I don't give money to people on the streets. I completely ignore them. They're wasting time and energy standing there with their hands in front of them. There are plenty of things they can do without an employer to make money, such as recycling, odd jobs in the newspaper they find in recycle bins, or whatever. Actually, I shouldn't say I ignore every hobo. There is this one hobo around where I live that likes to sing, and he sings decently. I give him my change. Better than any of those Jack Johnson wannabes that play guitar like crap. I volunteer at homeless shelters and other stuff like that, which I believe is a lot better than giving them a few bucks worth of change.

I was homeless for about a year after I got out of the military. I had my phone (palm treo) from when I was still making money and even scrounged up enough money doing odd jobs here and there to continue paying my 30 some dollar phone bill. Also, shelters are not always an option. All the homeless shelters where I lived would fill up quick and everyone else was stuck outside no matter what the weather was like. I know from first hand experience that it isn't as black and white as "homeless people make a lot of money" or "homeless people don't make a lot of money". Where I was at, some people have their little gimmicks and could go to sleep every night with over 100 dollars in their pocket and others would make about 10 dollars if they were lucky. As far as giving homeless money, I wouldn't. Panhandling is a lazy way to get cash. Even I found a couple places that would give me money or food for sweeping up in front/in the store and stuff like that.

i personally give to certain homeless people, as i've learned to distinguish between them. some of the fakers are really easy to spot, like the ones with cell phones or that clothing item that they just couldn't have gotten if they were homeless. however, there are those that obviously really need it, and c'mon people, if you think about it you know who they are. i live in Chicago, and there are a few homeless people that i've actually talked to and come to understand their situations. ignoring them, as many of you advise, is ignoring a very real global problem, and i'd like to think i do my part to help these guys out. if you still insist on not giving to the homeless, there is still one group i'd like you to consider: those that are selling the StreetWise newspaper. this is a legitimate business meant for the homeless to make money where they actually have to try to earn something. those selling it will be around on the streets, and it's either 1 or 2 dollars for the paper.

#20, you realize that you don't even need to stop walking to say no, right?

People, statistics show the homeless brings in some serious dough. On average, they are high up on the list. The ones you can "distinguish" as real from fake are probably the ones that are homeless as a job, and they mean business. Now given that it is hard to tell, I'd say give them some food and any other basic necessities. Straight cash can be converted to all sorts of junk like drugs, prostitutes, and other crazy things like scratch-n-sniff stickers! No, if ever you'd like to help, help them to be fed and healthy.

Don't give money to beggars.

You must be really naive to still be giving money to people on the street. You had a good intention which I applaud you for, but don't even waste your time on people that feed off of others instead of working themselves for it. (sometimes they even do it professionally as con artists and make a very "good salary." Doesn't that disgust you?)

I live in the suburbs, so it's not very common for me to see homeless people begging. However, when i go to Downtown with my friends, I always get asked for money. I dont feel very good about myself when I say no, but I cant give to every person ! I dont even know what they will do with the money, so what I usually do is ask them if its for food. If they saw yes, I walk across to Mcdonalds and buy the guy a burger.

People can have things from before they were homeless. Like #33. Though it'd make sense to sell a coach bag or to trade in a blackberry for a cheaper phone (perhaps pre-paid), but meh. This is the exception, not the rule.

You know what, with the economy these days, I could believe he might still need it more than you. Lots of people with Blackberries are on the street now.