Homeless encounter

[Parts]

Today I had an encounter with a homeless guy.  I had been driving back from picking up materials when the load shifted and I had to stop and wait for my brother to come and get the materials I picked a beach/church parking lot.  While there waiting with my dog I was approached by a guy who needed a jump start on his car and was parked on the other end of the lot. Figuring nothing would fall off in the lot I said sure and went over with the truck.  I almost always help people with jump starts as it is the thing to do and I would like people to help me.  So after about five minutes it was done he said thanks then began telling me how he was homeless had no gas and no money   Is it just me or was that kinda ballsy to ask right after I got his car going and asked nothing in return?

[Queen Victoria]

Yes

[Osensitive1]

Did his car look like he was living in it?

[Parts]

Did his car look like he was living in it?

After it was started he threw a bunch of laundry into the back of his pick up but then again My truck looks like I live in it

['andersom']

Did he ask for gas and money? Or was he 'just' telling about it?

Some people just start telling about the misery in their lives, because there is a friendly person around. Others use it to play you, in the hope to get material support. There is a difference, but sometimes very hard to tell, and even harder for us aspies.

[Parts]

He outright asked for money

['andersom']

He outright asked for money

Well, he wasn't beating around the bush then. Guess he thought he should try as far as he could, you had shown yourself helpful already.

[Eclair]

He outright asked for money

We have a lot of homeless people in the heart of our city. You won't get harassed for money all the time, but it's not unusual for it to happen. Usually 'have you got 50c I need to make a phone call' or 'do you have a smoke I could borrow'. I always say 'sorry, I don't have my purse on me'...

I would NEVER, EVER reach into my handbag or give anyone money. There are lots of places they can get food and I know this for a fact because I've volunteered regularly at them, so I don't feel bad.

Although, in America, I'm not sure, is there a minimum welfare payment that people get?

[Parts]

All homeless people are not on welfare most I would say are of the invisible type on no records at all.  He might have been but then again he could have come out of one of the nearby houses.  I was not watching.  My grip is that I jump started him something that would be about $50 at least if he called a garage I did it for free and and I do it whenever I see some one in trouble.  I with hel many ways but have little money to give

[P7PSP]

Mooches in my town like to accost people at gas stations. I never give them anything.

[Parts]

I always help people with jump starts or changing tires I rarely give money

[Eclair]

All homeless people are not on welfare most I would say are of the invisible type on no records at all.  He might have been but then again he could have come out of one of the nearby houses.  I was not watching.  My grip is that I jump started him something that would be about $50 at least if he called a garage I did it for free and and I do it whenever I see some one in trouble.  I with hel many ways but have little money to give

Some people are rude whether they are homeless or not. Maybe he just thought you were a nice guy and might lend him some money, so it was worth a shot if he was desperate.

Perhaps you feel put on the spot because you didn't have much money yourself, and felt that by not giving him any, somehow that showed that you didn't have much either. Like it was rude of him to ask because it made you feel uncomfortable about your own money circumstances?

I know I used to feel angry if I got asked for money because I was working my ass off to support a family, and here's this homeless person giving me attitude because I wouldn't give them money and making me feel like I'm being a bastard.

[jman]

I wouldn't have given money, however if I had a few bucks to spare, I would have followed him to the gas station, and put some gas in his truck, just enough so he could get to a homeless shelter.

I never give anyone money simply because I am afraid that wouldn't be used it for what it's intended for. (i.e. drugs, booze)

[jman]

Although, in America, I'm not sure, is there a minimum welfare payment that people get?

Welfare is very hard to obtain if you're a single person with no children, here in PA you need to have a disability that prevents from doing any kind of work in any capacity, and have less than $250 in assets including stocks, bonds, IRAs, 401k etc.

The amount you get is a pittance,In my county $97.50 every two weeks. And if you do happen to be employed or have any other income it cannot exceed $195 a month.

[El]

Welfare pays less than SSI does.  Here's the insane thing:  To get SSI (and frankly, i think perhaps also to get welfare, or so I've heard), you need to have an address.  So if you're homeless you're actually more SOL in terms of getting help from the government than if you have a home and are less needy.

The system's a wee bit fucked, no?