To dodge a pan handler

Hey, at least it is your mom, rather than your ex-wife(wives)...

 

Nah, it ain't worth it. My wife would toss me out on my ear.

 

That sucks, but how long did she take care of you?

 

Well let me put it to you this way, Chris887..
I had my own job when I was 12 years old mowing lawns, shoveling snow etc. I have been employed in one way or another ever since then. I bought my own bike and cars. I bought most of my own clothes and I have helped with the family things also.
So let's not venture into the "I owe my mom" crap mine field.....

 

I figure my ma gave birth to me so I owe her bigtime! panhandling or not!

 

But, imagine her life if you were still inside her today.
I'd call it even

 

Ok, just saying your mom is your mom no matter what. You are not obligated to help, but she is your mom. Its hard to say no. Did not mean to offend you

 

true that!

 

People who have their #### together aren't the ones who need help.
I will get anyone a meal or shower. I will take the time to get their story (and critically evaluate it). I will give desperate people my phone number and try to help them figure out a way forward. If I worked around a big city and was constantly approached, then I would modify the response accordingly.

Recently got a hotel room for a homeless family (house burned down) and I'm coaching the father on getting a CDL to help his family. I consider this time and money well spent.

I am not a saint - I don't give everything away - but I decided about 22 years ago to take some interest in anyone who looks to be in trouble. Never regretted this commitment.

Let's curb our cynicism and err on the side of kindness.

 

Tricks? Yeah, baffle em with kindness, hand them a dollar. They'll take it and leave you alone and your kharma cup refills!
When the next one asks, you can say "Sorry, I already gave my extras to the last gentleman."

No need to trick them, and if you're spending the night, why create a potential vindictive psycho?

Whether you give it not, a kind contact will keep a future one from happening and you don't incentivize a potential psycho/addict to key your paint job, some of them aren't right, just be kind and thankful you don't have to do that!