I'm tired of seeing all the unfortunate, out-of-work folks standing on the side of the road wanting to work in exchange for something. Some of them are con artists, but you just KNOW some of these people are truly in need.
The softer side of me does reach out to this man whose photo was captured below. I have to ask myself, "What would you do? You're driving down the highway and there on the side of the road, you see this creature of God and read his sign. Are you going to stop or keep going? You only have a second to think about it before you flash by."
Think about it... Do you press the gas or the brake? Personally, my duty as a human being would mean that I would have to stop and help this poor, unfortunate man.
Think whatever you want of me, but I would stop for both--not for the advertisement, but to inquire if they were truly in need. I have always helped those that I thought were genuine. Someone that goes to the measure, both male and female is either desperate or doing a prank.
I helped a family once on a return trip from Vegas. They were stopped outside a gas station. My wife was convinced that it was a scam because it was a dishevled mother with four boys, I would guess ages 10-17. The car was steaming with the hood up, it was a hot day, probably 115 degrees. I walked over to the family and inquired. I ended up giving the 17 year old boy 250.00. This young man looked like he had been through a war and was quite hardened in appearance. However when he saw the money and I saw the tears in his eyes and his mother start to cry--I was hooked. So now, I almost always stop ask a few questions and then come to a conclusion to help or not. Many times I offer food--offering them to walk over to the Denny's and I will pay the tab. If the food is refused, then I know its really for booze.
I am more likely to give to someone who lives out of town. I live in a college town. Most of these people begging by the side of the road are college kids who just want a free meal or some extra cash to go party later. This town is very accomidating for those in need, there are two 24 hour food banks and multiple shelters, and several retail and restaurants who are always hiring and actually set up programs with the shelters. If I want to donate to someone in need, I donate to one of those organizations who I have researched, not to someone standing by the side of the road. I've volunteered at some of these charities before, and of course I'm good friend with Mz who knows all these charities personally, so I have no problem giving these people a card for an organization that will help instead of money.
Now, I have run into a case similar to CP's where these people really were standed in the middle of nowhere with no gas money. I'll give 5 or 10 bucks in that case, because they're not going to be able to get help from a qualified organization.
I read a commentary by someone who carries granola bars to give out. They said the same as CP, if its refused the person probably just wants booze money. They said that very often though the person seems very grateful for the food so they keep doing it.
We are so rural here that I have not seen anyone beside the road other than a very occasional hitchhiker.
There is a lot of homeless people in Palm Springs, because of the climate I am sure. There but the grace of God go I. I listen to my conscience when to approach.
We were in Dallas one time and right off the Beltway we saw a homeless guy and there are alot of them in the city. He had a sign so honest I had to stop and help.
