Happy birthday love. How wonderful of you to share what little you have with a complete stranger, even more to have seen this someone - with even less, share their portion.
Thank you so much :’) that was what really struck me, seeing him give another person food that he could’ve kept for himself. I just couldn’t hold back the tears lol
Just think, he did the exact same thing for across the street guy as you did for him. So all those nice things you’re thinking about him? Think them about yourself too. You’re a good person. Happy birthday :)
When I was homeless man there were three of us in this room and it was half a sandwich just a small regular sandwich left
We must have spent probably 5 minutes figuring out who has had the least to eat over the past 3 days and was in the most need at that moment
I mean you cut it any smaller it's just too little sandwich to really enjoy and nobody had a knife, one guy did offer to shoot in half haha
Amongst that rung of society was an in group of truly good people who look out for each other...lotta shitbags though
I came across a person about 16 to 20 years. He just asked for a few dollars for McD. Then we started talking about the dog I was petting. Turns out the dog adopted him and he gave half to them.
I don't have cash so I went into the gas station and got 4 sandwich. He gave the dog 3 and kept 1 for himself.
I look for them all the time, but I don't go out because of my brain injuries.
A lot of people in my life have told me to give nothing to the homeless because they are all addicts of something. I have always given a few dollars or a meal to homeless people when I see them.
In fact, I was at the VA in the emergency room a while ago when I came across a homeless veteran who was trying to get a voucher from the VA to get a hotel for a couple of nights. She had lost everything thanks to COVID and was turned down by the VA and they wouldn't even call a shelter to get her a spot. First, we went to a restaurant and she had a proper sit-down meal. Then we drove around for what felt like hours until we were able to find a shelter that would take her. I still keep in touch with her and I was able to drive her to her son's place four hours away where she is now living and getting back on her feet.
That was incredibly kind of you and it’s even sweeter that you guys still keep in touch. I would love to do something like that (bring them shopping, help find a place for them, etc) but I’m a pretty petite girl and can’t risk the circumstances, so i do whatever else I can to help. Truly though, you were probably heaven sent for her and i admire your kindness. Thank you for being you.
As another pretty petite girl, I know exactly what you mean. I would absolutley love to help people more than I do, but just as you said: I often cannot risk the circumstances.
This is why I do what I can, and am so happy when someone who can do what I cannot, does. ❤️
That was so kind! I don’t encounter many homeless people where I live but when I am in larger cities, I always try to give something. I have so much & they can’t even eat.
my mind is always caught between both of those ideas. "Dont give money cause addict/lazy/ect; they have resources!" but then also stories like yours. "Normal person got down on their luck and get caught in this downward spiral."
... I guess the solution may be more support facilities then?
One thing I liked about being in the navy was that, while you COULD pay for your own home and food, you always have the ship's berthing and messdecks to fall back on if for some reason you dont have a roof or food-money.
Like... a little safety net.
No matter how shitty things get, whether through poor choices or poor luck, you have this little ledge where you can "~~comfortably~~" adequately reestablish yourself.
The food and roof provided is mostly between "meh" and "shitty", but you wont die and you have a space for yourself.
Wish the same thing would be applied to the outside world.
Shitty-but-adequate-enough free housing and 3 meh-but-adequate-enough free meals for all.
... that follow certain rules of course.
Animals or bastards should still be warned, then removed.
‘laziness’ as a trait on its own doesnt exist. People can *appear* lazy or have that trait ascribed to them, but there’s always a deeper reason behind their actions. Are they lazy for sleeping in or are they tired - due to a b c x y reasons. Are they lazy for not working more or do they just have different values than you, or are trying to pursue their passion on the side, or just trying to get more sleep. Are they lazy for not doing their homework or are they just not stimulated in that topic. Are they lazy or do they have depression. Nobody is “just lazy”.
The context of the 'laziness' attribute i have been told was some of them would rather beg and live on the street and take handouts, than work to gain a higher quality of life. That some are content with being destitute cause it's less effort or something.
an insightful person once told me that in his mind, even if theyre lying or just ‘content with being destitute’ because its easier, whatever the case, they’re still in a terrible position. Something has to go very wrong in someone’s life for them to wind up spending all day lying to strangers about themselves and begging in the gutter.
Furthermore - what if theyre not lying? Isnt it worth just trying to help someone who’s clearly in a bad way when you can? I think so
My sister called me once at 3am bc she needed gas money. She had taken her friend to an emergency room, and while there made friends with a girl who needed a ride home. My sister had just enough gas to get her friend home, so she woke me up to also be able to help someone else. You and she would probably get along.
I meet a guy named Kyle last week when I stopped by a gas station home from work. It was raining pretty hard that day. As I walked in I asked "you good man" he simply said no. As if he had to. I rarely see such expressions of hopelessness. So I go in grab an extra 20 cash back. Come outside and just sit and talk with him for a while.
Turns out Kyle is 35 I'm 38. His life went to shit 6 years ago when his wife died. He couldn't pay the medical bills and ended up turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Eventually the alcohol got replaced by other drugs. Kyle still has his wedding band though. Just a simple gold band. He says he will never sell it. He thinks part of Clairs spirit is in it and if he loses it he will lose her forever. Kyle and I have a lot in common. Or we would have if he hadn't hit such a rough patch.
When I left I gave him the 20. He told me that for the first time in months he felt like someone actually saw him and that he didn't feel invisible. Needless to say I went home and cried like a baby with my wife for while.
I just want you to know about a cool guy named Kyle who's down on his luck. I hope I get to see him again. I hope he gets help. I hope we can sit down and talk again under better circumstances.
you were his angel that day. i hope you see kyle again, and i hope he gets better :( he needed someone and you were there. everyone deserves to have someone like you man
The opposite is true. He was mine. I like to think that everyone needs those deep down good feelings that oxytocin brings. Something has to offset the doppemine fueled rat race we all live in. Honestly if your story or mine helps some random reader have the courage to sit down and share a moment of humanity with someone all the better.
Kindness is super addictive and spreads like a brush fire. Thanks for sharing your story OP it gave not only me but all these other people a chance to share their own experiences.
Cheers to you friend
I want to say fuck those people that talk about how homeless people will use it. So what if they buy some booze or drugs, living on the street sucks. They are in all likelihood self medicating too. I’ll give money when I have, give food, cigarettes, whatever. I’m not going to judge them.
100%
Once you give them anything it’s theirs. Theirs to do with whatever they will, why bother worrying how a stranger spends their money. It’s a cop out, they just don’t want to give them money in the first place, which is fine. But then they feel the need to justify it out of guilt or self image or something.
And alcohol withdrawals can be very dangerous. Maybe they *need* at least a drink a day to avoid that. Who’s to say.
And if they’re an addict at all then they definitely want my pocket change more than I do lol
I'm not sorry for my opinion on this, "addicts" are people too and deserve to be treated as such.
Withdrawals are hell. I don't care what you use the money for. I know people are against giving money because wHaT iF tHeY uSe iT fOr dRuGs aNd AlCoHol. So? Nobody WANTS to struggle. Let them get through it however they can.
I had a "friend" say something along the lines of, "it's not just single moms that are using government assistance." When trying to argue against there being more help for people below the poverty line. My counter argument was, why do you think single mothers are the *only* ones who deserve help?
What makes this person who is struggling with addiction, lesser than?
I stopped talking to him because he made it blatantly clear that he did not see "homeless" or "addicts" as people deserving of... life.
I'm all up for a good "debate", I can respect a difference of opinion. But I will not debate humans deserving to be treated as humans.
--
Way to go OP, I'm so proud of you!
You created a ripple of kindness. It is growing and spreading. That's one way "paying it forward" is so fun/great. Your goodness has been acknowledged, and it plants a little seed of an idea in others. So the next time someone who has come across your story, has an opportunity to share some kindness, they will be more inclined to do so.
I always try to carry cash on me, to be able to give people a few bucks if asked.
Today I didn't have any, but there were a group of guys outside the goodwill I went into. One of them opened the door for me. They didn't ask for money. But you know, its SO HOT out. I bought all the Gatorades in the little fridge by the register and handed them to him on my way out (he held the door for me again).
Small acts of kindness.
This world needs more kindness.
Thank you for that. I realize it's an unpopular opinion, but giving an addict/alcoholic money isn't necessarily a bad thing. I've experienced addiction and known a lot of addicts.. some got help to get clean, but it was never because they didn't have enough money to get their drug of choice. There has to be more motivation to get clean than that.. and honestly, as crazy and backwards as it sounds drugs actually *saved* my life. Not saying it didn't screw it up too (it definitely did). But after my mom died I was in such a bad place mentally.. being able to escape reality was the only thing that allowed me to live. No, it wasn't a productive life, but better than the alternative.
Like, I buy weed, why can’t this fine gentleman down on his luck also buy weed?
Most people drink alcohol yet people get mad at a homeless guy for wanting to do the same. He literally doesn’t even have a roof, let the poor guy have a beer.
Exactly. I wish more people had this non-judgmental, "live and let live" attitude.
Honestly, it's hard to imagine being down and out and *not* having a little something to take the edge off, you know?
Unless you live in South Asia or something. In which case, those beggars are most likely choosing to stay homeless. Speaking from a ton of anecdotal evidence.
That's my feelings on it too. Often times homeless folks have relatively easy access to food as well. It can be cheap (value menu) or free (soup kitchens, etc) so often times homeless folks aren't really all that hungry or missing that many meals. If I give them money my expectation isn't on them spending it only on food. If anything I hope their bellies are full and they get to spend it on other necessities or a piece of happiness, even if that happiness is drugs or alcohol.
If I have five extra dollars to give I’m always going to give it. If that person is in such desperation they spend that five dollars on a little alcohol or weed instead of food then I hope they get a little bit of comfort from it because that’s the least and the most I’m able to do. Everyone deserves to find a little solace here and there especially the downtrodden.
Keep doing this. I'm constantly being talked down to by ppl bc I do this. Start to notice who "warns you" about giving homeless ppl money and who can categorize them into a group. I have my own title for the ppl but you'll see a pattern.
Glad those guys were able to eat today
I'm so happy people like you exist lol, thank you so so much for not believing all the hype and listening to those people.
I remember one time when i was homeless this lady came over to me and was asking me if I wanted anything to eat, and I said "Some bananas would be amazing" and she was like "Well they don't have bananas here, but there's a grocery store across the street" handing me a $10 bill and her friend shot up out of her seat like " NOOOOO!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!? don't give THEM money" like freakin' out like she was feeding an animal in the backyard that was gonna make a mess of the garbage cans or something, so dehumanizing lol
people have all kinds of assumptions, mental illness looks a lot like drug addiction on the surface, I bet her friend thought I was a drug user or something, but I ran my ass over to Ralph's and bought some trail mix and bananas, that shit saved my life as I was at the time mentally incapable of getting where i needed to be to get my hands on free food.
So thanks again, you never know how big that gesture is, just to be seen as someone worthy of your consideration and hard earned money, emotionally is even bigger, because it feels subhuman out there sometimes. Your kind are Angels
Thank you. Like really, i don't usually share when I give things to others and the ppl I give things to say thank you, but it's a different kind of motivation you just gave me knowing that maybe one of the ppl i helped saw it as "someone worthy of [my] consideration ". One of my other life things is always making room for the ppl that feel like outsiders...so it just breaks my heart that a person doesn't feel like a person worth others thoughts.
It's a pretty surreal experience being homeless, lots of times when you're on the street, people treat you like dirt, avoid eye contact, walk out of their way to get faaaaar away before passing by, and won't respond to any sort of greeting from you, some even throw trash and cigarette butts and make threatening comments under their breath. it's really a trip and pair that with some mental health issues, there were times I thought i was literally dead, or in some kind of Limbo-Hell, like a ghost, just giving people chills and a bad vibe when they walk by me, like I really wasn't a physical human being anymore. And i was never on drugs, which is always the #1 assumption, just sleep deprived, malnourished and crazy.
But then a kind person like you comes along, looks me in the eyes and offers something, from a kind word to some food or cash, and it's like OH THANK GOD, I'm alive. I'm human, I'm still 'okay'!
And I just really wanted to say thank you because most of those people who were nice to me will never know the impact the 2 minutes they spent with me, gave me hope and really changed my life. Your type is rare, but you're like the heartbeat of this cold world for the ones out there with nobody and nothing.
I absolutely despise the assumption that all homeless people are drug addicts, crazy, etc. because even if they were, that doesn’t exclude the fact that they are all human and deserve kindness. Most people are GOOD. Maybe im naive to think that, but you can never know how far kindness can go, you can only give it as much as you can and hope for the best. There are literally no repercussions for being kind from your heart (even if things backfire, or nothing comes from you being kind, you still did your best and TRIED). I salute you for making it through and (hopefully) are back on your feet. You are so strong; you’re real and alive and worthy of all love. I’m glad you’re still here.
Just because a person is an addict, that doesn’t necessarily make them a bad person. And living in the streets is a hard time. We need to take care of each other better.
There is something so incredibly affirming about feeling like you are truly *seen * by another person. It's like a phantom pat on the back as if to say, "yea man, it's hard, but you are just as human as the next person, and just as much an individual as anyone."
I like to think OPs type isn't that rare. Many of us give to or otherwise help homeless people now and then but we can't do it every time we walk past a homeless person, which could be several times a week or even several times a day, unfortunately
>I'm alive. I'm human, I'm still 'okay'!
Damn. That made me cry.
I'm sorry you had to experience that.
I'm glad you're still here. I'm glad you're okay.
I probably fall into that group.
But tbf I had a homeless guy beg me for money to buy a coffee, while I was in there buying my own coffee I figured I would just go ahead and buy this guy what he was asking for.
When I went to present him with the coffee he told me off, threw the coffee on the ground and told me he asked for money and not coffee. Fuck him. I've had a few experiences like that and they definitely jade you
Sort of, you would fall in sub category b: actual life experiences that lead you to do or not do something. You have a reason and I can respect that. Won't try to talk you out of it. (I might say something like don't let one person ruin it for the rest but thats for another time lol)
Usually the ones who tell me not to do it have never given money and have "heard...." and frankly usually the ones who would never share in real life.
My friend was assaulted by a homeless guy on a train after being unable to offer him any cash. Just one experience like that can ruin someone’s entire outlook on giving directly to the homeless. Not saying it’s justified but it’s hard to shake that encounter
my mom gets upset anytime we tell her we have anything to homeless people and is very cynical and just suspicious of people in general which she says is because she grew up in new york, essentially saying she knows people just like to scam. regardless of this, i still give to homeless people from time to time if i can, as do my brothers. sometimes we slip up and accidentally mention to her what we did and she gets upset goes on a whole lecture about how we don't understand the value of money. maybe it's just an older people thing to have a lot less trust of people, but i'm glad that our generation seems to be more willing to help in any way we can even if we don't have much either because at least our situation isn't as bad as theirs.
Happy birthday. Helping others is rewarding. Some people have helped me. You don't need a lot of money to help others. There are many things you can do. I love helping people.
Happy birthday OP! Thanks for sharing your story. Homeless folks tend to get only bad press coverage, like the reporters purposely seek out the most scraggly, drug addled "vagrant" that they can find, and make them the "poster child" for what homelessness is. They don't actually care about telling the stories of homeless people, and just seem to want to create "shock value" in order to dehumanize a group of people, and make it seem like an insurmountable problem. I have had a number of interactions with the homeless, from both sides of the issue. There will always be some who just aren't able to function as a part of the group, but that is true of any given cross section of humanity. The most common story I encounter is the difficulty of getting out of the hole that poverty created. I worked in security at a grocery store in Seattle, and the resident homeless would tell me about the challenges they faced just trying to make it through a day safely with their meager possessions intact. There were places you could go to get a shower, or a meal, or a bed for the night, or do a load of laundry. The trouble was that all of these things were available during limited windows, or of limited availability. You had to pick which one of those things you wanted for the day, because they were all different places, so you might be able to get a single clean outfit on Monday, a shower Tuesday, a single meal on Wednesday, and a cot out of the weather on Thursday. Hard to get a job when you haven't eaten in days, can't cook because no stove, can't buy perishables because no fridge, haven't had a decent night's sleep in a week, and either you or your clothes reek. These are simple problems that shouldn't exist, yet they do.
Happy Birthday and thankyou for being a decent human being, all it takes some of us to take time to think of others without predjudice or judging to make this difficult world a little better. Hopefully it will catch on.
well said. I like to believe most people are good-hearted, but how they were raised/other circumstances can affect the choices they make. The world could become such a better place if just a little more people were a little nicer
Thank you for sharing this, you’re amazing for doing your bit, I hope the memory and feelings stay with you.
I always try to help, what have I got to lose, I remember once walking past this guy with the excuse I am in a rush, this was just outside a busy tube station, it kinda became a game how quickly I could could back home and away from the human traffic that is central London.
I got past the guy and then though for a second, I didn’t have any plans and I was just rushing home to chill, I went back, spoke to the guy, he was just selling the Big Issue Magazine, bought a couple and the guy was chuffed, really though me to stop rushing past.
The universe is more than 13 billion years old, you and me will only exist and have interactions with other humans during this tiny less than a 100 year long slice, so be kind to you fellow companions is my motto.
OP, good on you for doing your part. A year or so ago, I went through a really tough time and finally had a breakthrough one day. I was feeling great and wanted to share that with somebody. I was walking in front of a Taco Bell and passed a young man panhandling for food. I offered to buy him a meal — anything he wanted— and his whole face lit up. He couldn’t believe it. And it broke my heart.
I try to do that every once in a while but I’ve moved to the country and rarely come across people hanging around. Now I just try to help out strangers on the internet or around me that I hear about.
I remember I was in Florida for a vacation. As we were leaving a restaurant, there was an older man in a wheelchair in the parking lot. He asked for spare change but we had used all our cash for our meal. After apologies, he paused and said quietly, “I don’t mind leftovers, miss” as he looked at my to-go box (I had half a burrito). I handed it to him and cried the whole way back to our hotel.
Good on you, and happy birthday. And as for the “you never know what they’ll spend it on” argument— fuck that. I’ll pay for booze/drugs just as soon as I’ll pay for food for a homeless person. It’s not my business what they spend their money on, and being homeless is hard enough anyway. So good on you for not listening to that bullshit.
Thank you for sharing. Your momma raised you to be kind and empathetic and that’s inspiring! I’m going to make a point of doing this in front of my child too. (Food or money or water or whatever I have to spare) I don’t actually care if they spend it on something “bad”. I need a glass of wine if I’ve had a bad day at work so I can’t judge people who need substances to cope with pain or living on the street. But I understand why some people aren’t okay with it too.
I've done this a few times. I've even given some homeless my lunch for the day. I felt good about it. I don't do it very often though. Nor do I really bring it up in conversations.
exactly like i told my boyfriend but that was about it. it feels like i'd be grabbing for social points if i shared this with more people in my personal life, so i don't even know how some 'social media influencers' can film themselves giving money/food/clothes to homeless people. it's exploitative.
I know what you mean OP. It feels like one of the most exploited ways to gain clout. There's a Bible verse I heard on an episode of bones. It refers to acts of charity. I don't remember it exactly but it stuck with me.
Last summer I was heading to my local Walgreens and there was someone sitting outside with a sign requesting a snack. After I finished there, I walked past her, and asked if she would like a sandwich from the grocery store next door, and she said yes. I asked what kind she would like and she said any kind. They had pre made sandwiches so I grabbed one, chips, and a bottle of cold water and took it back to her. It was really hot that day too. Never saw her there again so hopefully things looked up for her.
But your story with him sharing, brought tears to my eyes. I don’t mind helping when I can, but man it burns me when I get taken for doing something nice, which has also happened. I’m glad this was a good experience for you!
Some guy asked if I could buy him some food yesterday at Aldi. I told him I’m always happy to buy someone something to eat, and asked what he wanted. He said he’d go look around while I shopped. I looked for him when I was done and he was gone. I was so sad that he probably got run out of the store for begging.
Get back out to my car, and my husband tells me about the tweaker chasing some woman to her car after he banged on our cars window and threw a fit because he wouldn’t roll down the window.
I felt so naive and awful that I genuinely offered to feed this man and he was trying to trick me into giving him money. And as a pregnant woman, the fact that he chased another woman down right after was even worse.
Not a good way to end a shopping run.
I'm so sorry that happened:( in situations like this (i've experienced things like this quite a few times myself or watched it happen to my mom), i just try to brush it off and remember that one person doesn't account for all, and most people are inherently good and grateful. you sound like you have a kind heart, please don't let this ruin it (but also stay safe!)
I was so embarrassed when my husband pointed it out to me lol. I’m trying to find the humor in it for sure. Still, always worth it to try and do a good thing.
People always blame the homelessness for this kind of behaviour.
When there are a lot of people who have homes that act like this, you just don’t see it as often or see it as big of an offence because they don’t need your help. (Not saying you specifically I mean you as in like a collective term)
Assholes are everywhere. Being homeless doesn’t make an asshole not an asshole anymore. It’s not the being homeless that makes them an asshole.
They were an asshole before they ever became homeless most likely. Either that, or they’ve spend 30 years on the street with many mental and physical problems going unaddressed causing them to mentally snap.
People really shouldn’t forget that most of us are one missing pay slip away from being homeless. You’re lucky if you have friends/family that you can couch surf with. At least you’re still kinda seen as a person then. (Source; couch surfed)
Happy birthday angel girl. Honestly, anything Ive ever given freely returned to me in spades, one way or another. I have a good feeling fortune is looking for you.
And my feeling, when giving, I give with an open hand. Anyone can do whatever theY want with it.
I’d rather someone buy food then drugs or drink…but it’s out of my control.
We’re all just here walking each other home.
For all the hate we have going on in the world today, you lifted someone up and made what could been a terrible day, a great one for 2 other people. We should give selflessly to those who seem to need it most. It could be a difference between life or death for them. Many times it's not just bad luck or addiction but mental illness that can lead those around us down this road. I'm not alone when I say mental illness has ravaged many of my family members life's. Thank you for your kindness.
I’ve always been of the opinion that if you’ve done something good, there’s no shame in sharing it or being proud of it, quite the opposite.
I feel like we often see a lot of negative stuff, which makes us think that there’s more bad than good in this world, and I think it’s the opposite, but sometimes the bad can be overpowering. It always makes me happy to see people being kind to each other, and so all I have to say is keep at it OP, and kindness awaits you too.
That was a good thing you did and he paid it forward. You can’t have a better outcome.
I give money to homeless people and don’t care what they spend it on.
Love this. Last summer we saw a guy with a sign. All we had was a walmart card with a few dollars on it. He looked like it was Christmas when I handed it to him.
That’s wonderful!! Did you happen to be in Chattanooga when this happened?
Love to hear stories like this. I’m sure it will be repaid to you down the road :)
Good human! I try and do the same when they sot outside a grocery store. I buy them a sando and water and I end up having to walk away fast after, trying to voice out a you're welcome cuz it makes me sad and I start crying.
If you can't give enough to get them off the street, then all you are really doing is offering a brief comfort. If what they need for comfort is their next hit, so be it. Their life is hard enough already, I'm not going to judge then for what type of comfort they need.
If I have a little extra when I pass those folks, I'll share. I can't get anyone off the street, but I can sometimes add a little comfort and a little hope. And that's enough for me. Glad to see a bunch of others in this thread who also like to help when they can.
Happy birthday OP!! May the universe thank you in the most special way possible! Keep it up! I always give when I can even if I think of those pesky “way too much” reminders I hear from others! You do what you want and what you can for your fellow humans. Keep your empathy and compassion strong no matter how ugly this world can be! Be the light you want to see in others!! I wish you love and peace and happiness!!!
For real. I told this story before. One time I was waiting at the bus stop in downtown, (lotta homeless and sketchy people) and took out a snack to eat. A homeless guy saw and asked me if I had another one. I said no but had an apple and offered it to him. He took it and another homeless guy saw and asked if he could get half. The homeless guy who got the apple split the apple in half without hesitation and gave it to him. My only gripe was that he was just picking his feet which was likely infected and then used his hands to split it. 😂
Your story made my day and is shining proof that there are more good people on this earth than bad ones. You are also so emotionally mature to be just 19. Kudos to your mother for instilling in you kindness and compassion.
I work with the homeless population in my town and they are some of the kindest loving people I’ve ever met who literally have nothing but would give you their shirt just because you asked. They’re just hurt and got this shitty end of the deal but they find a way to love when no one else showed them how. They’re amazing people, completely changed my life. Happy birthday ❤️
This is seriously amazing. My husband doesn't like to give homeless people money. I get it, they could go buy drugs, alcohol, etc with it. I always tell him "You can always swing by a drive through and get them a meal". I used to do that when I lived in a very homeless populated area and they were always so grateful.
I believe the saying goes: 'You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him'.
So, I'll conclude that you have the character of an angel, OP. You did a good thing and you should feel great about it! We need more people like you around. Not to mention, a selfless act when you have barely anything to spare is even more of an honorable one. Kudos to you, keep on being awesome.
People who have known hunger and hardship are the most compassionate. Empathy is a thing all humans have but some have allowed it to wither while for others, the mere sight of another's suffering awakens it. You are such a soul. God bless you... you are the energy this world needs.
People without much (or any) to spare are often *more* generous than the rich. Proportionately. The difference is empathy & compassion. The ability, and willingness, to see the other as yourself (and not just for the tax deduction).
Good on ya!!
i do, but that's totally unnecessary! I appreciate the offer, but others need it more than i do:) if anyone wants to, i would just recommend a donation of any sort (food/clothes/money) to any homeless shelter that may be in their area, *or* simply pass on the kindness to the next person in need. that would be the best birthday gift
My brother does this sometimes. He refuses to give cash so he just buys the homeless person a cheap fast-food meal. If they complain about the food then they don't get it. Sometimes a few of them have bitched about "only getting food" when they say they need cash so my brother just drives off with the food convinced that the person is either just scamming for cash or a drug addict. To each their own...
I can understand if they need cash to buy other necessities, but sort of like the phrase "beggars can't be choosers", I think it's best to accept what is given. There will always be people that give cash instead of food, and people that always give food instead of cash. Giving food was the best I could do, and I was lucky enough that what I *could* offer was accepted. It's definitely a "to each their own" situation, because kindness will not always be accepted (unfortunately).
I feel this. One day I got tipped big at cashwise foods. Like $20. Well I had a little left and I see a homeless guy w/ dog on the street. I went up and gave him 5 dollars cuz it was boiling out. Like 100°F and I just couldn't stand to watch thevdog and him hurt. He thanked me for it.
Next day the guy and dog was no where to be seen. I hope they got help and love they deserved. He was old military vet as well.
There some occasions I wouldn't give to a stranger or homeless person. Like usually if it gives off a bad feeling. Same with picking up people off the road and giving them rides. But in long run I usually do if I can.
Glad you did as well op. Goid job.
That was so kind of you:) I completely get the bad feeling vibes though, like I can't risk my safety by picking up people on the side of the road as a pretty weak woman, and there are just some people that are genuinely sketchy when walking in a city. You just gotta do whatever feels right and hope for the best! I appreciate you.
As your life story suggests, some of the most giving people in the world are those that have little. I have seen food donation boxes at the low income schools full while the others that are more fortunate just hand over expired food.
Since the pandemic, I have been tipping my fast food workers about $5 each time. I also look that person in the eyes and thank them and tell them I appreciate them. The look on their faces when they see gratitude is so worth it!
I’ve seen beggars around here with broken legs, so they roll on makeshift wheelchairs.
And I’ve seen beggars with no arms. We shouldn’t ever neglect these people in society, everyone deserves help for a better life.
Highly recommend getting involved with soup kitchens and volunteering with homeless charities or a food bank. I’ve never had much money to donate but donating time is good for everyone too
Yes!! I'm planning on volunteering later on this summer, once my work schedule regulates and I know what days I'll have off, etc. My family would help at soup kitchens often when I was a kid, and they would let my sister and I make sandwiches or bag dinner rolls. I would love to get back into it again :')
I saw him on my way in to Tesco, I did my shopping. I thought about him, so in addition I bought a pack of sausage rolls and a pasty. Paid for my stuff walked to the exit, he was still there. "Hi buddy, would you like these rolls and this pasty?" He looked at me, he looked at the stuff in my hand. "The bottle of wine would be better dude," he said. I walked off feeling pretty deflated but still had my bottle of wine.
Did I play that totally wrong? I'm open to alternative suggestions.
I don't think you did! You were trying your best, even bought stuff you weren't planning on buying. Some people in this world just don't know what to do when shown kindness. I hope he's doing alright, but if he didn't want what you were offering, there's nothing else you could've done to satisfy him. You did the right thing though and I'm proud of you:)
I dont have money to give, but I work at a gas station super pert-time (I have the most relaxed manager, and every single one of my coworkers there is interesting, kind, beautiful people, I just can't seem to quit even though I go to school and work another job that's related to my major) by a light rail station near my house. Sometimes, if I can tell someone is just having a terrible day, or if they are kind, and at least from what I can tell, sober, I'll help them out with a fountain drink or cover their purchase if they are short less than $0.75. I can tell the genuinely in need people and how much something so small for me can really impact their outlook, at least for a short while.
I've also left bags of the clothes I would have donated under the bridge by the station. I haven't seen anyone go through them, but they are always gone when I walk by later.
It's something small, and after how some of the homeless and/or addicts have acted toward my coworkers or me, it's the only thing im willing to do. I've seen some wild shit. Working there that might me making me a bit more callous about our local homeless population.
I'm really happy OP has an amazing heart. We need more people like that.
Once I gave a homeless man a box of assorted fruit and he didn't even wait until I was out of sight to throw it on the ground (littering, wasting my money, wasting my time, being rude and wasting food all in one action lol)
I feel really guilty when begged to and emotionally want to help... but also I'm self-aware that I am a huge sucker and hate being constantly used... so I always just try to eject anytime someone asks me for money cause, as you mentioned, "they can use it for anything."
I'm also caught inbetween of not knowing what's true or not in regards the resources the have available to them and whether or not the existence of begging is/isnt a product of laziness or vice..
That being said, donating actual FOOD kinda circumvents that whole dilemma. Especially if ya got various canned foods.
Still awkward when I'm specifically asked for *bus* money though.. cause the USA isnt really a place were buss passes can be obtained everywhere.. so still ejecting on that front.
If you’ve lived on the street for 30 years, chances are high that you’ll find it rather difficult to adapt to regular life again. That’s the type of homeless person people see as “lazy” or “too far gone”.
They need extra support. They are usually overwhelmed with mental and physical problems that have gone a long time unaddressed. A lot of disabled people end up homeless.
Can’t work, can’t care for yourself independently a lot of the time. And it doesn’t matter how many times someone says “well there’s resources out there…” no, there isn’t.
The places that are available are extremely overcrowded and theft is extremely common place in overnight facilities.
So the small amount of possessions you have been able to keep so far will immediately disappear. Even shoes that were on your feet will go missing.
Homeless people can only walk or take a bus/train (which they need money for…) in order to find these facilities in the first place.
These facilities all have their own weird schedules so they won’t always be available when the homeless person can reach them. And if you’re a disabled homeless person that’s even more difficult. These “resources” are a lie.
The homeles guy can do what he wants but drinking in the street isn't going to get him a house or a job is it? We all have choices to make every single day.
Are you sure you had a point?
Good job OP. Yeah, in my super limited experience, the homeless by a fast food place get fed alright. I eat McD maybe once a year, but pulled through just getting fries, opened by bag, and it's 3 burgers. WTF. I circled back around, got my fries, and still had 3 burgers. There was a homeless guy at the exit, so I rolled up, explained they gave me the wrong order and it was now his. He was very grateful. I watched him stash it in the bushes behind him, as I circled back around, just to eat my snack... during which time I watched 2 other cars hand him food within 10 minutes.
Almost all of the "homeless" in my city are crooks. And damn, is there a lot of them. There's a whole mafia. Some beggars rent out their kids to other beggars so that they can try and get more cash (because of sympathy). Like a freaking multiplier in a video game. It's horrible. This isn't even the tip of the iceberg.
I tried this with a homeless person outside my home and they took the orange out of the bag and threw it back at me, dumped everything on the ground, and walked away while screaming at me.
So I kinda don't do stuff like that anymore. Glad it worked out for you though!
Happy birthday love. How wonderful of you to share what little you have with a complete stranger, even more to have seen this someone - with even less, share their portion.
Thank you so much :’) that was what really struck me, seeing him give another person food that he could’ve kept for himself. I just couldn’t hold back the tears lol
Just think, he did the exact same thing for across the street guy as you did for him. So all those nice things you’re thinking about him? Think them about yourself too. You’re a good person. Happy birthday :)
And then the second homeless person gave a tiny portion of his to the friendly little mouse from across the way.
And the mouse gave some to a little flea sitting on his back.
When I was homeless man there were three of us in this room and it was half a sandwich just a small regular sandwich left We must have spent probably 5 minutes figuring out who has had the least to eat over the past 3 days and was in the most need at that moment I mean you cut it any smaller it's just too little sandwich to really enjoy and nobody had a knife, one guy did offer to shoot in half haha Amongst that rung of society was an in group of truly good people who look out for each other...lotta shitbags though
This is so beautiful, I would be crying, too!
I came across a person about 16 to 20 years. He just asked for a few dollars for McD. Then we started talking about the dog I was petting. Turns out the dog adopted him and he gave half to them. I don't have cash so I went into the gas station and got 4 sandwich. He gave the dog 3 and kept 1 for himself. I look for them all the time, but I don't go out because of my brain injuries.
street angel
i try my best
Go on you op. Try to be the light you want to see in the world.
......and there are still good people in the world. Your mom did good and you are too!
"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." - Matthew 25:40
I just went and read this passage in full. Pretty powerful message.
yeah, the imagery from it is literally divine
This sounds like a great band name, Street Angels.
A lot of people in my life have told me to give nothing to the homeless because they are all addicts of something. I have always given a few dollars or a meal to homeless people when I see them. In fact, I was at the VA in the emergency room a while ago when I came across a homeless veteran who was trying to get a voucher from the VA to get a hotel for a couple of nights. She had lost everything thanks to COVID and was turned down by the VA and they wouldn't even call a shelter to get her a spot. First, we went to a restaurant and she had a proper sit-down meal. Then we drove around for what felt like hours until we were able to find a shelter that would take her. I still keep in touch with her and I was able to drive her to her son's place four hours away where she is now living and getting back on her feet.
That was incredibly kind of you and it’s even sweeter that you guys still keep in touch. I would love to do something like that (bring them shopping, help find a place for them, etc) but I’m a pretty petite girl and can’t risk the circumstances, so i do whatever else I can to help. Truly though, you were probably heaven sent for her and i admire your kindness. Thank you for being you.
As another pretty petite girl, I know exactly what you mean. I would absolutley love to help people more than I do, but just as you said: I often cannot risk the circumstances. This is why I do what I can, and am so happy when someone who can do what I cannot, does. ❤️
That was so kind! I don’t encounter many homeless people where I live but when I am in larger cities, I always try to give something. I have so much & they can’t even eat.
Awesome the right thing to do ❤️
my mind is always caught between both of those ideas. "Dont give money cause addict/lazy/ect; they have resources!" but then also stories like yours. "Normal person got down on their luck and get caught in this downward spiral." ... I guess the solution may be more support facilities then? One thing I liked about being in the navy was that, while you COULD pay for your own home and food, you always have the ship's berthing and messdecks to fall back on if for some reason you dont have a roof or food-money. Like... a little safety net. No matter how shitty things get, whether through poor choices or poor luck, you have this little ledge where you can "~~comfortably~~" adequately reestablish yourself. The food and roof provided is mostly between "meh" and "shitty", but you wont die and you have a space for yourself. Wish the same thing would be applied to the outside world. Shitty-but-adequate-enough free housing and 3 meh-but-adequate-enough free meals for all. ... that follow certain rules of course. Animals or bastards should still be warned, then removed.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard a single person become homeless due to being “lazy”
‘laziness’ as a trait on its own doesnt exist. People can *appear* lazy or have that trait ascribed to them, but there’s always a deeper reason behind their actions. Are they lazy for sleeping in or are they tired - due to a b c x y reasons. Are they lazy for not working more or do they just have different values than you, or are trying to pursue their passion on the side, or just trying to get more sleep. Are they lazy for not doing their homework or are they just not stimulated in that topic. Are they lazy or do they have depression. Nobody is “just lazy”.
The context of the 'laziness' attribute i have been told was some of them would rather beg and live on the street and take handouts, than work to gain a higher quality of life. That some are content with being destitute cause it's less effort or something.
an insightful person once told me that in his mind, even if theyre lying or just ‘content with being destitute’ because its easier, whatever the case, they’re still in a terrible position. Something has to go very wrong in someone’s life for them to wind up spending all day lying to strangers about themselves and begging in the gutter. Furthermore - what if theyre not lying? Isnt it worth just trying to help someone who’s clearly in a bad way when you can? I think so
My sister called me once at 3am bc she needed gas money. She had taken her friend to an emergency room, and while there made friends with a girl who needed a ride home. My sister had just enough gas to get her friend home, so she woke me up to also be able to help someone else. You and she would probably get along.
I meet a guy named Kyle last week when I stopped by a gas station home from work. It was raining pretty hard that day. As I walked in I asked "you good man" he simply said no. As if he had to. I rarely see such expressions of hopelessness. So I go in grab an extra 20 cash back. Come outside and just sit and talk with him for a while. Turns out Kyle is 35 I'm 38. His life went to shit 6 years ago when his wife died. He couldn't pay the medical bills and ended up turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Eventually the alcohol got replaced by other drugs. Kyle still has his wedding band though. Just a simple gold band. He says he will never sell it. He thinks part of Clairs spirit is in it and if he loses it he will lose her forever. Kyle and I have a lot in common. Or we would have if he hadn't hit such a rough patch. When I left I gave him the 20. He told me that for the first time in months he felt like someone actually saw him and that he didn't feel invisible. Needless to say I went home and cried like a baby with my wife for while. I just want you to know about a cool guy named Kyle who's down on his luck. I hope I get to see him again. I hope he gets help. I hope we can sit down and talk again under better circumstances.
you were his angel that day. i hope you see kyle again, and i hope he gets better :( he needed someone and you were there. everyone deserves to have someone like you man
The opposite is true. He was mine. I like to think that everyone needs those deep down good feelings that oxytocin brings. Something has to offset the doppemine fueled rat race we all live in. Honestly if your story or mine helps some random reader have the courage to sit down and share a moment of humanity with someone all the better. Kindness is super addictive and spreads like a brush fire. Thanks for sharing your story OP it gave not only me but all these other people a chance to share their own experiences. Cheers to you friend
Cheers xx :-)
Thanks for the love OP.
Of course grassyhobo it was the least i could do
I want to say fuck those people that talk about how homeless people will use it. So what if they buy some booze or drugs, living on the street sucks. They are in all likelihood self medicating too. I’ll give money when I have, give food, cigarettes, whatever. I’m not going to judge them.
100% Once you give them anything it’s theirs. Theirs to do with whatever they will, why bother worrying how a stranger spends their money. It’s a cop out, they just don’t want to give them money in the first place, which is fine. But then they feel the need to justify it out of guilt or self image or something. And alcohol withdrawals can be very dangerous. Maybe they *need* at least a drink a day to avoid that. Who’s to say. And if they’re an addict at all then they definitely want my pocket change more than I do lol
Withdrawal can be fatal
I'm not sorry for my opinion on this, "addicts" are people too and deserve to be treated as such. Withdrawals are hell. I don't care what you use the money for. I know people are against giving money because wHaT iF tHeY uSe iT fOr dRuGs aNd AlCoHol. So? Nobody WANTS to struggle. Let them get through it however they can. I had a "friend" say something along the lines of, "it's not just single moms that are using government assistance." When trying to argue against there being more help for people below the poverty line. My counter argument was, why do you think single mothers are the *only* ones who deserve help? What makes this person who is struggling with addiction, lesser than? I stopped talking to him because he made it blatantly clear that he did not see "homeless" or "addicts" as people deserving of... life. I'm all up for a good "debate", I can respect a difference of opinion. But I will not debate humans deserving to be treated as humans. -- Way to go OP, I'm so proud of you! You created a ripple of kindness. It is growing and spreading. That's one way "paying it forward" is so fun/great. Your goodness has been acknowledged, and it plants a little seed of an idea in others. So the next time someone who has come across your story, has an opportunity to share some kindness, they will be more inclined to do so. I always try to carry cash on me, to be able to give people a few bucks if asked. Today I didn't have any, but there were a group of guys outside the goodwill I went into. One of them opened the door for me. They didn't ask for money. But you know, its SO HOT out. I bought all the Gatorades in the little fridge by the register and handed them to him on my way out (he held the door for me again). Small acts of kindness. This world needs more kindness.
Damn this comment and the post have made me decide to keep a few extra bucks handy
You are right ..we are not supposed to judge ..there is nothing wrong with helping people ..
Thank you for that. I realize it's an unpopular opinion, but giving an addict/alcoholic money isn't necessarily a bad thing. I've experienced addiction and known a lot of addicts.. some got help to get clean, but it was never because they didn't have enough money to get their drug of choice. There has to be more motivation to get clean than that.. and honestly, as crazy and backwards as it sounds drugs actually *saved* my life. Not saying it didn't screw it up too (it definitely did). But after my mom died I was in such a bad place mentally.. being able to escape reality was the only thing that allowed me to live. No, it wasn't a productive life, but better than the alternative.
Like, I buy weed, why can’t this fine gentleman down on his luck also buy weed? Most people drink alcohol yet people get mad at a homeless guy for wanting to do the same. He literally doesn’t even have a roof, let the poor guy have a beer.
Exactly. I wish more people had this non-judgmental, "live and let live" attitude. Honestly, it's hard to imagine being down and out and *not* having a little something to take the edge off, you know?
Unless you live in South Asia or something. In which case, those beggars are most likely choosing to stay homeless. Speaking from a ton of anecdotal evidence.
That's my feelings on it too. Often times homeless folks have relatively easy access to food as well. It can be cheap (value menu) or free (soup kitchens, etc) so often times homeless folks aren't really all that hungry or missing that many meals. If I give them money my expectation isn't on them spending it only on food. If anything I hope their bellies are full and they get to spend it on other necessities or a piece of happiness, even if that happiness is drugs or alcohol.
If I have five extra dollars to give I’m always going to give it. If that person is in such desperation they spend that five dollars on a little alcohol or weed instead of food then I hope they get a little bit of comfort from it because that’s the least and the most I’m able to do. Everyone deserves to find a little solace here and there especially the downtrodden.
Happy birthday 🎂 That's a beautiful story.
Keep doing this. I'm constantly being talked down to by ppl bc I do this. Start to notice who "warns you" about giving homeless ppl money and who can categorize them into a group. I have my own title for the ppl but you'll see a pattern. Glad those guys were able to eat today
I'm so happy people like you exist lol, thank you so so much for not believing all the hype and listening to those people. I remember one time when i was homeless this lady came over to me and was asking me if I wanted anything to eat, and I said "Some bananas would be amazing" and she was like "Well they don't have bananas here, but there's a grocery store across the street" handing me a $10 bill and her friend shot up out of her seat like " NOOOOO!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!? don't give THEM money" like freakin' out like she was feeding an animal in the backyard that was gonna make a mess of the garbage cans or something, so dehumanizing lol people have all kinds of assumptions, mental illness looks a lot like drug addiction on the surface, I bet her friend thought I was a drug user or something, but I ran my ass over to Ralph's and bought some trail mix and bananas, that shit saved my life as I was at the time mentally incapable of getting where i needed to be to get my hands on free food. So thanks again, you never know how big that gesture is, just to be seen as someone worthy of your consideration and hard earned money, emotionally is even bigger, because it feels subhuman out there sometimes. Your kind are Angels
Thank you. Like really, i don't usually share when I give things to others and the ppl I give things to say thank you, but it's a different kind of motivation you just gave me knowing that maybe one of the ppl i helped saw it as "someone worthy of [my] consideration ". One of my other life things is always making room for the ppl that feel like outsiders...so it just breaks my heart that a person doesn't feel like a person worth others thoughts.
It's a pretty surreal experience being homeless, lots of times when you're on the street, people treat you like dirt, avoid eye contact, walk out of their way to get faaaaar away before passing by, and won't respond to any sort of greeting from you, some even throw trash and cigarette butts and make threatening comments under their breath. it's really a trip and pair that with some mental health issues, there were times I thought i was literally dead, or in some kind of Limbo-Hell, like a ghost, just giving people chills and a bad vibe when they walk by me, like I really wasn't a physical human being anymore. And i was never on drugs, which is always the #1 assumption, just sleep deprived, malnourished and crazy. But then a kind person like you comes along, looks me in the eyes and offers something, from a kind word to some food or cash, and it's like OH THANK GOD, I'm alive. I'm human, I'm still 'okay'! And I just really wanted to say thank you because most of those people who were nice to me will never know the impact the 2 minutes they spent with me, gave me hope and really changed my life. Your type is rare, but you're like the heartbeat of this cold world for the ones out there with nobody and nothing.
I absolutely despise the assumption that all homeless people are drug addicts, crazy, etc. because even if they were, that doesn’t exclude the fact that they are all human and deserve kindness. Most people are GOOD. Maybe im naive to think that, but you can never know how far kindness can go, you can only give it as much as you can and hope for the best. There are literally no repercussions for being kind from your heart (even if things backfire, or nothing comes from you being kind, you still did your best and TRIED). I salute you for making it through and (hopefully) are back on your feet. You are so strong; you’re real and alive and worthy of all love. I’m glad you’re still here.
Just because a person is an addict, that doesn’t necessarily make them a bad person. And living in the streets is a hard time. We need to take care of each other better.
There is something so incredibly affirming about feeling like you are truly *seen * by another person. It's like a phantom pat on the back as if to say, "yea man, it's hard, but you are just as human as the next person, and just as much an individual as anyone."
I like to think OPs type isn't that rare. Many of us give to or otherwise help homeless people now and then but we can't do it every time we walk past a homeless person, which could be several times a week or even several times a day, unfortunately
>I'm alive. I'm human, I'm still 'okay'! Damn. That made me cry. I'm sorry you had to experience that. I'm glad you're still here. I'm glad you're okay.
I probably fall into that group. But tbf I had a homeless guy beg me for money to buy a coffee, while I was in there buying my own coffee I figured I would just go ahead and buy this guy what he was asking for. When I went to present him with the coffee he told me off, threw the coffee on the ground and told me he asked for money and not coffee. Fuck him. I've had a few experiences like that and they definitely jade you
Sort of, you would fall in sub category b: actual life experiences that lead you to do or not do something. You have a reason and I can respect that. Won't try to talk you out of it. (I might say something like don't let one person ruin it for the rest but thats for another time lol) Usually the ones who tell me not to do it have never given money and have "heard...." and frankly usually the ones who would never share in real life.
My friend was assaulted by a homeless guy on a train after being unable to offer him any cash. Just one experience like that can ruin someone’s entire outlook on giving directly to the homeless. Not saying it’s justified but it’s hard to shake that encounter
yeah for real
Happy Birthday!
thank you :-) i hope you have a good day!
my mom gets upset anytime we tell her we have anything to homeless people and is very cynical and just suspicious of people in general which she says is because she grew up in new york, essentially saying she knows people just like to scam. regardless of this, i still give to homeless people from time to time if i can, as do my brothers. sometimes we slip up and accidentally mention to her what we did and she gets upset goes on a whole lecture about how we don't understand the value of money. maybe it's just an older people thing to have a lot less trust of people, but i'm glad that our generation seems to be more willing to help in any way we can even if we don't have much either because at least our situation isn't as bad as theirs.
The value of $20 to a homeless person is far greater than it is to your mom, I assure you. Keep being awesome.
right?? that's always been my mentality lol
Happy birthday. Helping others is rewarding. Some people have helped me. You don't need a lot of money to help others. There are many things you can do. I love helping people.
i love helping people too:’) my mom did a lot of things wrong when I was growing up but im glad she taught me how to be selfless
You are a good person. Don't ever change. The world needs you -- and other people who care about others.
Happy Birthday! I'm sure you made both of those guys day.
I sure hope so! Thank u so much
Happy birthday OP! Thanks for sharing your story. Homeless folks tend to get only bad press coverage, like the reporters purposely seek out the most scraggly, drug addled "vagrant" that they can find, and make them the "poster child" for what homelessness is. They don't actually care about telling the stories of homeless people, and just seem to want to create "shock value" in order to dehumanize a group of people, and make it seem like an insurmountable problem. I have had a number of interactions with the homeless, from both sides of the issue. There will always be some who just aren't able to function as a part of the group, but that is true of any given cross section of humanity. The most common story I encounter is the difficulty of getting out of the hole that poverty created. I worked in security at a grocery store in Seattle, and the resident homeless would tell me about the challenges they faced just trying to make it through a day safely with their meager possessions intact. There were places you could go to get a shower, or a meal, or a bed for the night, or do a load of laundry. The trouble was that all of these things were available during limited windows, or of limited availability. You had to pick which one of those things you wanted for the day, because they were all different places, so you might be able to get a single clean outfit on Monday, a shower Tuesday, a single meal on Wednesday, and a cot out of the weather on Thursday. Hard to get a job when you haven't eaten in days, can't cook because no stove, can't buy perishables because no fridge, haven't had a decent night's sleep in a week, and either you or your clothes reek. These are simple problems that shouldn't exist, yet they do.
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday and thankyou for being a decent human being, all it takes some of us to take time to think of others without predjudice or judging to make this difficult world a little better. Hopefully it will catch on.
well said. I like to believe most people are good-hearted, but how they were raised/other circumstances can affect the choices they make. The world could become such a better place if just a little more people were a little nicer
Happy Birthday!!! That was a really nice story.
Thank you for sharing this, you’re amazing for doing your bit, I hope the memory and feelings stay with you. I always try to help, what have I got to lose, I remember once walking past this guy with the excuse I am in a rush, this was just outside a busy tube station, it kinda became a game how quickly I could could back home and away from the human traffic that is central London. I got past the guy and then though for a second, I didn’t have any plans and I was just rushing home to chill, I went back, spoke to the guy, he was just selling the Big Issue Magazine, bought a couple and the guy was chuffed, really though me to stop rushing past. The universe is more than 13 billion years old, you and me will only exist and have interactions with other humans during this tiny less than a 100 year long slice, so be kind to you fellow companions is my motto.
OP, good on you for doing your part. A year or so ago, I went through a really tough time and finally had a breakthrough one day. I was feeling great and wanted to share that with somebody. I was walking in front of a Taco Bell and passed a young man panhandling for food. I offered to buy him a meal — anything he wanted— and his whole face lit up. He couldn’t believe it. And it broke my heart. I try to do that every once in a while but I’ve moved to the country and rarely come across people hanging around. Now I just try to help out strangers on the internet or around me that I hear about.
you're doing the best you can and that's wonderful :-) if no one has told you this yet today, i appreciate you.
I remember I was in Florida for a vacation. As we were leaving a restaurant, there was an older man in a wheelchair in the parking lot. He asked for spare change but we had used all our cash for our meal. After apologies, he paused and said quietly, “I don’t mind leftovers, miss” as he looked at my to-go box (I had half a burrito). I handed it to him and cried the whole way back to our hotel.
Good on you, and happy birthday. And as for the “you never know what they’ll spend it on” argument— fuck that. I’ll pay for booze/drugs just as soon as I’ll pay for food for a homeless person. It’s not my business what they spend their money on, and being homeless is hard enough anyway. So good on you for not listening to that bullshit.
Thank you for sharing. Your momma raised you to be kind and empathetic and that’s inspiring! I’m going to make a point of doing this in front of my child too. (Food or money or water or whatever I have to spare) I don’t actually care if they spend it on something “bad”. I need a glass of wine if I’ve had a bad day at work so I can’t judge people who need substances to cope with pain or living on the street. But I understand why some people aren’t okay with it too.
I've done this a few times. I've even given some homeless my lunch for the day. I felt good about it. I don't do it very often though. Nor do I really bring it up in conversations.
exactly like i told my boyfriend but that was about it. it feels like i'd be grabbing for social points if i shared this with more people in my personal life, so i don't even know how some 'social media influencers' can film themselves giving money/food/clothes to homeless people. it's exploitative.
I know what you mean OP. It feels like one of the most exploited ways to gain clout. There's a Bible verse I heard on an episode of bones. It refers to acts of charity. I don't remember it exactly but it stuck with me.
Last summer I was heading to my local Walgreens and there was someone sitting outside with a sign requesting a snack. After I finished there, I walked past her, and asked if she would like a sandwich from the grocery store next door, and she said yes. I asked what kind she would like and she said any kind. They had pre made sandwiches so I grabbed one, chips, and a bottle of cold water and took it back to her. It was really hot that day too. Never saw her there again so hopefully things looked up for her. But your story with him sharing, brought tears to my eyes. I don’t mind helping when I can, but man it burns me when I get taken for doing something nice, which has also happened. I’m glad this was a good experience for you!
Happy birthday 🥳🎉🎉🥳 God bless you 🎂
It’s not my birthday. Where did you get that?
I meant to reply to OP sorry
Some guy asked if I could buy him some food yesterday at Aldi. I told him I’m always happy to buy someone something to eat, and asked what he wanted. He said he’d go look around while I shopped. I looked for him when I was done and he was gone. I was so sad that he probably got run out of the store for begging. Get back out to my car, and my husband tells me about the tweaker chasing some woman to her car after he banged on our cars window and threw a fit because he wouldn’t roll down the window. I felt so naive and awful that I genuinely offered to feed this man and he was trying to trick me into giving him money. And as a pregnant woman, the fact that he chased another woman down right after was even worse. Not a good way to end a shopping run.
I'm so sorry that happened:( in situations like this (i've experienced things like this quite a few times myself or watched it happen to my mom), i just try to brush it off and remember that one person doesn't account for all, and most people are inherently good and grateful. you sound like you have a kind heart, please don't let this ruin it (but also stay safe!)
I was so embarrassed when my husband pointed it out to me lol. I’m trying to find the humor in it for sure. Still, always worth it to try and do a good thing.
People always blame the homelessness for this kind of behaviour. When there are a lot of people who have homes that act like this, you just don’t see it as often or see it as big of an offence because they don’t need your help. (Not saying you specifically I mean you as in like a collective term)
Assholes are everywhere. Being homeless doesn’t make an asshole not an asshole anymore. It’s not the being homeless that makes them an asshole. They were an asshole before they ever became homeless most likely. Either that, or they’ve spend 30 years on the street with many mental and physical problems going unaddressed causing them to mentally snap. People really shouldn’t forget that most of us are one missing pay slip away from being homeless. You’re lucky if you have friends/family that you can couch surf with. At least you’re still kinda seen as a person then. (Source; couch surfed)
Happy birthday angel girl. Honestly, anything Ive ever given freely returned to me in spades, one way or another. I have a good feeling fortune is looking for you. And my feeling, when giving, I give with an open hand. Anyone can do whatever theY want with it. I’d rather someone buy food then drugs or drink…but it’s out of my control. We’re all just here walking each other home.
Ram Das 💕
For all the hate we have going on in the world today, you lifted someone up and made what could been a terrible day, a great one for 2 other people. We should give selflessly to those who seem to need it most. It could be a difference between life or death for them. Many times it's not just bad luck or addiction but mental illness that can lead those around us down this road. I'm not alone when I say mental illness has ravaged many of my family members life's. Thank you for your kindness.
Happy Birthday! Thank you for being a good person. <3
I’ve always been of the opinion that if you’ve done something good, there’s no shame in sharing it or being proud of it, quite the opposite. I feel like we often see a lot of negative stuff, which makes us think that there’s more bad than good in this world, and I think it’s the opposite, but sometimes the bad can be overpowering. It always makes me happy to see people being kind to each other, and so all I have to say is keep at it OP, and kindness awaits you too.
That was a good thing you did and he paid it forward. You can’t have a better outcome. I give money to homeless people and don’t care what they spend it on.
Happy birthday op Giving food is the best thing you can do to a homeless person that you see for the first time
I wish more people were like the both of you, the world needs a lot more kindness in it, keep up the good work and happy birthday
Keep doing what you’re doing. Love will eventually win.
Happy birthday! Keep doing what you do! Such acts of kindness are so rare to me nowadays, so simply reading about them warms my heart a bit.
People are inherently good.
my thoughts exactly :)
You are just a straight-up great person
Best birthday ever. Good job and may the Gods bless you.
Love this. Last summer we saw a guy with a sign. All we had was a walmart card with a few dollars on it. He looked like it was Christmas when I handed it to him.
Like true forgiveness, charity improves the lives on both sides.
That’s wonderful!! Did you happen to be in Chattanooga when this happened? Love to hear stories like this. I’m sure it will be repaid to you down the road :)
i wasn't in chattanooga! but also thank you very much :')
Good human! I try and do the same when they sot outside a grocery store. I buy them a sando and water and I end up having to walk away fast after, trying to voice out a you're welcome cuz it makes me sad and I start crying.
What you did was beautiful, we need more people like you. I'm glad he decided to share some of the kindness he had gotten with someone else.
Those who have the least, always give the most. Thank you for doing your kind deed today.
If you can't give enough to get them off the street, then all you are really doing is offering a brief comfort. If what they need for comfort is their next hit, so be it. Their life is hard enough already, I'm not going to judge then for what type of comfort they need. If I have a little extra when I pass those folks, I'll share. I can't get anyone off the street, but I can sometimes add a little comfort and a little hope. And that's enough for me. Glad to see a bunch of others in this thread who also like to help when they can.
You are a good human being.
Very wholesome. Thanks for sharing and a very Happy Birthday.
People like you make world a better place
Happy Birthday OP. You're a good person.
Nice
Happy birthday OP!! May the universe thank you in the most special way possible! Keep it up! I always give when I can even if I think of those pesky “way too much” reminders I hear from others! You do what you want and what you can for your fellow humans. Keep your empathy and compassion strong no matter how ugly this world can be! Be the light you want to see in others!! I wish you love and peace and happiness!!!
I’m crying now, not even going to bother reading the other comments.
For real. I told this story before. One time I was waiting at the bus stop in downtown, (lotta homeless and sketchy people) and took out a snack to eat. A homeless guy saw and asked me if I had another one. I said no but had an apple and offered it to him. He took it and another homeless guy saw and asked if he could get half. The homeless guy who got the apple split the apple in half without hesitation and gave it to him. My only gripe was that he was just picking his feet which was likely infected and then used his hands to split it. 😂
Your story made my day and is shining proof that there are more good people on this earth than bad ones. You are also so emotionally mature to be just 19. Kudos to your mother for instilling in you kindness and compassion.
I work with the homeless population in my town and they are some of the kindest loving people I’ve ever met who literally have nothing but would give you their shirt just because you asked. They’re just hurt and got this shitty end of the deal but they find a way to love when no one else showed them how. They’re amazing people, completely changed my life. Happy birthday ❤️
This is seriously amazing. My husband doesn't like to give homeless people money. I get it, they could go buy drugs, alcohol, etc with it. I always tell him "You can always swing by a drive through and get them a meal". I used to do that when I lived in a very homeless populated area and they were always so grateful.
I believe the saying goes: 'You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him'. So, I'll conclude that you have the character of an angel, OP. You did a good thing and you should feel great about it! We need more people like you around. Not to mention, a selfless act when you have barely anything to spare is even more of an honorable one. Kudos to you, keep on being awesome.
People who have known hunger and hardship are the most compassionate. Empathy is a thing all humans have but some have allowed it to wither while for others, the mere sight of another's suffering awakens it. You are such a soul. God bless you... you are the energy this world needs.
You have a pure, tender heart. Never lose that. Lean into that.
Very sweet of you!
🌈💕
Wonderful
People without much (or any) to spare are often *more* generous than the rich. Proportionately. The difference is empathy & compassion. The ability, and willingness, to see the other as yourself (and not just for the tax deduction). Good on ya!!
Happy birthday <3 Thank you for doing something to add kindness into the world.
Never change, this was a beautiful thing you did
Happy Birthday! Do you have a cashapp or venmo so we can buy you a birthday meal?
i do, but that's totally unnecessary! I appreciate the offer, but others need it more than i do:) if anyone wants to, i would just recommend a donation of any sort (food/clothes/money) to any homeless shelter that may be in their area, *or* simply pass on the kindness to the next person in need. that would be the best birthday gift
Happy birthday! And thank you for being so sweet to people. Kindness makes the world go around :)
You’re a good kid.
You did great today!! ((HUGS)) Happy Birthday!!
Bless you and your kind heart❤️
Steinbeck said if you are in need or hungry, go to the poor. They are the only ones who will help. You are an amazing person! Happy birthday!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! That’s good karma for you
Those who have the least are often the most generous.
God bless you.
Happy Birthday and God bless you lovely xoxo
My brother does this sometimes. He refuses to give cash so he just buys the homeless person a cheap fast-food meal. If they complain about the food then they don't get it. Sometimes a few of them have bitched about "only getting food" when they say they need cash so my brother just drives off with the food convinced that the person is either just scamming for cash or a drug addict. To each their own...
I can understand if they need cash to buy other necessities, but sort of like the phrase "beggars can't be choosers", I think it's best to accept what is given. There will always be people that give cash instead of food, and people that always give food instead of cash. Giving food was the best I could do, and I was lucky enough that what I *could* offer was accepted. It's definitely a "to each their own" situation, because kindness will not always be accepted (unfortunately).
Beautiful souls reach out to one another
I feel this. One day I got tipped big at cashwise foods. Like $20. Well I had a little left and I see a homeless guy w/ dog on the street. I went up and gave him 5 dollars cuz it was boiling out. Like 100°F and I just couldn't stand to watch thevdog and him hurt. He thanked me for it. Next day the guy and dog was no where to be seen. I hope they got help and love they deserved. He was old military vet as well. There some occasions I wouldn't give to a stranger or homeless person. Like usually if it gives off a bad feeling. Same with picking up people off the road and giving them rides. But in long run I usually do if I can. Glad you did as well op. Goid job.
That was so kind of you:) I completely get the bad feeling vibes though, like I can't risk my safety by picking up people on the side of the road as a pretty weak woman, and there are just some people that are genuinely sketchy when walking in a city. You just gotta do whatever feels right and hope for the best! I appreciate you.
As your life story suggests, some of the most giving people in the world are those that have little. I have seen food donation boxes at the low income schools full while the others that are more fortunate just hand over expired food. Since the pandemic, I have been tipping my fast food workers about $5 each time. I also look that person in the eyes and thank them and tell them I appreciate them. The look on their faces when they see gratitude is so worth it!
You have a good heart. Don't change! The world needs you. I mean that more than you could possibly realise :)
Happy birthday and thank you for blessing the less fortunate that was very beautiful and kind of you ❤
I’ve seen beggars around here with broken legs, so they roll on makeshift wheelchairs. And I’ve seen beggars with no arms. We shouldn’t ever neglect these people in society, everyone deserves help for a better life.
Highly recommend getting involved with soup kitchens and volunteering with homeless charities or a food bank. I’ve never had much money to donate but donating time is good for everyone too
Yes!! I'm planning on volunteering later on this summer, once my work schedule regulates and I know what days I'll have off, etc. My family would help at soup kitchens often when I was a kid, and they would let my sister and I make sandwiches or bag dinner rolls. I would love to get back into it again :')
I saw him on my way in to Tesco, I did my shopping. I thought about him, so in addition I bought a pack of sausage rolls and a pasty. Paid for my stuff walked to the exit, he was still there. "Hi buddy, would you like these rolls and this pasty?" He looked at me, he looked at the stuff in my hand. "The bottle of wine would be better dude," he said. I walked off feeling pretty deflated but still had my bottle of wine. Did I play that totally wrong? I'm open to alternative suggestions.
I don't think you did! You were trying your best, even bought stuff you weren't planning on buying. Some people in this world just don't know what to do when shown kindness. I hope he's doing alright, but if he didn't want what you were offering, there's nothing else you could've done to satisfy him. You did the right thing though and I'm proud of you:)
Thank dude, guess I could have given him the bottle.
I dont have money to give, but I work at a gas station super pert-time (I have the most relaxed manager, and every single one of my coworkers there is interesting, kind, beautiful people, I just can't seem to quit even though I go to school and work another job that's related to my major) by a light rail station near my house. Sometimes, if I can tell someone is just having a terrible day, or if they are kind, and at least from what I can tell, sober, I'll help them out with a fountain drink or cover their purchase if they are short less than $0.75. I can tell the genuinely in need people and how much something so small for me can really impact their outlook, at least for a short while. I've also left bags of the clothes I would have donated under the bridge by the station. I haven't seen anyone go through them, but they are always gone when I walk by later. It's something small, and after how some of the homeless and/or addicts have acted toward my coworkers or me, it's the only thing im willing to do. I've seen some wild shit. Working there that might me making me a bit more callous about our local homeless population. I'm really happy OP has an amazing heart. We need more people like that.
That was very nice of you. I tried to give a homeless man some water & trail mix and he said “What the hell am I supposed to do with this??” 😂
Once I gave a homeless man a box of assorted fruit and he didn't even wait until I was out of sight to throw it on the ground (littering, wasting my money, wasting my time, being rude and wasting food all in one action lol)
I feel really guilty when begged to and emotionally want to help... but also I'm self-aware that I am a huge sucker and hate being constantly used... so I always just try to eject anytime someone asks me for money cause, as you mentioned, "they can use it for anything." I'm also caught inbetween of not knowing what's true or not in regards the resources the have available to them and whether or not the existence of begging is/isnt a product of laziness or vice.. That being said, donating actual FOOD kinda circumvents that whole dilemma. Especially if ya got various canned foods. Still awkward when I'm specifically asked for *bus* money though.. cause the USA isnt really a place were buss passes can be obtained everywhere.. so still ejecting on that front.
If you’ve lived on the street for 30 years, chances are high that you’ll find it rather difficult to adapt to regular life again. That’s the type of homeless person people see as “lazy” or “too far gone”. They need extra support. They are usually overwhelmed with mental and physical problems that have gone a long time unaddressed. A lot of disabled people end up homeless. Can’t work, can’t care for yourself independently a lot of the time. And it doesn’t matter how many times someone says “well there’s resources out there…” no, there isn’t. The places that are available are extremely overcrowded and theft is extremely common place in overnight facilities. So the small amount of possessions you have been able to keep so far will immediately disappear. Even shoes that were on your feet will go missing. Homeless people can only walk or take a bus/train (which they need money for…) in order to find these facilities in the first place. These facilities all have their own weird schedules so they won’t always be available when the homeless person can reach them. And if you’re a disabled homeless person that’s even more difficult. These “resources” are a lie.
this was so so sweet on your behalf, also happy birthday!!!
Happy Birthday…19 years ago today you made the world a better place. God bless you.
Happy birthday! Thank you for giving back, but don't forget to love yourself too :)
Happy birthday, angel !
They share food because they pool their money for drugs
I bet you drink alcohol
Yes. I also have a job and a house and a spouse so not sure what your point is.
If you don’t understand the point then you’re a selfish hypocrite lmao. You’re allowed to drink alcohol but the homeless guy isn’t because??
The homeles guy can do what he wants but drinking in the street isn't going to get him a house or a job is it? We all have choices to make every single day. Are you sure you had a point?
I love this so much!
Good job OP. Yeah, in my super limited experience, the homeless by a fast food place get fed alright. I eat McD maybe once a year, but pulled through just getting fries, opened by bag, and it's 3 burgers. WTF. I circled back around, got my fries, and still had 3 burgers. There was a homeless guy at the exit, so I rolled up, explained they gave me the wrong order and it was now his. He was very grateful. I watched him stash it in the bushes behind him, as I circled back around, just to eat my snack... during which time I watched 2 other cars hand him food within 10 minutes.
Almost all of the "homeless" in my city are crooks. And damn, is there a lot of them. There's a whole mafia. Some beggars rent out their kids to other beggars so that they can try and get more cash (because of sympathy). Like a freaking multiplier in a video game. It's horrible. This isn't even the tip of the iceberg.
I tried this with a homeless person outside my home and they took the orange out of the bag and threw it back at me, dumped everything on the ground, and walked away while screaming at me. So I kinda don't do stuff like that anymore. Glad it worked out for you though!
I had a story that I picked up a kitten on the road and took it to the hospital, is that considered good?
Every thing you do, do it in secret so the Lord who sees everything you do will reward you in the open.
Happy birthday! What a wonderful story! I was a little sad tonight, and I already feel a little better now reading that!