "feed them to my family." They're delicious. If I had any anger about how or why I ended up in that situation in life, the very last people I would choose to be vent at and be rude with would be those who helped me along the way. I would thank God for them. They kept me and my entire family from possibly starving to death. They would be worth repaying in gold, not with a passive-aggressive petty little ugly pity note.

cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in the position of having to struggle to feed my kids. You better believe that if somebody was kind enough to give me some Kind bars, I would take them and feed my hungry children. We lived mostly on peanut butter bread and water for a long time until we got back on our feet. If this guy wouldn't accept this offer, I don't buy that his wife and grand child are hungry enough for him to be begging for food in the first place.

iggnir avatar
bob
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was living in Paris, I kept meeting the same guy in the street. Of course, being the nice peasant that I was, I gave him money every single time. After a while he told me "you don't need to give me money anymore. Just spending the time to talk to me is enough". Would you believe that? Homeless people are people too!

w_5 avatar
W. 5
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no regret giving money to a grown up person. It is their money as it leaves my hand, no matter how they want to spend it. Be it on food, on alcohol, on drugs- I offered an opportunity to a fellow human being in hope to give them some small happiness. I would never tell them how to spend it.

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How I look at it too. Whatever it takes for someone so down and out to make it through the night.

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angelicadevilyn avatar
Margaret Martin
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a couple that had a sign that read "Please Help! need money for food." I had just gotten some groceries- so I pulled over & started to split my groceries with them only to have the guy say that they want money NOT food- because my food could be poisoned! Before I could drive away a police officer came up & asked me to stay where I was. He went up to the couple & arrested them & had their MERCEDES towed away! Turns out there was an APB out for them for scamming! When the officer came back to my car- he asked if I'd given them cash... I said; "No, just food." After seeing what little I had- he asked me if there was anything I needed. I hesitated & told him I was fine but he could see I was lying. He replied; "I see you're low on gas... you should fill up." I told I would have to do it later. He insisted I follow him to the nearest gas station where he filled my tank! Before he left he told me; "Karma rewards the kind of heart." Even though I'm still poor... I do what I can.

mintyminameow avatar
Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

You and the cop and the scammers are all still poor. Everyone is.

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emily_aldan avatar
Emily Aldan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once, I was walking in a city and a man asked for money for food. He said he hadn't eaten in three days. That stopped me and I offered to take him into the subway he was standing in front of and buy him absolutely anything he wanted on the menu. He waved his hand dismissively with a loud "PFFT." Clearly he didn't want the money for food.

rheannin91 avatar
Rheannin Wright
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so hard to say, but I have been there. I was a broke student who had to drop out of school due to my Mother getting bone cancer and bringing in my disabled Aunt. It wasn't my choice to live that way, but I wasn't about to put them in the terrible nursing homes in Southside Chicago. I was working as a nanny, but it was barely covering the cost of their medications let alone food- and the fact that I living in Chicago means a very long wait for help. I would have picked up those bars so fast and been so grateful! It isn't ideal to bring home to your family, but it's FOOD. Thankfully, I'm in a much better place now and I always do what I can for anyone I encounter in need. I try not to be biased, and I will give to anyone, but please keep in mind that MANY deaf people are notorious for just being jerks in general. If I offered what I had and received such a rude note I wouldn't feel a drop of sympathy, especially because I know what it's like to be on the their side. Food is food.

shannonodland avatar
Shannøn Renee
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in a city with a population of just over 65,000 people. Not huge, but not small. Unfortunately we have a large homeless population, but we also have a caring enough community that we have a soup kitchen that has to turn away VOLUNTEERS because there are so many people wanting to help. We also have many, many food pantries and shelters. What I don't like is the panhandlers. They have admitted to the local news they drive here from across the state border in a van, spread out around town, pretend they are needy, make more money due to the generosity of the community and they leave with more money than they'd work at a full time job. It's wrong to take advantage like that. That's why I will only donate to people who ask for food or to an actual shelter/food pantry.

babycatg2002 avatar
Cat
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please don't forget the pets some homeless people have. Usually dogs. I'd get a small bag of dog biscuits if I could find it nearby

i2027594 avatar
Valerie Lessard
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also dont forget allergies they may have, so if theyre refusing some food theyre not "fussy" they may not be able to eat it

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cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What kind of food did he expect from a computer store? I'm surprised they gave him Kind bars instead of Doritos and Mountain Dew. I wonder how he would have responded had the shop offered him a job.

casserly avatar
Lisa Casserly
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I try hard to help whenever and wherever I can; I was once with my oldest son, who had just come home after his military assignment. There was an older vet who was asking for money to get back home. And, my son and I gave him money. My son told him "Man, I could easily be where you are. My parents took me back in after I got out or I'd be on the street, too." It made me cry, thinking that THAT is all is could or would take to put a vet on the street. It never occured to me to refuse to take my son back into our household, wherever, whenever. But I guess that happens to some.

danielsmomsheila avatar
Sheila Weila
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew a young couple who would go into restaurants and sit at tables that people had just left, and they would finish their food.

naomiarmitage avatar
Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having worked at and frequented many restaurants, I've been tempted to swipe leftover food from people. They waste so much, should be no crime to let the less fortunate have it. But I know some places will pitch a fit if you try to take home perfectly good food that's headed for the trash.

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alusairalustriel avatar
Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Back in the day I was at one of huge malls here and there is a dining area with a few restaurants such as McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Sushi etc. THere was this elder man, clearly homeless asking people for food. Noone gave so I bought him a Big Mac and gave to him. He couldn't thank me enough and I walked away. Watched from the distance how he ate it with delight and vanished. Some people really need our help, not money only. Another time I picked up a man, who turned out to be a homeless professor who was disabled so much he couldnt stand up after falling. Several people passed him by thinking he was just another drunk. So: ASK before you judge. You never know what life will throw at you.

anaroberta avatar
ESL
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When people ask for stuff out of the blue, the person only has 3 options: give $, refuse or make do with what they have. If someone knocked on my door to ask for food or money unexpectedly the only thing I can give would be snack bars too since my fridge is empty and I usually have no cash (I use debit/credit or my phone for transactions). It's rather much to expect people to be ready to give out handouts at a moments notice and criticize whatever they do happen to give.

cg_pitch avatar
Chris Pitch
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a homeless fella at the train station one night coming back from work, he never asked anyone for food, just stick to his own and look in the bins. One evening, I got myself some tim tams, for all non Australians, these are a choc coated choc biscuit which are just awesome!!! Anyways, sorry, And so I had these chocolate nuggets of heaven and a banana and gave to him, and he looked at me questioningly and I said, please take them and shook his hand. I saw him a few weeks later, in a crowded station. Let me set the mood here, there was no candles, there was no romantic music, I was annoyed because I had to go to work being pushed around by other people barging their way through. I saw the same dude and he saw me, gave me a big grin and asked if I wanted to share some food with him. I said let's see what we have today, reaching for my bag and he goes, no, I have plenty! I was so thankful that the man remembered me and offered to pay back. I had to say no. Last time I saw him.

philblanque avatar
phil blanque
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In major cities in the US homeless people are conned into signing over their Social Security payments or disability payments to landlords who offer them shabby apartments in poor neighborhoods. Then these landlords require their tenants to go out to major intersections and beg for money, not Kind bars...or they will be kicked out of their rooms and without their income. Deep evil behind these things....DEEP EVIL!

philblanque avatar
phil blanque
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In large cities in the US homeless people are conned into having a room in a shabby apartment in return for signing over all their Social Security and disability payments to the landlords. Then they are required to go out to freeway interchanges to ask for money....MONEY...that they must give to their "benevolent" landlords. These poor people are caught in a trap of deeply evil people.

psycho1640 avatar
Heather Huber
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hes asking for food in a computer store not a grocery store....what was he expecting steak?

franklindang avatar
Franklin Dang
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only read a couple of the "heart warming" stories and the theme is "its not always about money, but we bought them food" so what they're saying is to do exactly what the employee did and give them food, it might not have been the best but it was something.

stanflouride avatar
Stannous Flouride
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It has been a while but more than once my ASL has worked as a quick method of separating the worthy from the worthless. And as a veteran it REALLY annoys me when I see someone with a "I'm a veteran, help me." sign. I often stop and ask them their unit and occupational specialty. Real vets know, fake ones don't.

ileanaskyaviles avatar
Ileana Sky Aviles
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was sitting inside KFC with a friend when this old woman with a few plastic bags came around saying hello and asking for change from people eating. No one gave her any money, its next to a school campus and filled with struggling students, but she was very kind and polite and to our amazement, she proceeded to collect leftover food from the empty tables, putting it all in the bags saying she has little kids to feed. It didn't take long for us all to jump and come up with enough cash to buy her a big bucket, drinks and extra money for her family. When she cried we all couldn't help ourselves too.....but I was also conned with this kid begging and starving for food after which I gave half my money and he went straight to the arcade shop.

naomiarmitage avatar
Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still wondering why a man in need of food is going into a computer store? (**insert your joke about looking for Apples here**)

annabdelzaher_1 avatar
Ann Abdelzaher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I rarely give cash and here is why. I saw a family Mom dad and two kids begging for "food" outside of walmart. I decided I could do with out a loaf of bread some pasta and a can of sauce and some bologna... so I went to give it to them. the Guy all but threw it back in my face saying what am I supposed to do with this S***?" I looked at him square in the eye and said well then you can't be that bad off that you would turn down food that would feed your family for a couple of days, and walked away. On the other hand I will give you food. I saw an older gentleman huddled next to the bookstore one day asking for just some spare change for something to eat. I didn't have any money on me at the time but after I was done at the bookstore I ran to the nearby McDonald's and got him a couple of cheeseburgers, fries and a drink... when I brought it back to him he started crying and thanked me...

diane1atk avatar
diane a
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was staying in a hotel in a UK city centre in January for work reasons. As I crossed over to the local convenience store late in the evening I nociced a youngish woman sat on the pavement against the wall with a dog, all huddled up in blankets ovbiously homeles. She wasnt even speaking to people asking for anything, but had a box with some bits of of change by her. It was freezing. While I was in the store I bought hot food for her from the counter and some warm cooked chicken breast for the dog. She was just so damm grateful. I was there for a week and did the same thing every night I passed her. You must truly be desperate to be sat on the street in below freezing conditions

alex51324 avatar
Alex Boyd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I'm side-eyeing note-guy, too, but "Kind bars are a delicacy" guy is showing his privilege a little. Fancy snacks are fun if you have plenty of food; if you haven't had a square meal in a while, a granola bar isn't going to seem like a treat, no matter how expensive a brand it is. I've never been quite *that* poor, but I can easily imagine how note-guy could have been at the end of his rope and, like, "Christ, another f---ing hipster granola bar; can't a guy get a godd---m sandwich?" But, you know, you keep that to yourself--you don't say it. It's better than nothing, and what was he expecting the counter staff at a computer store would have on hand?

alex51324 avatar
Alex Boyd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, it's not like homeless and otherwise desperate people are unaware that keeping granola bars, McDonalds certificates, etc. on hand to give out to panhandlers is a strategy that people use to avoid getting scammed, to make sure their assistance isn't used in a way they disapprove of, etc. I'm sure it gets to feel insulting and patronizing after a while. I can see how note-guy could get to where he would feel and think the things that he said in the note, without being a scammer, but that doesn't mean he was right to unload those feelings on the computer store guys.

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bcool_1 avatar
B Cool
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many classist a******s here. When you don't eat, you become emotional. Also by not giving a houseless person money bc you think they're going to buy something you don't approve of, you're not helping them or anyone. And in fact you could be doing the opposite because now they're going to steal something to make money to get their food/drug/booze/whatever the f**k they need. Don't get all high and mighty and say "oh just take what you can get" or "beggars can't be choosers". Why not give em a meal or some money & then help them by showing them some resources where they can get assistance. I live in Portland, there are hundreds of houseless people, everywhere and when I see someone who's struggling, I let them know that they can go to the downtown library and speak to a social worker or the clinic they can go to for addiction assistance or the local church that gives out dinner every day. You don't always have to give cash but I do agree that these kind bars are not a meal.

talisesnyder avatar
Talise Snyder
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree that kind bars are not a meal, but what did this guy expect from a computer shop? they gave what they had. He could have just left them there if he did not want them instead of leaving a note, or he could have saved them for a snack.

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Zuto Zlato
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

2 stories. A couple weeks ago someone came to my front door panhandling. The story was 'I need a cab fare to the hospital. My father is there.' My wife and son were sympathetic and although we don't really have cash in the house they were trying to help. My son offered to smash his piggy bank. I was furious. They argues with me that she might genuinely need help. I turned her away and my family thought I was terrible. I said 'watch this ' I went outside and offered this lady a ride to the hospital. She declined. It was a hard lesson for my relatively innocent son. By contrast a homeless dude downtown asked me for change. I had none but I noticed he had no shoes. I had an old pair of work boots in my trunk. I offered him them and he was ecstatic and started talking about how he could try to get a job now. It felt super good. People that are manipulative make it harder for those who genuinely need or want help and it is hard to give people the benefit of the doubt when there are a******s out there, but there are people who legit just need a little help and aren't just trying to con you out of the price of their next hit.

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Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago

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The manipulative people don’t make it harder. Either you help or you don’t. You can’t put that choice on something else.

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Tecolote
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look, my mom was a single mom who was barely able to provide food for us and my dad was an absentee at best. If someone offered nutritional food to her, she would have taken it and fed us with it regardless of what it was. I have to say if you are able to turn down food and critique it, you are not truly hungry. We were and I would have eaten anything and she would have too. This guy wanted a particular thing and would have been ungrateful for any kind of help that didn't line up with what he wanted which means he wasn't truly needy. Cause if you are truly needy you take whatever you can get, he didn't get what he wanted so he decided to shame that person. If you are hungry you eat what people give you regardless, if your family is hungry you take all you can get and you don't nit pick. This was a bid for money plain and simple.

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B Hernandez
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We knew of several professional panhandlers who made a tidy living scamming people by pretending to be destitute. They worked street corners in Philadelphia and went home in a very nice car at day's end.

annabdelzaher_1 avatar
Ann Abdelzaher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah we have a couple of people in our town... one we call Harry always dressed in a suit looking for Gas Money to get to a town about 30 miles away... everyday he does this spiel. the other one that I just have to shake my head at is this guy with one leg... he always stands at the same intersection with his sign Bone cancer Homeless and Jobless.... I know for a fact this is c**p about being homeless/jobless, 1) he's been doing this for 13 years, 2) he only has a small backpack and is always dressed nice 3) he is only ever there after first shift gets out 4) someone I know knows him personally.

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Natasha Forchione
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am conflicted about this note. I understand that he should be grateful but at the same time, eating this is not fulfilling. I have been so hungry at my desk sometimes and for that reason I have these kind bars as snacks to hold me over till lunch but they do not satisfy me the same way an actual meal does.

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Layla Brown
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to admit, I am not the most sympathetic to beggars but I've had a very different life than most people. My mom was a street kid from the time she was 9, and only entered the system in Montreal at 14, so for 5 years she lived on the streets, sleeping in apartment laundry rooms or sneakily staying overnight at school or malls. Today, she owns her own house, graduated college, raised a university educated child alone and is financially secure. My mom was determined not to stay on the streets, she put herself through school , forging her mothers signature and stealing supplies. If a 9 year old child can do that a grown man should be able to feed himself and his family. My mom would have never refused those Kind bars.

talisesnyder avatar
Talise Snyder
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is amazing what your mom achieved, but I would urge you not to be so quick to judge other people who are struggling with homelessness. You do not entirely know what they are going through. Be compassionate. Maybe they are not as strong as your mother.

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Bertha Garcia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you give those bars you need to give water, those things can chock you because they’re super dry.

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Katinka Min
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he wanted food maybe he shouldn't have tried a computer store??

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Gwinevere von Ludwig
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I often try to give away food (both leftovers and new food in bags) to the homeless in NYC. They only take it about half the time. Once when I was in Oakland, I had some delicious Thai food left over from dinner... I think I asked 6 people before I found someone who wanted it.

pjames82_1 avatar
Patrick James
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was eating at Mcdonalds with my family and a man sat down across from us and didnt order anything but was using the restaurant for free wifi on his laptop. Ive been a struggling student and done the same. He started asking what we were eating, and how much it cost. He still never got up to order food. I went to the counter, bought a big Mac meal and handed it to him. He got up, threw it in the trash and said, "I can afford my own food." Honestly, he could have at least given it back so we could eat it later...

goldenfurgaming avatar
Goldenfur Gaming
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's a story, take from it what you will: Once, my uncle was at a train station. A homeless man was there with a sign that said "I'm stranded here, I need money to get to my family in (a place, I don't remember)". My uncle gave him $30. And then later, the same man was there but with a new sign, saying "I'm stranded here, I need money to get to my family in (a completely different place)" That scammer was actually smart, because he was asking for money and people wouldn't give him food. Because of this I don't think I'll ever donate money, but I volunteer a bit at my local food bank and I hope that's more helpful

librarylady21 avatar
A Rey
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stick with giving my money to charitable organizations that help those in need. I am happy to buy a meal or a bus pass or a phone card - something practical that can help and I know would be difficult to abuse by those not truly in need... My mom and I used to make baggies with wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, bottled water, snacks and bus tickets to hand out to people... but when it comes to actual money - I'll give it to the local rescue mission, food pantries, etc. Where I live now our poverty is largely hidden, we don't have many people panhandling at all, but the need is still there, and I know that donating to local organizations that help provide food, employment and housing for those in need means my money goes a lot further in its ability to help others.

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Jackie Butts
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I give often and have helped the needy but have also been conned by others. In the end I have come to the conclusion that I give with my heart and in the world of Karma (or what ever you wish to call it) My Karma credits are good regardless of what the recipient does. Those who have conned me are dinged badly in their Karma account.

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Nicole Holt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have bought food, groceries, gas, train/bus tickets for people. I will never just give money. You learn real quick, if someone needed help, or if they are just scamming for money.

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Kevin Camp
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My small photography studio is int he heart of downtown Tulsa and so I see various vagrants and homeless people often in the hours I am down there. Its usualyl pretty easy to tell who is a "moocher" from a truly homelss and desperate soul. The moocher usually has decent clothes and most often is looking for money for alcohol or drugs. They aren't homeless but are willing to beg for money instead of work. I see them arrive and depart in cars. Shoes are usually the giveaway, when their's are better than mine. The truly homeless folks usually keep to themselves and with the oncoming winter (it was 39 deg F here last night) their lot in life is pretty damn horrible regardless of the cause.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's such a weird reaction to being given something. Some people who are begging are desperate and some are scamming. I usually look at hands and shoes. If their hands/nails look way better than mine, and if their shoes are cleaner/better quality/more expensive than mine, it's probably a scam. Otherwise, I tend to try and give something.

jason_doakes avatar
Jason Doakes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So heartwarming, the poor helping the poor. Yeah, but watcha wanna do? It's one of the poorest countries on earth! Oh wait....

ugrosclaude avatar
Ula
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once an old lady asked for money for her medication in front of a pharmacy and I didnt help thinking it was a scam, but I still think about her and regret not actually buying the medication for her.

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Elizabeth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

because computer stores keep a fully stocked pantry... right?

domhunt avatar
Dom Hunt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

f**k the guy, i help people when i can. this guys just an a*****e and poor

benicia_99 avatar
Azure Adams
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always have a granola bar or Epic bar on me due to hypoglycemia but have given them away to others for any reason. Offering that to anyone who asks me for money instead of giving them money (which I never carry cash) is my litmus test if they actually need food and are hungry or just looking to scam. 4/5 times they are scamming for money. I will never not offer though, just for that 1/5 who does actually need it.

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cwa92464
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have offerred food and then was rejected several times but most are very courteous to receive something...they may toss it when I walk away

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Kelly
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I prefer to buy food than give money for those who are in need.

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Jovy Jergens
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for giving people the benefit of a doubt and helping them. Although there is the occasional scam artists, there are a lot of legitimate people in need. God bless you!

annyphoenix avatar
Anna Phoeni
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so sad that some people make the situation even more difficult for others... There are so many pretending to be deaf to collect money. I am lucky to speak sign-language and try to speak to anyone who approaches me with a note or acts deaf asking for money. So many do not understand a basic greeting or even run away... But once in a while I get a genuine happy response and conversation, and I then try to help as much as I can. Once a man approached me in a local restaurant, selling products with a note saying he is deaf. We had a little chat, he was in a tight spot, and I gave him the money I could, but when he was leaving the waitress stopped him and handed him a note. His face lit up like it was Christmas. She then explained to me that they had noticed him before but we're not sure if he was not a con. After our conversation, they decided to help and gave him a note enabling him to come for a free lunch anytime he might need it :-)

llewsart avatar
Unlikely
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay but he didn't ask for money, he asked for food, right? But then those cereal bars aren't good enough? What ...!? I'm sorry, but if you are really hungry, you take what you can get - i've sadly been there. He could have traded those bars or maybe his wife would have liked them and nobody stopped him from asking in others stores to get more stuff. If he couldn't chew them or had allergies he could have said so, but the note comes off as "yeah this is not good enough for us" so...f**k off mate... ... also, why the heck do you go to a hardware store to ask for food? What do you hope for at that point anyway?

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John Sampson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was recently approached by the same guy that has done this for the past 20 years. I said I was no going continue giving him money. In 20 years you could have found some kind of job. 'But I'm sick, sir, I'm schotzophrenic!' Then speak with social services, and ask them to assist you.' He turned on me and said, 'yeah, thanks for judging me!' Needless to say, people in the street burst out laughing!

urbanjoanna avatar
JoSta Urban
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, maybe not in States but in Poland there are those who have the money but still choose to beg and ask for food in order to spend whatever cash they have on booze.

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Kristy LeAnn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he really left that note then it was probably a scam. I can't say I've ever had to beg people for food but I've had to rely on other people's kindness in other ways and believe me, when you're bad off like that you're grateful for whatever someone else is willing to do, no matter how small, because you know they aren't obligated to do s**t for you.

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#Letallexsistwithdignity
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't let anyone's lack of heart decide yours. The world needs light more than ever.

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Rory O'Flaherty
Community Member
5 years ago

I once had a young man wearing a suit approach me on the street asking for money. Said he was in town for a job interview, had lost his bag with his wallet and train ticket. Police couldn't help him, etc etc. Saw the same guy on the same street two weeks later. When I confronted him he smiled and said, 'Just trying to make some money'.

blackberrybunny avatar
Molly Block
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A person who has a kid and wife to feed, who doesn't take any handout is NOT a hungry person!! This guy wanted money. Money can buy him drugs. Or alcohol. Or cigarettes. Or a blow-job. Sorry, but true! I used to be homeless in New Orleans. I have seen it all! Some people are legit, and some are not. Use your best judgment. Never give out money if you can help it.

mintyminameow avatar
Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don’t get to decide who is hungry. You are poor too, get over yourself.

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Bill
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I offer people panhandling work and I have yet to have somebody take the offer. Construction sites can always use another set of hands

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Darryl Kerrigan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've given money to to junkies in the past, if it's pouring down and they are getting soaked or it looks like they've taken a kicking recently. Do as you would be done by, that's my motto.

kwill04 avatar
Kiahna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only if they're soaked? Only if it looks like they've taken a kicking recently? What if it's just a scruffy looking child who's asking for some money? Would you help him?

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Christina Sersif
Community Member
5 years ago

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This may sound horrible, but I refuse to give “homeless” people in the US money. I might offer them food or water, but they’re likely homeless bc of their own choices. In my husband’s home country of Morocco the homeless there are truly homeless. They will often ask for your table scraps or leftovers instead of money. After seeing true homelessness it has kind of hardened me to homeless people in the US.

annabdelzaher_1 avatar
Ann Abdelzaher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually many individuals in the US are homeless through no fault of their own. Some are homeless because all their money goes to health care, or they struggle just to buy enough food for themselves and their family. the sad reality is for people who have low education, health issues, or are veterans even if they can find a job it leaves them way below the poverty level and even though there is low income housing they don't make enough to pay the rent and keep themselves fed.

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Ohio Hands
Community Member
5 years ago

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In America, beggars are nearly always choosers.

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Valerie Lessard
Community Member
5 years ago

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lol, this beggars can't be choosers b******t. he's not good enough for real food, is essentially what you're all saying. He clearly needed money and was a bit pissed, regardless of your gesture, maybe instead of victimising yourself about how you got a f*****g note, learn from it.

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Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago

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Look at the poor people tear each other down. That’s what these b******t stories are. A working guy who is most likely in poverty is shaming a poor disabled guy on the internet for attention. Gross. How trashy. Like are we ever going to stop this s**t or nah? The deaf dude can’t afford f*****g FOOD and he clearly needs it. And yeah anyone who just shrugs that off and doesn’t provide the food is a piece of s**t and yes it is your responsibility to provide for another human who needs help one time. Until all you wage slaves get that, you will keep being in slavery. Anyone who isn’t saving or earning millions, anyone who works for someone else, you’re all wage slaves and you’re all poor in comparison to people who are really in power. They want you to tear each other down and you all do such a good job of being good slaves so none of the pressure gets put on people in power. A mans family is hungry. He’s frustrated and took it out on the wrong person. So f*****g what.

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Si
Community Member
5 years ago

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Sorry, but I’m with the man who left the note. If you’re going to be charitable don’t fob people off with rubbish. Just because somebody is poorer than you they don’t have to be cringing and grateful for your half-assed attempt, which frankly is probably done more to salve your own conscience than with the other person in mind. We should all be redistributing at least a quarter of our salaries to make the world a fairer place.

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Israel Martinez
Community Member
5 years ago

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A guy approached me on the subway platform asking for money for food ... I don't really give money, but I had just come out of Little Caesar's and had a pepperoni cheesy bread on me ... I offered him some and he said he doesn't eat pork ... in my mind, I said "then you picked a bad night to be hungry" ...

kwill04 avatar
Kiahna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all, you're a pig. Homeless people don't 'pick' a bad night to be hungry, they just are. Some homeless people go days without food. The least that you could've done is given him a dollar or two for some simple food. Second, keep those thoughts in your mind and in your mind only.

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago

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It must be frustrating, when you're reduced to begging, to be offered expensive bars that, if you were given the equivalent in dollars, could provide several healthy meals. 4 Kind bars cost about $8.00. For someone needing to feed his family, that's real money.

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago

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The person asking for food is obviously educated, unless the note was rewritten. The writing is artistic, grammar and spelling show he's intelligent. He's just sick and tired of having to beg.

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Mr. Re-in-act-ment
Community Member
5 years ago

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Well, if you wanted food. Get a job and buy from the dollar store!

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K. LNU
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no issue with buying someone a meal, or a few groceries. But I do have an issue with giving over cash. I know not all will use it on drugs and/or alcohol, or are just panhandling (it can be a lucrative "job."), but with food, I hope their family is really getting fed. However, I do agree, why leave the note? Just don't take the offered snack (esp when it's a computer store, not one that sells food) and move on.

suzi63 avatar
Suzi Gauthier
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've heard of some people who keep McDonalds or other fast food gift certificates to hand out instead of money.

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Gëë Bëë
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know people avoid giving cash to people who ask, i did too until a situation a few years ago. I gave someone £3 who was asking for change and he walked literally 50ft into the nearest pub! I felt so conned! i happen to mention it to my Dad one day and he said, what we/i may not know is that he will probably sit in that bar all night stretching out the little money he had so he had somewhere warm and friendly for a while. I later found out that was exactly what he did. He was know in the pub for sitting in the corner with half a pint that he could make him last 2 hours. Then he would buy another half and do the same. So if i see someone on the street on a cold night asking for change i wont automatically rule it out.

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Cassie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know full well I've been conned several times. Some of the lies people tell begging for money are so obvious, but I hand them money anyway. I'd rather somebody take it and not really need it than deny it to somebody who really does need help just to save myself from being conned.

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Night Owl
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was approached once by a woman asking for money for food. I offered to buy her a donut (being a student I didn't have much money with me) . She accepted so I bought two and we ate together in comfortable silence (I'm not talkative when I eat but eating alone most of the time sucks after a while)

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Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's that saying: "Beggars can't be choosers." If the beggar thought that the food he got wasn't good enough, he could have just left and leave the food there. Writing a passive aggresive note won't get him the 3 course French Cuisine dinner he's apparently looking for.

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Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago

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Yep, because anything other than a gross power bar is a 3 course meal from France for some reason. Poor people love tearing down slightly poorer people. Ew.

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Rachelle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One Christmas Eve, many moons ago, I was working at a video rental store in downtown Edmonton (Canada). We had our fair share of homeless people, drug addicts and the like come in , really just trying to warm up, as in winter it can get below -40C. Well, this particular day I happened to look outside to the parking lot and saw a man dressed in black attempting to break into a car, and had already smashed in the small side window. Out of NOWHERE this homeless man jumps him — he drops his jimmy, and (I think) is so shocked that someone intervened that he just bolts. The homeless man then comes into my store and asks me if the car belongs to a customer. It did. He then went on to explain to the owner that he was sorry he didn't stop the potential thief before he smashed the window. The owner of the car was visibly upset, and honestly seemed very ungrateful to the man who had essentially saved his car from being stolen. As the homeless man was exiting the store, I called him back...

donutlsf avatar
A Dyke From The Dreamworld
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The comment trailed off. Can you continue it from "I called him back"? I'm sorry if you meant for it to end that way, it's just I wanted to check in case.

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Rachelle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And asked where he was off to. He said he didn’t know, as all of the homeless shelters were full. I made the decision right then and there that I was going to help this man, in the very least, to have a warm and safe Christmas. I gave my co-worker $100 (Christmas money from family) and instructed him to take my car and drive him to the YMCA, pay for 3 nights stay and give the remaining money to the clerk there for food for him the same amount of time. The man was so grateful that he began to sob, and I simply said: “you need a hand up much more than I need a Christmas treat.”. Later that evening my family gave me the third degree for being so “naïve”, but I know I did the right thing. I still think about him from time to time and sincerely hope he’s in a better place now. Long story short: kindness goes a long way.

michin3 avatar
Mike Chin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why you naive?, you know the money went to the YMCA at least, you didn't just hand 100 to the guy

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troufaki13
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't usually give people money, and the following story made me stop altogether. A few years back, I was walking down the street and saw a man with a paper cup in his hand. He seemed a little disheveled so in my head I decided that he was in need and I should help. So I walk up to him and put some coins in his cup, only to hear a splosh! He gave me a wtf look and I run away in shame! He wasn't homeless at all and he wasn't asking for money. He was just drinking his coffee looking very tired :|

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naomiarmitage avatar
Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having been on both sides of this, I can totally understand why someone would ask for money instead of food. Many area charities have food pantries, clothing "closets", and other ways of meeting the material needs of poor folks, but there are still bills to pay. There were times where I was struggling to pay my rent, but had more food than I could ever eat. I can't put a can of beans in the gas tank. I can't keep the lights and heat on with a cheeseburger. Truth is, the one thing most charities need is the one thing most people are loathed to give--money.

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Carol Emory
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We just recently had a hurricane come through our town. Many people with no homes, no electricity or no money for food. So some businesses are setting up relief sites for people to pick up supplies. Denny's had a truck down here feeding hot meals to people with no money and no power to cook. Along those same lines, since we were not too put out by the hurricane, I went and bought simple food items like Bread, Peanut Butter, Jam, Spam, Canned Chicken, crackers and cookies along with cases of bottled water. When I pulled up..three families with multiple kids descended on the food. I was happy when I saw one mother pop open the Peanut Butter and Jelly there on the spot to make sandwiches for her kids. She had the kids come over and say "Thank you" with hugs. Made my heart smile.

gabriellelange avatar
Gabrielle Lange
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having been in the position of having to ask for help I just want to say this: Begging feels HORRIBLE and you hope very deeply that someone will see your need and give you real help without you having to ask. It is easy to get angry and saddened by the lack of compassion people have and easier still to lash out. Lashing out, when you are at the bottom can feel like you are holding on to some sort of dignity. Now, having said that consider this..helping another human being is NOT about judging them - they probably already are judging themselves harshly enough. It is NOT about taking control of how they use the resources you gave them - you don't become their moral boss just because you gave them a few dollars. Helping others is about acknowledging that we are all in this together, that God is helpful and that by helping we are honourin our god like nature. Help freely, without rules and without expectations because it is GOOD FOR YOU. Do it without bragging about it. No need to shame,

rheannekrantz avatar
Rheanne Krantz
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well said, Gabrielle. This is a perfect reminder of the value of empathy and embracing others with kindness instead of shame.

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rheannin91 avatar
Rheannin Wright
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate to say this, but I have been there. Not deaf, but I was a broke college student who had to drop out due to my Mom getting bone cancer and her bringing in my disabled Aunt. Before you judge, I was living in the bad parts of Southside Chicago where I grew up and was NOT going to put them in one of those s****y nursing homes. We didn't have health insurance, and to obtain help from the state of IL when you are over 18 (even disabled) means taking time off work, and waiting months upon months. I was working as a nanny, but that barely covered the cost of their medications, rent, utilities, etc let alone food. I would have picked those bars up so fast and probably cried out of gratitude! Thankfully, I am no longer in that situation and offer help to ANYONE I encounter, but if I offered what I had and received this note in return I would not feel any sympathy. Also, I am not biased, but do some research or live in a giant city, MANY deaf people are notorious for being entitled jerks.

mastermarkus avatar
Master Markus
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That sounds like a massive issue with being in the U.S. where you have to pay for all your healthcare.

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Paul K. Johnson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something maybe to think about. I know the guy gave different reasons for refusing the food so this probably doesn't apply. A lot of homeless people come into my hospital and I do the body assessments of the males. So I know what I'm talking about regarding their outward physical condition. Many homeless people have few if any teeth and most of those bars are loaded with nuts which are impossible to eat when you don't have teeth. Many of them are very hard as well so the only way they can eat them is to tear off a chunk and soak it in their mouths until it softens enough for them to chew it with their gums.

mintyminameow avatar
Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have normal teeth and Kind bars still are tough to eat for me. They’re way too sweet too.

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jmason_1 avatar
J Mason
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a stranger gave me several Kind bars, I would be grateful and yes, I would "feed them to my family." They're delicious. If I had any anger about how or why I ended up in that situation in life, the very last people I would choose to be vent at and be rude with would be those who helped me along the way. I would thank God for them. They kept me and my entire family from possibly starving to death. They would be worth repaying in gold, not with a passive-aggressive petty little ugly pity note.

cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in the position of having to struggle to feed my kids. You better believe that if somebody was kind enough to give me some Kind bars, I would take them and feed my hungry children. We lived mostly on peanut butter bread and water for a long time until we got back on our feet. If this guy wouldn't accept this offer, I don't buy that his wife and grand child are hungry enough for him to be begging for food in the first place.

iggnir avatar
bob
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was living in Paris, I kept meeting the same guy in the street. Of course, being the nice peasant that I was, I gave him money every single time. After a while he told me "you don't need to give me money anymore. Just spending the time to talk to me is enough". Would you believe that? Homeless people are people too!

w_5 avatar
W. 5
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no regret giving money to a grown up person. It is their money as it leaves my hand, no matter how they want to spend it. Be it on food, on alcohol, on drugs- I offered an opportunity to a fellow human being in hope to give them some small happiness. I would never tell them how to spend it.

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How I look at it too. Whatever it takes for someone so down and out to make it through the night.

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Margaret Martin
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a couple that had a sign that read "Please Help! need money for food." I had just gotten some groceries- so I pulled over & started to split my groceries with them only to have the guy say that they want money NOT food- because my food could be poisoned! Before I could drive away a police officer came up & asked me to stay where I was. He went up to the couple & arrested them & had their MERCEDES towed away! Turns out there was an APB out for them for scamming! When the officer came back to my car- he asked if I'd given them cash... I said; "No, just food." After seeing what little I had- he asked me if there was anything I needed. I hesitated & told him I was fine but he could see I was lying. He replied; "I see you're low on gas... you should fill up." I told I would have to do it later. He insisted I follow him to the nearest gas station where he filled my tank! Before he left he told me; "Karma rewards the kind of heart." Even though I'm still poor... I do what I can.

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Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago

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You and the cop and the scammers are all still poor. Everyone is.

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Emily Aldan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once, I was walking in a city and a man asked for money for food. He said he hadn't eaten in three days. That stopped me and I offered to take him into the subway he was standing in front of and buy him absolutely anything he wanted on the menu. He waved his hand dismissively with a loud "PFFT." Clearly he didn't want the money for food.

rheannin91 avatar
Rheannin Wright
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so hard to say, but I have been there. I was a broke student who had to drop out of school due to my Mother getting bone cancer and bringing in my disabled Aunt. It wasn't my choice to live that way, but I wasn't about to put them in the terrible nursing homes in Southside Chicago. I was working as a nanny, but it was barely covering the cost of their medications let alone food- and the fact that I living in Chicago means a very long wait for help. I would have picked up those bars so fast and been so grateful! It isn't ideal to bring home to your family, but it's FOOD. Thankfully, I'm in a much better place now and I always do what I can for anyone I encounter in need. I try not to be biased, and I will give to anyone, but please keep in mind that MANY deaf people are notorious for just being jerks in general. If I offered what I had and received such a rude note I wouldn't feel a drop of sympathy, especially because I know what it's like to be on the their side. Food is food.

shannonodland avatar
Shannøn Renee
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in a city with a population of just over 65,000 people. Not huge, but not small. Unfortunately we have a large homeless population, but we also have a caring enough community that we have a soup kitchen that has to turn away VOLUNTEERS because there are so many people wanting to help. We also have many, many food pantries and shelters. What I don't like is the panhandlers. They have admitted to the local news they drive here from across the state border in a van, spread out around town, pretend they are needy, make more money due to the generosity of the community and they leave with more money than they'd work at a full time job. It's wrong to take advantage like that. That's why I will only donate to people who ask for food or to an actual shelter/food pantry.

babycatg2002 avatar
Cat
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please don't forget the pets some homeless people have. Usually dogs. I'd get a small bag of dog biscuits if I could find it nearby

i2027594 avatar
Valerie Lessard
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also dont forget allergies they may have, so if theyre refusing some food theyre not "fussy" they may not be able to eat it

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Cassie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What kind of food did he expect from a computer store? I'm surprised they gave him Kind bars instead of Doritos and Mountain Dew. I wonder how he would have responded had the shop offered him a job.

casserly avatar
Lisa Casserly
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I try hard to help whenever and wherever I can; I was once with my oldest son, who had just come home after his military assignment. There was an older vet who was asking for money to get back home. And, my son and I gave him money. My son told him "Man, I could easily be where you are. My parents took me back in after I got out or I'd be on the street, too." It made me cry, thinking that THAT is all is could or would take to put a vet on the street. It never occured to me to refuse to take my son back into our household, wherever, whenever. But I guess that happens to some.

danielsmomsheila avatar
Sheila Weila
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew a young couple who would go into restaurants and sit at tables that people had just left, and they would finish their food.

naomiarmitage avatar
Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having worked at and frequented many restaurants, I've been tempted to swipe leftover food from people. They waste so much, should be no crime to let the less fortunate have it. But I know some places will pitch a fit if you try to take home perfectly good food that's headed for the trash.

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Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Back in the day I was at one of huge malls here and there is a dining area with a few restaurants such as McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Sushi etc. THere was this elder man, clearly homeless asking people for food. Noone gave so I bought him a Big Mac and gave to him. He couldn't thank me enough and I walked away. Watched from the distance how he ate it with delight and vanished. Some people really need our help, not money only. Another time I picked up a man, who turned out to be a homeless professor who was disabled so much he couldnt stand up after falling. Several people passed him by thinking he was just another drunk. So: ASK before you judge. You never know what life will throw at you.

anaroberta avatar
ESL
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When people ask for stuff out of the blue, the person only has 3 options: give $, refuse or make do with what they have. If someone knocked on my door to ask for food or money unexpectedly the only thing I can give would be snack bars too since my fridge is empty and I usually have no cash (I use debit/credit or my phone for transactions). It's rather much to expect people to be ready to give out handouts at a moments notice and criticize whatever they do happen to give.

cg_pitch avatar
Chris Pitch
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a homeless fella at the train station one night coming back from work, he never asked anyone for food, just stick to his own and look in the bins. One evening, I got myself some tim tams, for all non Australians, these are a choc coated choc biscuit which are just awesome!!! Anyways, sorry, And so I had these chocolate nuggets of heaven and a banana and gave to him, and he looked at me questioningly and I said, please take them and shook his hand. I saw him a few weeks later, in a crowded station. Let me set the mood here, there was no candles, there was no romantic music, I was annoyed because I had to go to work being pushed around by other people barging their way through. I saw the same dude and he saw me, gave me a big grin and asked if I wanted to share some food with him. I said let's see what we have today, reaching for my bag and he goes, no, I have plenty! I was so thankful that the man remembered me and offered to pay back. I had to say no. Last time I saw him.

philblanque avatar
phil blanque
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In major cities in the US homeless people are conned into signing over their Social Security payments or disability payments to landlords who offer them shabby apartments in poor neighborhoods. Then these landlords require their tenants to go out to major intersections and beg for money, not Kind bars...or they will be kicked out of their rooms and without their income. Deep evil behind these things....DEEP EVIL!

philblanque avatar
phil blanque
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In large cities in the US homeless people are conned into having a room in a shabby apartment in return for signing over all their Social Security and disability payments to the landlords. Then they are required to go out to freeway interchanges to ask for money....MONEY...that they must give to their "benevolent" landlords. These poor people are caught in a trap of deeply evil people.

psycho1640 avatar
Heather Huber
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hes asking for food in a computer store not a grocery store....what was he expecting steak?

franklindang avatar
Franklin Dang
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only read a couple of the "heart warming" stories and the theme is "its not always about money, but we bought them food" so what they're saying is to do exactly what the employee did and give them food, it might not have been the best but it was something.

stanflouride avatar
Stannous Flouride
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It has been a while but more than once my ASL has worked as a quick method of separating the worthy from the worthless. And as a veteran it REALLY annoys me when I see someone with a "I'm a veteran, help me." sign. I often stop and ask them their unit and occupational specialty. Real vets know, fake ones don't.

ileanaskyaviles avatar
Ileana Sky Aviles
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was sitting inside KFC with a friend when this old woman with a few plastic bags came around saying hello and asking for change from people eating. No one gave her any money, its next to a school campus and filled with struggling students, but she was very kind and polite and to our amazement, she proceeded to collect leftover food from the empty tables, putting it all in the bags saying she has little kids to feed. It didn't take long for us all to jump and come up with enough cash to buy her a big bucket, drinks and extra money for her family. When she cried we all couldn't help ourselves too.....but I was also conned with this kid begging and starving for food after which I gave half my money and he went straight to the arcade shop.

naomiarmitage avatar
Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still wondering why a man in need of food is going into a computer store? (**insert your joke about looking for Apples here**)

annabdelzaher_1 avatar
Ann Abdelzaher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I rarely give cash and here is why. I saw a family Mom dad and two kids begging for "food" outside of walmart. I decided I could do with out a loaf of bread some pasta and a can of sauce and some bologna... so I went to give it to them. the Guy all but threw it back in my face saying what am I supposed to do with this S***?" I looked at him square in the eye and said well then you can't be that bad off that you would turn down food that would feed your family for a couple of days, and walked away. On the other hand I will give you food. I saw an older gentleman huddled next to the bookstore one day asking for just some spare change for something to eat. I didn't have any money on me at the time but after I was done at the bookstore I ran to the nearby McDonald's and got him a couple of cheeseburgers, fries and a drink... when I brought it back to him he started crying and thanked me...

diane1atk avatar
diane a
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was staying in a hotel in a UK city centre in January for work reasons. As I crossed over to the local convenience store late in the evening I nociced a youngish woman sat on the pavement against the wall with a dog, all huddled up in blankets ovbiously homeles. She wasnt even speaking to people asking for anything, but had a box with some bits of of change by her. It was freezing. While I was in the store I bought hot food for her from the counter and some warm cooked chicken breast for the dog. She was just so damm grateful. I was there for a week and did the same thing every night I passed her. You must truly be desperate to be sat on the street in below freezing conditions

alex51324 avatar
Alex Boyd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I'm side-eyeing note-guy, too, but "Kind bars are a delicacy" guy is showing his privilege a little. Fancy snacks are fun if you have plenty of food; if you haven't had a square meal in a while, a granola bar isn't going to seem like a treat, no matter how expensive a brand it is. I've never been quite *that* poor, but I can easily imagine how note-guy could have been at the end of his rope and, like, "Christ, another f---ing hipster granola bar; can't a guy get a godd---m sandwich?" But, you know, you keep that to yourself--you don't say it. It's better than nothing, and what was he expecting the counter staff at a computer store would have on hand?

alex51324 avatar
Alex Boyd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, it's not like homeless and otherwise desperate people are unaware that keeping granola bars, McDonalds certificates, etc. on hand to give out to panhandlers is a strategy that people use to avoid getting scammed, to make sure their assistance isn't used in a way they disapprove of, etc. I'm sure it gets to feel insulting and patronizing after a while. I can see how note-guy could get to where he would feel and think the things that he said in the note, without being a scammer, but that doesn't mean he was right to unload those feelings on the computer store guys.

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bcool_1 avatar
B Cool
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many classist a******s here. When you don't eat, you become emotional. Also by not giving a houseless person money bc you think they're going to buy something you don't approve of, you're not helping them or anyone. And in fact you could be doing the opposite because now they're going to steal something to make money to get their food/drug/booze/whatever the f**k they need. Don't get all high and mighty and say "oh just take what you can get" or "beggars can't be choosers". Why not give em a meal or some money & then help them by showing them some resources where they can get assistance. I live in Portland, there are hundreds of houseless people, everywhere and when I see someone who's struggling, I let them know that they can go to the downtown library and speak to a social worker or the clinic they can go to for addiction assistance or the local church that gives out dinner every day. You don't always have to give cash but I do agree that these kind bars are not a meal.

talisesnyder avatar
Talise Snyder
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree that kind bars are not a meal, but what did this guy expect from a computer shop? they gave what they had. He could have just left them there if he did not want them instead of leaving a note, or he could have saved them for a snack.

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Zuto Zlato
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

2 stories. A couple weeks ago someone came to my front door panhandling. The story was 'I need a cab fare to the hospital. My father is there.' My wife and son were sympathetic and although we don't really have cash in the house they were trying to help. My son offered to smash his piggy bank. I was furious. They argues with me that she might genuinely need help. I turned her away and my family thought I was terrible. I said 'watch this ' I went outside and offered this lady a ride to the hospital. She declined. It was a hard lesson for my relatively innocent son. By contrast a homeless dude downtown asked me for change. I had none but I noticed he had no shoes. I had an old pair of work boots in my trunk. I offered him them and he was ecstatic and started talking about how he could try to get a job now. It felt super good. People that are manipulative make it harder for those who genuinely need or want help and it is hard to give people the benefit of the doubt when there are a******s out there, but there are people who legit just need a little help and aren't just trying to con you out of the price of their next hit.

mintyminameow avatar
Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago

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The manipulative people don’t make it harder. Either you help or you don’t. You can’t put that choice on something else.

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vberryd avatar
Tecolote
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look, my mom was a single mom who was barely able to provide food for us and my dad was an absentee at best. If someone offered nutritional food to her, she would have taken it and fed us with it regardless of what it was. I have to say if you are able to turn down food and critique it, you are not truly hungry. We were and I would have eaten anything and she would have too. This guy wanted a particular thing and would have been ungrateful for any kind of help that didn't line up with what he wanted which means he wasn't truly needy. Cause if you are truly needy you take whatever you can get, he didn't get what he wanted so he decided to shame that person. If you are hungry you eat what people give you regardless, if your family is hungry you take all you can get and you don't nit pick. This was a bid for money plain and simple.

z16bxh avatar
B Hernandez
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We knew of several professional panhandlers who made a tidy living scamming people by pretending to be destitute. They worked street corners in Philadelphia and went home in a very nice car at day's end.

annabdelzaher_1 avatar
Ann Abdelzaher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah we have a couple of people in our town... one we call Harry always dressed in a suit looking for Gas Money to get to a town about 30 miles away... everyday he does this spiel. the other one that I just have to shake my head at is this guy with one leg... he always stands at the same intersection with his sign Bone cancer Homeless and Jobless.... I know for a fact this is c**p about being homeless/jobless, 1) he's been doing this for 13 years, 2) he only has a small backpack and is always dressed nice 3) he is only ever there after first shift gets out 4) someone I know knows him personally.

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beluga2264 avatar
Natasha Forchione
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am conflicted about this note. I understand that he should be grateful but at the same time, eating this is not fulfilling. I have been so hungry at my desk sometimes and for that reason I have these kind bars as snacks to hold me over till lunch but they do not satisfy me the same way an actual meal does.

qcambridge avatar
Layla Brown
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to admit, I am not the most sympathetic to beggars but I've had a very different life than most people. My mom was a street kid from the time she was 9, and only entered the system in Montreal at 14, so for 5 years she lived on the streets, sleeping in apartment laundry rooms or sneakily staying overnight at school or malls. Today, she owns her own house, graduated college, raised a university educated child alone and is financially secure. My mom was determined not to stay on the streets, she put herself through school , forging her mothers signature and stealing supplies. If a 9 year old child can do that a grown man should be able to feed himself and his family. My mom would have never refused those Kind bars.

talisesnyder avatar
Talise Snyder
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is amazing what your mom achieved, but I would urge you not to be so quick to judge other people who are struggling with homelessness. You do not entirely know what they are going through. Be compassionate. Maybe they are not as strong as your mother.

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berthampaz_ avatar
Bertha Garcia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you give those bars you need to give water, those things can chock you because they’re super dry.

kathinka avatar
Katinka Min
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he wanted food maybe he shouldn't have tried a computer store??

aubergine10003 avatar
Gwinevere von Ludwig
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I often try to give away food (both leftovers and new food in bags) to the homeless in NYC. They only take it about half the time. Once when I was in Oakland, I had some delicious Thai food left over from dinner... I think I asked 6 people before I found someone who wanted it.

pjames82_1 avatar
Patrick James
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was eating at Mcdonalds with my family and a man sat down across from us and didnt order anything but was using the restaurant for free wifi on his laptop. Ive been a struggling student and done the same. He started asking what we were eating, and how much it cost. He still never got up to order food. I went to the counter, bought a big Mac meal and handed it to him. He got up, threw it in the trash and said, "I can afford my own food." Honestly, he could have at least given it back so we could eat it later...

goldenfurgaming avatar
Goldenfur Gaming
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's a story, take from it what you will: Once, my uncle was at a train station. A homeless man was there with a sign that said "I'm stranded here, I need money to get to my family in (a place, I don't remember)". My uncle gave him $30. And then later, the same man was there but with a new sign, saying "I'm stranded here, I need money to get to my family in (a completely different place)" That scammer was actually smart, because he was asking for money and people wouldn't give him food. Because of this I don't think I'll ever donate money, but I volunteer a bit at my local food bank and I hope that's more helpful

librarylady21 avatar
A Rey
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stick with giving my money to charitable organizations that help those in need. I am happy to buy a meal or a bus pass or a phone card - something practical that can help and I know would be difficult to abuse by those not truly in need... My mom and I used to make baggies with wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, bottled water, snacks and bus tickets to hand out to people... but when it comes to actual money - I'll give it to the local rescue mission, food pantries, etc. Where I live now our poverty is largely hidden, we don't have many people panhandling at all, but the need is still there, and I know that donating to local organizations that help provide food, employment and housing for those in need means my money goes a lot further in its ability to help others.

kaisermom2000 avatar
Jackie Butts
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I give often and have helped the needy but have also been conned by others. In the end I have come to the conclusion that I give with my heart and in the world of Karma (or what ever you wish to call it) My Karma credits are good regardless of what the recipient does. Those who have conned me are dinged badly in their Karma account.

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Nicole Holt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have bought food, groceries, gas, train/bus tickets for people. I will never just give money. You learn real quick, if someone needed help, or if they are just scamming for money.

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Kevin Camp
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My small photography studio is int he heart of downtown Tulsa and so I see various vagrants and homeless people often in the hours I am down there. Its usualyl pretty easy to tell who is a "moocher" from a truly homelss and desperate soul. The moocher usually has decent clothes and most often is looking for money for alcohol or drugs. They aren't homeless but are willing to beg for money instead of work. I see them arrive and depart in cars. Shoes are usually the giveaway, when their's are better than mine. The truly homeless folks usually keep to themselves and with the oncoming winter (it was 39 deg F here last night) their lot in life is pretty damn horrible regardless of the cause.

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Jo Choto
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's such a weird reaction to being given something. Some people who are begging are desperate and some are scamming. I usually look at hands and shoes. If their hands/nails look way better than mine, and if their shoes are cleaner/better quality/more expensive than mine, it's probably a scam. Otherwise, I tend to try and give something.

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Jason Doakes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So heartwarming, the poor helping the poor. Yeah, but watcha wanna do? It's one of the poorest countries on earth! Oh wait....

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Ula
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once an old lady asked for money for her medication in front of a pharmacy and I didnt help thinking it was a scam, but I still think about her and regret not actually buying the medication for her.

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Elizabeth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

because computer stores keep a fully stocked pantry... right?

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Dom Hunt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

f**k the guy, i help people when i can. this guys just an a*****e and poor

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Azure Adams
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always have a granola bar or Epic bar on me due to hypoglycemia but have given them away to others for any reason. Offering that to anyone who asks me for money instead of giving them money (which I never carry cash) is my litmus test if they actually need food and are hungry or just looking to scam. 4/5 times they are scamming for money. I will never not offer though, just for that 1/5 who does actually need it.

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cwa92464
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have offerred food and then was rejected several times but most are very courteous to receive something...they may toss it when I walk away

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Kelly
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I prefer to buy food than give money for those who are in need.

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Jovy Jergens
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for giving people the benefit of a doubt and helping them. Although there is the occasional scam artists, there are a lot of legitimate people in need. God bless you!

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Anna Phoeni
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so sad that some people make the situation even more difficult for others... There are so many pretending to be deaf to collect money. I am lucky to speak sign-language and try to speak to anyone who approaches me with a note or acts deaf asking for money. So many do not understand a basic greeting or even run away... But once in a while I get a genuine happy response and conversation, and I then try to help as much as I can. Once a man approached me in a local restaurant, selling products with a note saying he is deaf. We had a little chat, he was in a tight spot, and I gave him the money I could, but when he was leaving the waitress stopped him and handed him a note. His face lit up like it was Christmas. She then explained to me that they had noticed him before but we're not sure if he was not a con. After our conversation, they decided to help and gave him a note enabling him to come for a free lunch anytime he might need it :-)

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Unlikely
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay but he didn't ask for money, he asked for food, right? But then those cereal bars aren't good enough? What ...!? I'm sorry, but if you are really hungry, you take what you can get - i've sadly been there. He could have traded those bars or maybe his wife would have liked them and nobody stopped him from asking in others stores to get more stuff. If he couldn't chew them or had allergies he could have said so, but the note comes off as "yeah this is not good enough for us" so...f**k off mate... ... also, why the heck do you go to a hardware store to ask for food? What do you hope for at that point anyway?

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John Sampson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was recently approached by the same guy that has done this for the past 20 years. I said I was no going continue giving him money. In 20 years you could have found some kind of job. 'But I'm sick, sir, I'm schotzophrenic!' Then speak with social services, and ask them to assist you.' He turned on me and said, 'yeah, thanks for judging me!' Needless to say, people in the street burst out laughing!

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JoSta Urban
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, maybe not in States but in Poland there are those who have the money but still choose to beg and ask for food in order to spend whatever cash they have on booze.

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Kristy LeAnn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he really left that note then it was probably a scam. I can't say I've ever had to beg people for food but I've had to rely on other people's kindness in other ways and believe me, when you're bad off like that you're grateful for whatever someone else is willing to do, no matter how small, because you know they aren't obligated to do s**t for you.

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#Letallexsistwithdignity
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't let anyone's lack of heart decide yours. The world needs light more than ever.

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Rory O'Flaherty
Community Member
5 years ago

I once had a young man wearing a suit approach me on the street asking for money. Said he was in town for a job interview, had lost his bag with his wallet and train ticket. Police couldn't help him, etc etc. Saw the same guy on the same street two weeks later. When I confronted him he smiled and said, 'Just trying to make some money'.

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Molly Block
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A person who has a kid and wife to feed, who doesn't take any handout is NOT a hungry person!! This guy wanted money. Money can buy him drugs. Or alcohol. Or cigarettes. Or a blow-job. Sorry, but true! I used to be homeless in New Orleans. I have seen it all! Some people are legit, and some are not. Use your best judgment. Never give out money if you can help it.

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Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don’t get to decide who is hungry. You are poor too, get over yourself.

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Bill
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I offer people panhandling work and I have yet to have somebody take the offer. Construction sites can always use another set of hands

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Darryl Kerrigan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've given money to to junkies in the past, if it's pouring down and they are getting soaked or it looks like they've taken a kicking recently. Do as you would be done by, that's my motto.

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Kiahna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only if they're soaked? Only if it looks like they've taken a kicking recently? What if it's just a scruffy looking child who's asking for some money? Would you help him?

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Christina Sersif
Community Member
5 years ago

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This may sound horrible, but I refuse to give “homeless” people in the US money. I might offer them food or water, but they’re likely homeless bc of their own choices. In my husband’s home country of Morocco the homeless there are truly homeless. They will often ask for your table scraps or leftovers instead of money. After seeing true homelessness it has kind of hardened me to homeless people in the US.

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Ann Abdelzaher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually many individuals in the US are homeless through no fault of their own. Some are homeless because all their money goes to health care, or they struggle just to buy enough food for themselves and their family. the sad reality is for people who have low education, health issues, or are veterans even if they can find a job it leaves them way below the poverty level and even though there is low income housing they don't make enough to pay the rent and keep themselves fed.

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Ohio Hands
Community Member
5 years ago

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In America, beggars are nearly always choosers.

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Valerie Lessard
Community Member
5 years ago

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lol, this beggars can't be choosers b******t. he's not good enough for real food, is essentially what you're all saying. He clearly needed money and was a bit pissed, regardless of your gesture, maybe instead of victimising yourself about how you got a f*****g note, learn from it.

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Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago

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Look at the poor people tear each other down. That’s what these b******t stories are. A working guy who is most likely in poverty is shaming a poor disabled guy on the internet for attention. Gross. How trashy. Like are we ever going to stop this s**t or nah? The deaf dude can’t afford f*****g FOOD and he clearly needs it. And yeah anyone who just shrugs that off and doesn’t provide the food is a piece of s**t and yes it is your responsibility to provide for another human who needs help one time. Until all you wage slaves get that, you will keep being in slavery. Anyone who isn’t saving or earning millions, anyone who works for someone else, you’re all wage slaves and you’re all poor in comparison to people who are really in power. They want you to tear each other down and you all do such a good job of being good slaves so none of the pressure gets put on people in power. A mans family is hungry. He’s frustrated and took it out on the wrong person. So f*****g what.

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Si
Community Member
5 years ago

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Sorry, but I’m with the man who left the note. If you’re going to be charitable don’t fob people off with rubbish. Just because somebody is poorer than you they don’t have to be cringing and grateful for your half-assed attempt, which frankly is probably done more to salve your own conscience than with the other person in mind. We should all be redistributing at least a quarter of our salaries to make the world a fairer place.

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Israel Martinez
Community Member
5 years ago

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A guy approached me on the subway platform asking for money for food ... I don't really give money, but I had just come out of Little Caesar's and had a pepperoni cheesy bread on me ... I offered him some and he said he doesn't eat pork ... in my mind, I said "then you picked a bad night to be hungry" ...

kwill04 avatar
Kiahna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all, you're a pig. Homeless people don't 'pick' a bad night to be hungry, they just are. Some homeless people go days without food. The least that you could've done is given him a dollar or two for some simple food. Second, keep those thoughts in your mind and in your mind only.

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago

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It must be frustrating, when you're reduced to begging, to be offered expensive bars that, if you were given the equivalent in dollars, could provide several healthy meals. 4 Kind bars cost about $8.00. For someone needing to feed his family, that's real money.

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago

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The person asking for food is obviously educated, unless the note was rewritten. The writing is artistic, grammar and spelling show he's intelligent. He's just sick and tired of having to beg.

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Mr. Re-in-act-ment
Community Member
5 years ago

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Well, if you wanted food. Get a job and buy from the dollar store!

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