Question:
Would you help a stranger?
2007-09-15 17:38:39 UTC
If a stranger came up to you and begged you to help them, to get them some food, perhaps a place to stay, a job would you help them, even though you could tell that they were really suffering and really just in some terrible rut, would you help them to get them back on their feet?
51 answers:
Viet P
2007-09-15 17:42:50 UTC
You must avoid a stranger and say "No!"
Grammaton Cleric
2007-09-15 18:11:01 UTC
No. I'm not going to lie for any reason.



That probably may sound cruel, but I've been scammed by people that aren't truly needing help. Our city has been plagued by junkies and fake street people. I can hardly tell the scammers from the real people in need these days. Unfortunately, the real ones get the shaft, but I will not be swindled into helping the people that will use my hard earned money for drugs or whatever. There are many places here in the city that help out unfortunate people. I don't have much to offer for temporary support.



I highly doubt anyone is in the position to let a stranger stay in their home or provide them with enough money to actually make a permanent solution. Also, I've been around 'skid row' to know that very few people actually give money to beggars, it's easy to say that everyone does, but I suspect some aren't telling the honest truth. Mostly everyone pinches pennies, everyone is looking for a bargain, so does that mean that everyone also gives away money? Do these same people send checks to help the needy in third world countries? Call me whatever you desire, but I'm calling bluffs here. The chips are down, lay down your cards... I'm cleaning off the table. lolz



Bottom line, it's a trust issue and my heart along with my pockets were emptied out a long time ago.
crowbird_52
2007-09-15 17:46:15 UTC
In the United States there is really no valid reason for anyone to not have enough to eat or a roof over his or her head unless that person really wants to live on the street and be in a down and out condition. Every State of the union and every municipality has some sort of program(s) in place to help those in need, unlike many other places in the world. That is what we working people pay our taxes for.

I would definitely not take ANYONE into my house or apartment, no matter what their station in life is. I have done it before and these "temporary" guests never seem to want to leave once they are inside!
SSS
2007-09-15 17:44:40 UTC
I would try my best, perhaps get some food and help them find a job, I'm not sure if I would let them stay at my house, not because I'm rude but you never know if someone could steal anything.I give them a little push and help them, it's only good I mean if I was in that situation I sure would like some help.
2007-09-15 17:46:55 UTC
Probably not. They'd most likely go back to the old way again. Extensive counseling would have to follow. Most people like that need cash for a quick fix on crack or other drugs.



Your local church would be better suited to help out on this type of situation, being that many churches are doing good things, like protesting abortion clinics, and having a say on other bad things. They can put forth all of that great energy and do something material, like helping the homeless.
TiaRanita
2007-09-15 17:55:41 UTC
YES! I always take precautions when doing so as in todays world you never know who is the next famous serial killer, etc.

We have a mens shelter here that I have directed people to, and also pass out subway gift cards for a free meal. I never give cash as that can be used for drugs or alcohol. I knw I would want help if i were in the same predicament and try not to judge others.

You never know until you walk a mile in anothers shoes!
2007-09-15 17:43:33 UTC
No, I would direct them to a place that would help them. Some place like a shelter, and give them advice where to go to apply for a job. But I have helped my own family and they have returned the favor by hitting me in the face and calling the police. So I only tell people where to get help. I can barely help myself.
In God We Trust
2007-09-15 18:00:10 UTC
I am a poor person. However, when I see anyone, man or woman, Black, white or whoever that is in need, then I will help them. If I can offer my assistance, I will give the person a portion of what is "in my pockets." Otherwise, I will go into a fast food place and give the person who needed a "meal," some immediate sustenance. Peace, Love and God Bless.
2007-09-15 17:44:06 UTC
That's a tough question. I've had people approach me in the parking lots of grocery stores and as much as I wanted to help, they were asking for cash and I just felt like it would be for drugs. Both times this happened to me I didn't have any cash. If someone approached me as you have indicated, I would probably call the Union Rescue Mission. They provide food and shelter for the homeless I believe. Other than that, I would advise they contact a church nearby for assitance.
Pepsi
2007-09-15 18:04:31 UTC
I maybe able to give them a few dollars but I am not able to afford getting them a place to stay. I can't get someone a job. The employers must be willing to hire them. I could tell them if the company I am working for is hiring. I can suggest the YMCA. The church is a place I can suggest they go to for ideas.
2007-09-15 17:45:41 UTC
Absolutely, I love helping people. I was in the Jack in the Box drive thru once, and a man came up to my window. He said that he and his family had broken down and they needed food and water. I don't know if it was him & his family or not, but I helped him anyway, he looked so helpless. I got him 3 deluxe cheeseburgers and 3 bottled waters. It may not seem like much, but I felt really good after that.
2007-09-15 17:53:52 UTC
I would do all I could to help that person and have in the past.

but all people does not want help people to stand on there own, they are looking for just someone to take care of them, a hand out , not a hand up. If someone is not ready to get up, then there is nothing you can do to help him. some people do not like to be a burden to others but if in trouble need a helping hand for a short time hand, then others are just lazy and do not want to do anything for anyone but themselves.
2007-09-15 17:50:52 UTC
Something to eat..... I would feed them....I would go buy them some food if I was in town....Because you know how it is these days... Drugs, Etc.....I don't want to see anyone without anything to eat..... But with the job and place to stay... Its places where they can get help.....And a job they can fine one anywhere.....@
VegasPapi
2007-09-15 17:42:32 UTC
I have seen a lot of things on the news so I wouldn't bring him in into my house I would probably help them with some money and help him find a shelter in a community center.
2007-09-15 17:42:51 UTC
no, but only because i am not financialy able to. And if I could and he was just messin around being late for work or not diligent in finding a job hed be on the streets again real quick
xxanneke22xx
2007-09-15 17:42:00 UTC
I would do all that I could to help yes. Maybe not stay with me, but find them somewhere to stay, a church perhaps or a homeless shelter where they could get food and shelter. I hate to see anyone suffer.
Allan C
2007-09-15 17:47:37 UTC
Yes I would do anything I could to help without jeopardizing my families well being and safety. I have been in that situation twice and all turned out OK.
2007-09-15 21:31:49 UTC
Yes, I have a soft spot for the homeless, it has cost me a small fortune too. I'm hoping to make it up in good karma though.
samuelj13
2007-09-15 17:55:40 UTC
I would buy them some food and get them to the nearest shelter or place where they can get help.
jeff k
2007-09-15 17:43:45 UTC
If they are truly willing, I would help them. I would ask many questions and depending on what the answers were, would determine the amount of assistance.
2007-09-15 17:42:12 UTC
Never let a stranger stay in your house. Especially if you have kids or valuables. Balance generosity and common sense. Help, sure. Endanger or deprive yourself, no.
2007-09-15 17:42:50 UTC
I would show them to the nearest shelter and feed em... Cant bring strangers home around your children.
CHRISTINE F
2007-09-15 17:44:53 UTC
i would give a stranger the clothes off my back. everyone gets in a bind sometime.and i would hope someone would help me if it ever happend stangers are people to they need help just like everyone els
shermynewstart
2007-09-15 17:48:58 UTC
I have and I would again. I've had a few take advantage of my good nature, but also a lot of sucess stories.
2007-09-15 17:43:07 UTC
if its within my power, yes. always. however "in my power" could be loosely defined. $50-100 shouldnt be a problem, a job may be a bit tougher.
2007-09-15 17:43:24 UTC
Always. No exceptions.



Everyone deserves a chance: Saints, rapists, murderers, lovers... Everyone.
ultrasuperman1001
2007-09-15 17:43:42 UTC
I would give him some bread, water and help him get an interview
2007-09-15 17:41:58 UTC
Proabably not =/ but it really does depend

-they could get a job

but in reality it could be a TEST!
2007-09-15 17:45:12 UTC
"Oh god I'm a poor stranger...could you please give me a place to live , some food and a job , thank you"

food...maybe , but its not my fault or my responsibility other persons life
astatine
2007-09-15 17:43:35 UTC
too many professional panhandlers in this world.



place to stay? forget the panhandler, think of a psycho..
2007-09-15 17:41:55 UTC
i give people on the street a few dollars or spare change if i have in my pocket. I'm not going to stop and take my wallet out.
007
2007-09-15 17:47:34 UTC
Yes if it is in my means to.
?
2007-09-15 17:44:22 UTC
it depends i usually wont because america is getting worse
lid938
2007-09-15 17:41:45 UTC
mmm i am a very very nice person. but that **** freaks me out. i would give them food and water or w.e but not a place to stay. they sghould have went to school or got a job.
2007-09-15 17:43:19 UTC
No.



They made CHOICES that got them where they are.



They must live with the consequences of those choices.
ladyhawk8141
2007-09-15 17:43:52 UTC
Yes, I would.
its_raining_outside
2007-09-15 17:41:24 UTC
If it was my ability to help them, and i knew that they were genuine, absolutely.
Coo Bird
2007-09-15 17:43:27 UTC
Yes.I am doing it right now
Elaina
2007-09-15 17:48:16 UTC
depends how they came up to me.
Wulfgang
2007-09-15 17:42:07 UTC
Probably not because you have no idea nowadays, ya can't trust anybody. : (
Hayleyy♡
2007-09-15 18:52:42 UTC
hmm. it would depend if i was in a generous mood or not.
2007-09-15 17:45:30 UTC
I already have and it bit me in the ***.
ashleighsmashleigh
2007-09-15 17:41:47 UTC
i would do my best to help them but you can only help someone so much..
pussycat
2007-09-15 17:44:51 UTC
Oh IF I just could..........



Definitely
NONAME
2007-09-15 17:43:26 UTC
no.

___________________



I am a swordsman, the headless horseman, what makes me smile is anothers misfortune.
2007-09-15 17:43:51 UTC
i dont know i might or not
Ax.
2007-09-15 17:42:46 UTC
Yes and i have.
Kim
2007-09-15 17:47:48 UTC
I will try.
2007-09-15 17:41:56 UTC
Yup why not.
2007-09-15 17:43:49 UTC
no.
2007-09-15 17:41:39 UTC
yea... maybe.. i guess


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