Is it unethical not to give money to homeless people because you believe they are trying to take advantage of you?

Answer 1

When you meet such a person you don't "lend", but "give" that person the money. I'm soft-hearted such as you and hate to see anyone hard up, but I learned my lesson when I found out how much some of these people can make in a day (tax free!) When my husband and I leave a Mall in our hometown there is a meridian in the middle of the highway and every single day there is this young girl approx. 23 years old with a sign around her neck saying, "Please help me. I'm hungry. Been traveling and haven't eaten in 2 days." At first (while at a stop light) I handed her about $3 in change. I began to realize this same girl was there every single day and every weekend and she was making big bucks! If one stops to think of it how about these people do a job to earn a meal or a place to stay! They're lazy and they could be doing more. There is a man at the liquor store that sits by the door on a blanket and says nothing, but when you go into the liquor store he holds open the door with a smile. He is the only peddler I will give a buck too. At least he was doing something. So no, to your answer. These people have facilities they can go too and get a meal or get used clothing and most people are quite capable of doing a chore for a meal or a place to stay. During the 40s many men were out of jobs and I was just a little girl but can remember a few men coming to the door and asking my mother if she had any odd jobs in exchange for a meal. My mom would get them to haul in sawdust for the furnace or perhaps fix the fence or gate (she never let them in the house) and she would make them lunch and I would sit on the porch with the man having my lunch and chatting up a storm. My mom would send him off with a small paper bag with Sandwiches and cookies to take with him. Those were the days when people actually earned their way even if they were hard up. Here's a cute little story that happened to me when I was in my early 20s. Just like you my heart was on my sleeve so it was not unusual for me when I saw someone in trouble to try and help. One morning I was going to work and I was wearing my brand new cashmere coat I had bought myself. It was early in the morning and I spotted this old lady sitting on the curb with her face cupped into her hands. Of course my heart went out to her. I didn't want to frighten her so I asked if I could help and then I put my hand on her shoulder and she jumped up like she was shot out of a cannon and started calling me filthy names and them tossed a gob of spit at the speed of light right onto my new coat! LOL I was stunned! There was a businessman that happened to see this and he took the woman by the scruff of her collar and gave her his hanky and made her clean the gob of spit off my coat (as I was gagging! LOL) I learned my lesson well! As hard as it is you MUST ignore these people. Most of it is a con game and it's easier to pan-handle than it is to do a task to earn your keep! Stop giving away your money! If you feel the need to help the needy then there are volunteer jobs to do so and the needy come to these facilities.