What are your actions on contact with a person claiming they are homeless and hungry?

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 16:51:44 -0500

backgroud: Walking thru Savannah, a man approaches me with a sign "I am homeless and hungry".

Me: Are you hungry (I had just left Chick-fil-A and had an unopened sandwich in a bag)?

Him: Yeah.

Me: Here, I just bought this sandwich, you can have it.

Him: I don't want that $hi+, you got a couple bucks?

Me: Here, take this chicken sandwich.

Him: I don't want that!

I left, what would you do?

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Nov 17 at 2016 5:03 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:03:44 -0500

That homeless/ hungry person sounds suspicious.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Nov 17 at 2016 5:03 PM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:03:54 -0500

You did well.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 5:25 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:25:32 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig I would also have left. You did the right thing.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 5:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:35:50 -0500

I would have done the same thing. If he is homeless and hungry.....this is a time when beggars can't be choosers........and if they want to be that picky.....well then, they can find someone else to try and mooch on.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 17 at 2016 5:40 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:40:23 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig, you did what I would have done.

Response by CPL Anthony Slaughter made Nov 17 at 2016 5:41 PM

CPL Anthony Slaughter — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:41:37 -0500

He's mad because you can't trade a sandwich for booze or drugs. I would have left, too.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Nov 17 at 2016 5:47 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:47:27 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig Only thing to do in that situation,anything beyond offering the food would have made you a "chump". If the person was truly hungry he would have welcomed the sandwich and thanked you in the process,instead of rejecting the offer as "sh*t".

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 6:12 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 18:12:10 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig - I took the Metro to King Street Old Town Alexandria to meet an old colleague for quiet little evening dinner at The Wharf where they make a nice Linguine alla Viareggina and they have a nice collection of single malts. In any case, as soon as I step out of the Metro on my way to the Tram this guy tells me he is homeless and hungry - so I thought I was being kind enough to give him a fiver - but he screams at me as long as he can see me about how cheap I am - and that I should have given him a twenty. He started yelling about being a homeless veteran - so I came back - asked him what unit, when, and where he was deployed. He he said he was deployed at MCRD - and that I owed him for his combat service. I don't know, I probably shouldn't have, dressed to the nines for dinner, but I gave him an earful about what it means to lay your life down for your country - a bit of a crowd gathered chiding him for being such a fraud - and he slithered away back into the Metro. I don't know what the best thing is to do for people who are say they are tired and hungry but seem to be making asking for a handout their professional occupation. A rabbi a long time ago told me to give a quarter whenever asked for help by someone on the street - because while 9 out of 10 times this is just an act - the 1 out of 10 who need your help really need your help. I thought a fiver would be enough - how much are people really expecting when they say they are hungry? If I had the time I'd have bought him a meal at the start - but a few minutes later I felt disgusted - in part because I had visited Arlington earlier that day to support the family of another old friend. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 6:38 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 18:38:07 -0500

I often do the same. There is nothing to be ashamed of in offering charity and having it refused.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Nov 17 at 2016 7:38 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 19:38:56 -0500

Would have left, too. As soon as he turned down food, he may as well have said up front 'I want money for drugs or alcohol.' F-that.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 17 at 2016 7:45 PM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 19:45:31 -0500

most of the Professionals want $$$ but the true ones have taken Cokes and Vita-waters and G-2 drinks I have and the Granola and Protein bars I keep to stabilize Blood sugars...

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Nov 17 at 2016 8:31 PM

SGM Billy Herrington — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 20:31:27 -0500

My SOP for panhandlers is tell them to go away. I don't care their circumstances. I figure it's a self-correcting problem. I figure hunger will lead to one of three outcomes: starvation cures the problem, if the individual turns violent, ill cure the problem, or they will decide they've had enough of this lifestyle and will get a job and be a contributing member of society, which is the outcome we all would prefer.

Response by 1SG Jeremy Evans made Nov 18 at 2016 12:20 AM

1SG Jeremy Evans — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 00:20:39 -0500

Sounds like a hustler. Their dickish response to a legitimate offer of food would have lost any empathy from me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 4:50 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 04:50:29 -0500

A man who is truly hungry will not turn down food.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 7:47 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 07:47:42 -0500

I would do the same thing. They don't deserve any gratitude if they are out for money.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Nov 18 at 2016 9:14 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 09:14:48 -0500

I've heard lots of stories from panhandlers and me attempting to help without giving them cash. Most panhandlers in my view are acting for cash. Americans are a generous people, especially to the down and out and they are taking advantage of that. We used to have a Mayor in Dallas (Democrat) that would drive around in her car and stop and ask the panhandlers why they were not in the new state of the art homeless shelter Dallas just built with taxpayer money. She formed much the same conclusion 70-75% of them, just wanted cash to spend on items other than food or shelter.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 18 at 2016 9:28 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 09:28:54 -0500

Honestly, it upsets me because I'm seeing more and more panhandlers in my town. My heart honestly goes out to anyone who is truly in need, but seeing people trying to con others really bothers me.

I saw one guy sitting on the corner of an off ramp with a cup in hand and a sign that said Need Work on it. All he would do is wait for the red light, then go car to car asking for money. When the light turned green, he'd go back to the end of the street and wait for the new batch of suckers. The thing that really pissed me off is he was doing this just outside the business district where there's 100+ different businesses from the fast food places to the big supercenters. You can't tell me that no one is hiring right before the biggest holiday sales push in this country. If he walked up and down the street, he probably could have nailed down at least 2 or 3 jobs.

Then I've got another one where this woman will sit right outside Walmart with a sign saying she's stranded and needs money to get home. She just sits there talking on her cellphone with her dog in hand to prey on people's sympathies. She doesn't want a ride... just money. It's honestly infuriating.

I did encounter someone who was genuinely in need. He was asking for any help that could be given. I offered him a pack of oreos I had on me and a Gatorade and he graciously accepted.

Beggars can't be choosers and that's typically how you can tell the difference between the ones who genuinely need help and those that just prey on the sympathy of others. No one can fault you for wanting to help your fellow man. I refuse to give money on principle, but food, clothing, toys, and my time I will always give because you know they will be used by those truly in need.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 18 at 2016 9:35 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 09:35:13 -0500

That event is played out most every week between me and a Austin Tx "Homeless Vet" holding a sign... one of hundreds (thousands???) in liberal Austin texas on a street corner, stop light, end of a bridge.. wating to show you there "Im a vet, please help" and said help in the form of drink or food is refused (most times, not always)

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 10:19 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 10:19:53 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig, I would have done the same thing. Sounds like he was looking for something more than food.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 11:09 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 11:09:10 -0500

Hi, CSM Uhlig.

I’ve seen the “homeless and hungry” signs a lot, and I realize that people will sometimes use that as a crutch to get money instead of food. I’ve never seen a sign for “homeless and sober” or “homeless and need a hit.” But I try to take a higher path and assume that if I give them a few dollars they will really use it to eat. I imagine a lot didn’t do that, that drugs or booze will hold off whatever pains they have: cold, hunger, or bad health. Am I enabling their habit? Maybe, but it’s not up to me to judge. At that moment, there is someone standing in front of me in pain.

My wife and I would pass the same intersection daily on the way to see family in the hospital a few years ago. There was always someone there looking for food or money. We started making lunch bags for them; something that didn’t spoil or need a can opener to get into. They never turned it down, and were always very appreciative. One guy dropped his sign right there in the median, sat down, and started eating.

But if he’s going to panhandle for whatever reason, he could at least try to be appreciative.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 18 at 2016 11:15 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 11:15:33 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig I ran into this quite often in California over the last several years and when I offered food and they turned it down, then I called them out. Those who are truly homeless will not turn down a good meal. Those who are panhandling for money and just aren't working will. I had one refuse some food that offered, I called them out, took off around the block, watch them leave and get into a very nice car. PanHandling has become very prevalent in many areas and you need to be cautious of it. The truly homeless are lving on the streets in downtown San Diego in box shelters and they are going to places that offer hot meals and a place to stay when it gets a little chilly or its raining (not often in San Diego, CA). I've got no issue calling them out of they refuse good quality food and just want money - that's my two cents on the post Michael!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 18 at 2016 1:04 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 13:04:52 -0500

My reaction differs, depending on how close they are standing to a "Help Wanted" sign....

Response by PO3 Michael Sheppard made Nov 18 at 2016 1:20 PM

PO3 Michael Sheppard — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 13:20:32 -0500

I have stopped and talked to homeless vets and verified info before giving them money or food. If i smell alcohol its usually food i offer. Vets ive giving information about local VA and shelter.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Nov 18 at 2016 2:38 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 14:38:15 -0500

The teens at our church routinely make 'mana bags' with basics such as soap, toothpaste, a pair of socks, energy bar; baby wipes, energy drink, razors, etc and sell them for $5 as a fundraiser. We keep several in the car and will offer them to panhandlers on corners at lights, etc. They have always been accepted which makes me think the people were probably honest to a degree.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 18 at 2016 3:13 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 15:13:35 -0500

Based on your recounting of this encounter and his responses to your offers of a wrapped and fresh sandwich I believe you did exactly what you should have CSM Michael J. Uhlig.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 6:34 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:34:12 -0500

Personally I think you are better off donating to a charity house or homeless shelter (money better spent). I have actually ran into the same scenario they didn't want the food but would take money.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 18 at 2016 10:25 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 22:25:56 -0500

We have a mix of truly homeless and destitute with professional panhandlers here in Colorado Springs. There are some who,look like they are truly outdoors and others that look like they just came from the gym. I struggle with helping vs enabling.

My Dad used to roam Boston early on Sunday morning with his camera. He often did what you did CSM Michael J. Uhlig , with similar results. You are the better person in the end.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 10:57 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 22:57:31 -0500

15 years ago, I drove by someone all the time... said homeless... bought them a meal from McDonalds on way home from work... person threw bag in ground and stompedon It... I was an A1C. To this day I question and monitor them... now and then I will hand someone I am sure of a bottle of water and whatever I may have in hand food wise... never money

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 18 at 2016 10:57 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 22:57:44 -0500

@CSM Michael J. Uhlig Cut sling and move out while eating the sandwich!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 2:29 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 02:29:32 -0500

I would have done the same thing as you did. I once had my wife and our two sons who were just 12 and 10 years old at that time. A guy holding a sign in the middle of the road saying he was hungry and his family was hungry too! I asked him if he was a veteran and he answered yes. So I asked him what branch of service and when did he served. He didn't want to answer so I looked at him and said you are a disgrace to men period. Go take a f..cling hike. My wife and sons were shocked that I said that. After the fact I just got back from Desert Shield and Desert Storm with the 1st MarDiv HQ CO., HQBN. Go figure!

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Nov 21 at 2016 6:34 AM

SFC Daniel McIntire — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 06:34:02 -0500

Sergeant Major,
I would ignore him. Easy to do and I had an experience with my father dealing with someone who was "homeless, hungry and will work for food". My dad saw this man with a "work for food" sign; he decided to pick him up and take him to the house. Dad gave him water the had him move a pile of old tires from one corner of a shed to another. He had me keep an eye on him while dad went to fix him a sandwich. This man ask me for $5 dollars. I took him finish the job. Then he told me he was not going to take this shit. I told him to leave! When dad came back with the sandwich he asked me where was that man; a told him the situation. Dad jumped my but for not keeping him in place. In return I told my dad, he did not take anything, he did not get $5 (I had $15 in my pocket), and asked dad; "Did you really thing that guy was going to stay and finish that shit?" We had a good laugh, I moved the tires, and I got the $5 dad was going to give him. Karma!

Response by Sgt Don Park made Nov 22 at 2016 5:12 PM

Sgt Don Park — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 17:12:19 -0500

There was a time when I was a young NCO travelling through West Virginia. We stopped at a small truck stop. This man and family had apparently been there for 2 days and their vehicle had broken down. I was in line getting food for the family. The guy was asking people through the lines if they could possibly get one extra something for this family (4 kids and wife). The guy never asked me for whatever reason. He scurried back to where his family was I imagine feeling dejected. He did not receive anything from the people he asked. I bought 2 meals that day. One for my family and one for his. I carried it all to my table and got my family set and then approached the man with an arm full of food. I told him I bought extra for your family. He seamed truly shocked by what I had done and thanked me profusely. This was in the early 90's so there were no cell phones. He told me he was waiting for family to come from Georgia (if my memory serves). His family was expected the following day. We chatted for a short while then we went and ate.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2016 11:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 11:57:28 -0500

It swings both ways. I've seen homeless people with funny signs, and others who simply had a "tin cup" for change. I've seen the ones that are clearly genuinely hungry, and the ones who are really looking for quick cash for booze and/or drugs. Absolutely some need real help, and a shocking number of those are actually veterans, but there will always be a few that aren't worth your time.

I'll tell what my solution has been: I have a few "homeless help" kits I keep in the trunk, and offer them instead of food or money (pro tip: socks are a must for those kits, but are often overlooked). I've offered to take people to a nearby establishment and buy them a meal. I've offered to help drive someone to a shelter or somewhere else where they have a chance to be more productive. I've even helped someone get a clean shower and wash their clothes once so that they could go to an interview (took them to get a haircut too). What I won't do is offer money. Every now and then I get screamed at for not giving money, but typically the truly needy will be gracious for assistance in any form.

Response by MSgt Robert Kagel made Nov 24 at 2016 12:10 PM

MSgt Robert Kagel — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 12:10:04 -0500

There are so many panhandlers where I live, I've actually seen them do a shift change, change costumes and props, rifle through their collection of signs to work other angles, generally most of them are faking it.

Response by Sgt Karen Schleif made Dec 31 at 2020 7:43 PM

Sgt Karen Schleif — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 19:43:17 -0500

Maybe his sign should say "I'm lazy and just want you to give me your hard earned money"

Response by Sgt Karen Schleif made Dec 31 at 2020 10:34 PM

Sgt Karen Schleif — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 22:34:37 -0500

It is rumored that some cities in the Continental US were giving some of their homeless one way tickets to Hawaii. At least they don't freeze to death, and it's harder for them to go back. I find that the homeless here are generally appreciative and polite. Maybe the rude ones flew over from where ya'll live...