Panhandlers/Bums Asking For $

[Lukus Alderman]

So the last weekend, my wife and two kids decided to stop by a Walmart to grab some milk. In order to get to Walmart we had to drive past a small shopping center that had a Dollar Tree in it. Well, we continued on to the near side of Walmart and parked there because it was the side that the grocery section was on.

It was probably about 9:00pm and I parked near other cars but not directly under a lamp so it was somewhat dark, but I could see. Since I was just going to grab milk, I told the wife and kids to stay in the car while I go in.

As soon as I opened the door, I started grabbing some empty drink cups and mcdonalds boxes to throw in the trash. As I was gathering the trash I hear quick footsteps like someone running in my general direction.

I turn and look around and here a guy yell out "Hey! Hey man!". I say, "Hello."

Then the guy, now standing at the back of my Trailblazer, start on this sad story about how he and his wife took a trip to Dollar Tree and bought some stuff and got out to his car and it won't start. He tells me that he's only got $4 and he needs $14.37 to get it taken care of but he doesn't get paid until next week.

The whole time this guy is talking I'm grabbing stuff from the car trying to stay busy and act like I'm not paying much attention in order to try and give the picture that I'm not buying it and I'm not interested, but the guy continued on until he got to the end of his story and then he asks "Can you help me out?"

Standing close to my car door, ready to hop in or grab the closest hard object, whether it's a half empty water bottle, McDonald's child toy, or My Little Pony doll to defend myself if needed, I just say "Sorry man, I can't help you out."

The jerk then makes some angry face and lets out a big sigh like I wasted his time and he took off running toward Dollar Tree. I tell my wife to lock the doors and I ran in and out of Walmart as fast as possible to grab the milk and we left.

The funny thing is that crap like that happens to us all of the time. I've had guys ask me for a ride, ask me for gas money or money to get home or whatever.

Anyone have stuff like this happen to them?

What's the proper response?

 

[SFlonghorngirl]

You look like a super friendly guy.

I normally say I don't speak English.  

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

Yes, I fell for one of these sob stories on a business trip one time.

I gave the girl money "because she ran out of gas" and my business card so she could pay me back.  Yeah, right.  What a dumbass I was to get sucked in by a con artist.  Never again.

 

[streettopeschel]

Just read 'em one of your movie reviews and i promise they'll leave you alone.

 

[doc longhorn]

A colleague of mine and I were drinking coffee at an outdoor table in Vancouver, one time.  The panhandler walked up to us, and these were his exact words - "Could you gents spare some pocket change - my portfolio has gone south".  I gave him five Loonies - a man that eloquent probably deserved more. 

 

[BevoBlake]

It seems like it's becoming a bigger problem in the DFW area lately. At the sake of sounding insensitive, both Dallas and Fort Worth need to tighten down on the problem. Fort Worth used to be great and you'd only find them in one general area of Fort Worth. But they've become a lot more bold lately and have started standing on street corners on Bryant Irvin and Hulen. 

This is a story about the problem we've been having around Hulen:

Fort Worth Panhandlers

 

[PeteA422]

If you are in a position to assist someone who is truly in need, one thing you can do is offer to go to the dollar tree and purchase the battery or whatever for them there.  90% of the time they will say no thanks because they are just looking for money and they really aren't broken down.  The times that it is a real emergency, and they do need the help, you will be able to help.  The problem is there are so many people that really aren't in need that it makes it difficult for those that are in need.  (Just make sure you never let them in your car, and always go to a place that is well lit and has a lot of people there if they do take you up on your offer for assistance.)

I have no problem helping someone that is really in need of assistance, however, I do have a problem giving my hard earned money to someone that is trying to scam someone for a few bucks to score their next fix.  Just be smart about it.  And never place yourself or your family in a dangerous position because you are wanting to help someone.

Also, listen to what your gut tells you.  Most of the time if your gut says, this person is up to no good, the person is up to no good.  Other times, you will get the feeling that the person is in desperate need of help, and your gut is probably going to be right 90% of the time.  People who are in need of actual help give off non-verbal cues that your sub-conscious will pick up on, likewise those people trying to scam you do the same.   

 

[JimR]

never, ever give them money. buy a hamburger or cup of coffee if you must, but never give them money.

 

[BevoBlake]

never, ever give them money. buy a hamburger or cup of coffee if you must, but never give them money.

Did that once and it was the last time I did it. Had a Chik-Fil-A sandwich thrown back in my face, literally.

 

[Lukus Alderman]

Did that once and it was the last time I did it. Had a Chik-Fil-A sandwich thrown back in my face, literally.

Hahahahahaha!!!!!

 

[Etex Horn]

I get that (asked for money by a stranger) about once a week here where I live.  I've become pretty hard-hearted about it.  Meaning I give them not a damn thing.

 

[monarch]

whenever propositioned...   i give what i can at the moment.  i alway's have this keen sense that "god" is watching me.  i harbor a bit too much compassion...

 

[Lord Vader]

No offense, but you look like the kind of guy that's too "approachable" if that makes sense. How you handle it depends on how ready you are to fight. In a situation with your family, just disconnect as fast as you can and leave the situation. 

This tactic is being used more and more to distract the man/driver of a car while a partner(s) snag the car or sneaks up on you. 

 

[MikeV73]

Always respect the "need money for beer" sign. At least those guys are being honest . Didn't give that guy money either, just encourages more panhandling and less attempts to improve their situations. However, some folks are destitute and having hard times. Just wish they would seek out agencies that can assist them more effectively than $.75 at the traffic light.

 

[doc longhorn]

My position has always been to give $ to a panhandler.  If I gave $ to 20 of them and two were in actual need, it would be worth it.  In addition, we can thank God that we haven't walked in most of their shoes.  Remember, they were all somebody's babies at one time.  They weren't born to beg.

 

[Duke C #11]

I sympathize, but since I work two blocks from the Salvation Army, I've gotten much more skeptical.  Whatever cash you give them is going to one addiction or another, almost guaranteed.  The most memorable homeless person I ever encountered was a female deaf-mute who I saw a couple of times having a violent argument with herself in sign language as she was jay walking.

 

[alonghorn72]

I have worked closely with the homeless. We used to hire them for door to door marketing (door hangers) and  I can tell you most of them are anti government and refuse to pay rent or taxes. Their mentality is that they would rather spend the little money they have of alcohol and drugs than renting a motel room or getting an apartment. Out of a group of about 20 there was only one that truly wanted to improve his life and I went out of my way to help him. I will never give a panhandler or corner bum any money. There is help out there if it is truly needed and if you're to lazy to ask for it that is on them. I wish they would make it illegal and arrest them for it. 

 

[Topstarr]

So the last weekend, my wife and two kids decided to stop by a Walmart to grab some milk. In order to get to Walmart we had to drive past a small shopping center that had a Dollar Tree in it. Well, we continued on to the near side of Walmart and parked there because it was the side that the grocery section was on.

It was probably about 9:00pm and I parked near other cars but not directly under a lamp so it was somewhat dark, but I could see. Since I was just going to grab milk, I told the wife and kids to stay in the car while I go in.

As soon as I opened the door, I started grabbing some empty drink cups and mcdonalds boxes to throw in the trash. As I was gathering the trash I hear quick footsteps like someone running in my general direction.

I turn and look around and here a guy yell out "Hey! Hey man!". I say, "Hello."

Then the guy, now standing at the back of my Trailblazer, start on this sad story about how he and his wife took a trip to Dollar Tree and bought some stuff and got out to his car and it won't start. He tells me that he's only got $4 and he needs $14.37 to get it taken care of but he doesn't get paid until next week.

The whole time this guy is talking I'm grabbing stuff from the car trying to stay busy and act like I'm not paying much attention in order to try and give the picture that I'm not buying it and I'm not interested, but the guy continued on until he got to the end of his story and then he asks "Can you help me out?"

Standing close to my car door, ready to hop in or grab the closest hard object, whether it's a half empty water bottle, McDonald's child toy, or My Little Pony doll to defend myself if needed, I just say "Sorry man, I can't help you out."

The jerk then makes some angry face and lets out a big sigh like I wasted his time and he took off running toward Dollar Tree. I tell my wife to lock the doors and I ran in and out of Walmart as fast as possible to grab the milk and we left.

The funny thing is that crap like that happens to us all of the time. I've had guys ask me for a ride, ask me for gas money or money to get home or whatever.

Anyone have stuff like this happen to them?

What's the proper response?

what you should have done when you were going through your car, when he walked up and stated he could use some money.......say that was what I was looking for, "do you have any, I sure could use some. I am looking for money now.

 

[Lord Vader]

Somewhere out there is the story of three or four guys who make almost 200 grand a year tax free just panhandling. They own a nice four bedroom home and all drive nice cars. Never worked a day in their lives.