A Pastor Learns His Flock Ignores The Homeless The Hard Way

The last time I spoke nicely to a down and out in England I almost got raped. The last time I gave to a homeless man in Washington DC he went and bought alcohol, then I found $20 missing from my pocket.

I have to say, as much as I want to help those who need it, helping them in person can be dangerous. I hope pastors keep that in mind.

That's so sad. While some can be unruly here in Toronto on average those down on their luck are nice enough.

In large part, I would never recommed approaching the homeless for a woman. For guy's? Different matter all together.
Although, I don't offer cash anymore, but I do carry a few Gift Certificates for fast food joints for the ones who will take them instead.

@ Gar Swaffar
In large part, I would never recommed approaching the homeless for a woman. For guy's? Different matter all together.
Although, I don't offer cash anymore, but I do carry a few Gift Certificates for fast food joints for the ones who will take them instead.

I have volunteered with the homeless in projects and programs in both the States and in Canada. I agree money is not the best "gift." Handing over a fresh cup of coffee and a smile reminds a person though that they are not forgotten.

Unwritten rule: NEVER under any circumstance give a homeless person any cash.

Unwritten rule 2: If people on the side of a street rudely beg you to get them a sandwich or something, tell them to f--- off.

Unwritten rule 3: Be very careful where you go, both day and night. If you do feel the need to help a homeless person out, make sure it's in the open public.

Unwritten rule 4: Stun gun and/or pepper spray.

Most important unwritten rule: Never ever let your guard down.

@ Can Tran (TFactor)
Unwritten rule: NEVER under any circumstance give a homeless person any cash.

Unwritten rule 2: If people on the side of a street rudely beg you to get them a sandwich or something, tell them to f--- off.

Unwritten rule 3: Be very careful where you go, both day and night. If you do feel the need to help a homeless person out, make sure it's in the open public.

Unwritten rule 4: Stun gun and/or pepper spray.

Most important unwritten rule: Never ever let your guard down.

Is this saying that you have also had some bad experiences, Can Tran?

@ Debra Myers (skyangel)
Is this saying that you have also had some bad experiences, Can Tran?

Yes and no.

I remember last November, I was in Philadelphia for a week. I was attending this anime convention called Tandokucon. But, the event wouldn't take place for another five days.

I spent most of the time walking around. I think it was a Sunday night where I was walking around trying to find this nightclub. On the side of a building, this homeless person was sleeping. Homeless person started to curse me out. Mentally, I cursed the homeless person back. I spent three weeks in DC, Philadelphia, and Chicago around late October to mid-November.

When I was in DC again, I went to certain areas to look around. This guy was asking me for cash. Then this other guy was asking me to get him a sandwich. I walked off and the guy started cursing me out. I'm thinking they were targeting me because I still look like a teenager. On a side note, I'm 26 and I still look 16-17 years old. But I make up for that by working out.

I was also in DC during that time. While I enjoy DC a lot, it gets on my nerves when people constantly beg me for cash. I was in DC for December of 2006, I was waiting outside this nightclub, this guy was going up and down the line asking us for cash. Gave me some BS story about raising funds for something. If he wanted to raise funds, he would've held some fundraiser instead of asking people on the street for cash.

Anyway, while I do have a lot of sympathy for the homeless, I know I don't want to end up in that predicament, you have keep your guard up at all times.

I agree with KJ and Gar about handing them something that is not cash. Such as the gift-certificates, coffee, etc.

At the same time, I have to strongly agree with Sam as well. This is why I put up those unwritten rules. You have to be extremely careful. The homeless person could be some rapist in disguise. The homeless person could be some mugger in disguise. Or the homeless person could be some murderer in disguise.

Nothing wrong with helping the homeless out. It's something I encourage. But, you have to be extremely cautious. Because there is no way of knowing what could possibly happen. To be on the safe side, it's better to do it in a place where there is a lot of visibility. At the same time, make sure you're with a friend/family member or two.

In my case, I have a diverse martial arts background. I'm pretty fast when I kick. Plus, I can leg press between 600-1000 lbs. I pretty much got my bases covered when I feel the need to help out.

Wow...quite a story, Can Tran. I'm glad that you made these rules and I think they do make a lot of sense. I live in a rural area, so we don't see much as far as homeless people go or even transients. But, after reading all of this...I will always be careful if I find myself in such a position.