In reading the thread from start to finish I have concluded that each of us has our own perception of what a homeless person is. Some believe that it is the lifestyle of choice while others recognize that in many cases they are the victim of circumstances or environment. While some cases seem to be legitimate others use the system and prey on others generosity in scams to get something for nothing. Many of these people (scam artists) may not even be homeless at all. It would be easy to have an experience with a ‘homeless’ person then base all future perceptions on that experience. Homeless people have a common thread they are homeless that’s it. Besides all collecting chips what do ALL chippers have in common? We are each different individuals, so are the people who are homeless. There are good ones, bad ones, ones that deserve their station in life and those who are unfortunately are at a dead end by no fault of their own. BTW How do you fault a homeless child? What is their chance for a college education or even just going to some ‘cool’ place on a vacation compared to your own children’s? Are these children ‘bums’ too, that deserve what they got? Rene’s invitation to help these people by offering food is not a bad thing, but you have to be your own judge. A few meals will not change the lifestyle of a homeless person, but I don’t think that was the object. Giving makes both the giver and the receiver feel good, so it’s not a one sided thing, you get something for your contribution. It brightens everyone’s day. As I said earlier we are all different, some generous, some greedy. You choose how to use your own recourses. I have a difficult time buying into these people living under a bridge and eating out of a dumpster on a freezing cold night, as living their lifestyle of choice. If I had to eat out of a dumpster I too would readily Lie, Cheat, Steal, and SCAM to make my life better even if it was just for one day! Would you blame me?

Note: As far as giving money that you know they will buy booze with, I suggest putting yourself in that situation, would you want to get blitzed and forget about your life for a little while? God knows if anyone deserves to be blitzed they do! It’s not like they have the Mall, Movies, Computer Bulletin Boards or a warm living room with a TV as a diversion to their problems!

Feel generous, give, if not don’t, but all homeless people are not worthless people scourge. Society has already written them off and we look away when we see them so we don’t even have to acknowledge their existence.