I'm always paranoid about helping homeless people because if I pull out my wallet I'm worried that a homeless person might beat the hell out of me and just take my wallet!!

I agree with the other topic about the Tenderloin neighborhood being a scary place, and I would like to help some people I see, but I always get scarred at the last second.

Can someone share their experiences with helping out the homeless?
lion

I have given homeless people money in the past, but that is not to say it is safe to do so. I would avoid pulling out your wallet when there are a few homeless. But to be honest the times I have helped someone out on the street they have been so appreciative. I'm not a small guy though so not sure if the homeless person would want to take me on :)

I'd be curious as well to see if anyone else has been assaulted by a homeless person while trying to help them?

AJ

I have been approached by various homeless folks during my travels... Depending on the location and situation, I have given money to those who have asked. However, when I feel the spirit of apprehension because there are more then 1! I have declined to give out money... When traveling I have noticed that homeless people literally come out suddenly from no where, usually from wooded areas located near gas stations... and I always lock my car doors because of the uneasy feeling I get when I see them approaching with a beer bottle in hand... I have actually, bought them food instead of being an enabler of their alcoholic condition... I don’t mine helping someone who appears to be hungry…

@advisor2008 - "When traveling I have noticed that homeless people literally come out suddenly from no where, usually from wooded areas located near gas stations." Oh my god, where do you travel to?!?! Sounds like something out of a scary horror movie.

Thanks for the advice though, I'm glad my instincts are right. Also a good idea to buy them food instead of giving them money, I would hate to think the money I put down is being used for drugs or worse.

This took place while traveling to various places in the "Sunshine" state of Florida...

Because of its warm temperatures throughout the year, I suspect that FL becomes notorious for transient population...

Basically, one should always be vigilant wherever they decide to live or travel.

Every place has its good & bad and is not limited to any specific region.

Caution is the word for this topic…

Morning advisor, that's very true, I have heard of homeless people moving to the warmer states. Makes perfect sense as well. Thanks again for the advice.

RB2U Lionosh, Interesting website on the subject ~ http://www.helpothers.org/?gclid=COCe_erX75UCFQxsGgodEB01ew

Bright blessings to you and yours.

PS: Happy change of the season day!!! :)

Hi advisor,

Heavy postings on the forums this morning!!!!

Absolutely love the link you posted, and a very interesting idea. How did you find the site? Did someone leave you a smile card? I think it's an amazing idea. I'd really like to know how far and wide the concept has spread through such a small and simple yet honorable idea. Reading some of the things people have done, I think the people who started the site, and the idea itself would feel very proud of themselves.

My fav site of the week :) Thanks again advisor!

Adam.

Greetings AJ –

I appreciate your acknowledgement on this topic. It’s in my nature to help others when at all possible. When this topic came up I really wanted the person who started it to have a clear understanding of my position on this subject. So, I took extra time to research it and came across the wonderful website that has many great stories of every day people helping people in there time of need. Some of these stories brought tears to my eyes; I had to share it with others…

Bright blessings always…

PauL :)

I must say, last time I was in SF, I gave a homeless person $20. It was an accident, I meant to give them $1, but boy did that make their day! Now there is always the chance they went and purchased drugs, you never know, but it is crazy when we can spend billions on wars and bailouts that we cant solve this problem.

I'd say it's safe to give some money - probably best to do it when other people are around. You will feel good too knowing you have helped someone in need.

Wonder if our new President will have a plan? This is 2008 after all.