How do you respond to people on the street that ask you for money?

[Adamjen15]

If I can get a job anyone can

I agree with you, but I have a job and still don’t make enough. But I’m not gonna beg anybody for money either. I try to do side jobs as much as I can. But they are few and far between.

 

[UptaCamp]

I will sometimes give money, but I would rather give them food. I also like to take it as an opportunity to share the Gospel with them, if they let me go through my presentation without walking away, then I feel like it's a good opportunity.

 

[GeauxLSU]

"Sorry, I don't have any cash."
And it's the truth. I don't carry any cash, ever. I've yet to have a need for it. People who always carry cash are mystified by that. It simply has never been an issue for me.
Having said that, I bought a new toy today and intentionally brought cash assuming there would be an up charge for credit. I was right. That was the first time I've had cash in my wallet in literally years. It actually felt weird.

 

[mcdougmd]

I have bought food. I never give money.

 

[RiverBend]

no habla,

 

[Mrs_Esterhouse]

I have bought food. I never give money.

Same here.

"Do you have change a $100?" would be a good one.

 

[hikingthehills]

It really depends on the situation. When I was younger I was helped out when I was broke a couple of times needing gas and such. Now I try to do the same depending on my gut feeling. If they look like their out for dope money they ain't getting it from me. I look at it like this, if I give them the money and they don't do what they said with it that's between them and God. Helping on my end is also between me and God.

Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

 

[gh1950]

I just say "no".

I've offered to buy them a meal or actually put gas in their car, never had the offer accepted, but got cussed out a few times.

 

[Jeddak]

If it is a professional panhandler I just answer them in Russian. They look confused and move on.
Someone obviously in need will get a couple of bucks.

 

[Stampede]

If it is a professional panhandler I just answer them in Russian. They look confused and move on. Someone obviously in need will get a couple of bucks.

So they either get a..."dah" or "nyet"? Ya?