Topic ID 1725
Possibly a bit of a contensious issue this. There was a beggar in the town yesterday (wednesday, hottest day so far!) outside Clinton Cards with a sign saying 'Homeless. Need money. I am not on drugs'. I had a chat with the bloke and without going into specifics he was absolutely desperate. I gave him a couple of quid, rightly or wrongly, and went on my way. I can't help but think how others might feel about this, so your views please. Was I in the wrong?
Reply ID 21212
Off-topic
Reply ID 21214
Admin - the topic hasn't even begun and I started it anyway. What do you mean by 'off-topic'? It hasn't given me any idea of what you actually mean sir/madam. This is a Community based forum and I was just interested in people's views as there were reactions all around me when I was talking to the chap.
Reply ID 21215
It's not a Hertford issue. The rights and wrongs of giving to beggars is a moral one. Just because you happened upon a beggar in a Hertford street doesn't make it relevant to this forum. Sorry.
Reply ID 21217
Fair comment. I'll delete it in 10 minutes
Reply ID 21218
FWIW If I genuinely thought he was a victim of misfortune and the money would help him, I would probably have done the same thing
Reply ID 21227
Me too.
Reply ID 21230
I personally do not give money, but if they are really genuine I would have bought them a drink or something to eat. You did not say what he was despirate for?
Reply ID 21231
Interesting - you dont see many beggars in Hertford (or at least i havent), did he 'live' local did he say ? (maybe this brings it "on topic")
Reply ID 21233
I saw a man, I assume homeless, sleeping in Hartham this morning. He had a suitcase and various 'junk' sprawled around him, not a very good look for Hertford?[8)]
Reply ID 21235
This is an interesting issue to raise. Not many people are familiar with the site of a homeless person, especially in such an affluent area. I think what you did was very commendable, sir!
Reply ID 21238
quote:This position is usually taken by the guys and gals selling The Big Issue - coincidence I wonder [?]
Originally posted by James007
Possibly a bit of a contensious issue this. There was a beggar in the town yesterday (wednesday, hottest day so far!) outside Clinton Cards with a sign saying 'Homeless. Need money. I am not on drugs'.
Reply ID 21239
The Big Issue sellers are normally outside Thorntons, at the entrance to Bircheley Green - Clinton Cards are futher along, in Maidenhead Street
Reply ID 21245
quote:I wouldn't have given him money. If people do, he will think Hertford is an easy touch, and take up residence. If he is that desperate Social Services are the people to contact
Originally posted by James007
Possibly a bit of a contensious issue this. There was a beggar in the town yesterday (wednesday, hottest day so far!) outside Clinton Cards with a sign saying 'Homeless. Need money. I am not on drugs'. I had a chat with the bloke and without going into specifics he was absolutely desperate. I gave him a couple of quid, rightly or wrongly, and went on my way. I can't help but think how others might feel about this, so your views please. Was I in the wrong?
Reply ID 21251
quote:Sorry - getting my card shops muddled![:I]
Originally posted by Deveraux
The Big Issue sellers are normally outside Thorntons, at the entrance to Bircheley Green - Clinton Cards are futher along, in Maidenhead Street
Reply ID 21252
quote:It sounds very mean of me, I am always happy to give to good causes, but the current seller just sit's repeating BIG ISSUE - No personality, no wonder she doesn't seem to sell many. The big cheerful chap we used to have was fantastic and certainly knew how to boost his sales. I don't think we can judge beggers as said in a previous comment - we do not know what circumstances caused their fate. There for the Grace of God............ It could be any of us in the wrong situation.
Originally posted by Deveraux
The Big Issue sellers are normally outside Thorntons, at the entrance to Bircheley Green - Clinton Cards are futher along, in Maidenhead Street
Reply ID 21263
The only reason we have beggars in the first place is because people keep giving them money. I totally sympathise with homeless people, but there are so many charity and central help groups, there is no excuse for it, except in very rare extreme cases. Mostly, begging is simply the easy option, and fortunate for the beggars, too many people are a soft touch.
Reply ID 21268
quote:Dude mate, you are missing the point. I actually took time out to speak to the bloke who happened to be sober and desperate. Two quid wasn't much from my pocket but to him it helped. Having spoken to him it appeared this was an extreme case of misfortune on his part and if my two pounds bought him an apple or two to keep him going, then fair enough. The government do a lot more pilfering on all of us without us being told. At least this bloke had a sign up.
Originally posted by Dude
The only reason we have beggars in the first place is because people keep giving them money. I totally sympathise with homeless people, but there are so many charity and central help groups, there is no excuse for it, except in very rare extreme cases. Mostly, begging is simply the easy option, and fortunate for the beggars, too many people are a soft touch.
Reply ID 21274
quote:James, I am sure you acted in a charitable way, but this guy was hardly likely to tell you that he was a drunken coke-head or whatever. Have you not heard of the "professional" beggars, some of whom probably earn more than you and I, and prey on people's good nature to deprive them of their cash. Having said that, if it made you feel good to give him some money, fair enough. Just let's hope it doesn't encourage him to stay, or worse, bring his mates along
Originally posted by James007quote:Dude mate, you are missing the point. I actually took time out to speak to the bloke who happened to be sober and desperate. Two quid wasn't much from my pocket but to him it helped. Having spoken to him it appeared this was an extreme case of misfortune on his part and if my two pounds bought him an apple or two to keep him going, then fair enough. The government do a lot more pilfering on all of us without us being told. At least this bloke had a sign up.
Originally posted by Dude
The only reason we have beggars in the first place is because people keep giving them money. I totally sympathise with homeless people, but there are so many charity and central help groups, there is no excuse for it, except in very rare extreme cases. Mostly, begging is simply the easy option, and fortunate for the beggars, too many people are a soft touch.
Reply ID 21275
Admin - how can this be 'off topic'...? Hertford forum - beggar seen in Hertford town centre..! Please explain - and please don't quote 'moral issue'! Chris
Reply ID 21276
quote:Thank you Chris - I wasn't having a dig at a beggar. Admin - this is a Community thing, feel proud that people want to help!!
Originally posted by NI-Lad
Admin - how can this be 'off topic'...? Hertford forum - beggar seen in Hertford town centre..! Please explain - and please don't quote 'moral issue'! Chris
Reply ID 21278
quote:This perhaps shows the fine line between off topic or not...and the fine line admin must tip toe
Originally posted by NI-Lad
Admin - how can this be 'off topic'...? Hertford forum - beggar seen in Hertford town centre..! Please explain - and please don't quote 'moral issue'! Chris
Reply ID 21293
Hi James The next time you see the "beggar" get him to register himself as homeless with the local council, and provided he was living in East Herts prior to becoming homeless, they will sort out a hostel for him to stay in whilst waiting for a council flat to become available. He can also register as unemployed and claim Jobseekers Allowance. I don't think East Herts council would be inundated with these sort of applications in the area. If he's genuine that's what to do.
Reply ID 21294
quote:You seem so sure about that, has it happened to you then? (no offence) Sometimes things are not that simple, even in the most genuine of cases, please do not assume that is what happens to every misfortunate person,it is a lot more complex than what you have written.
Originally posted by Bengeo Bob
Hi James The next time you see the "beggar" get him to register himself as homeless with the local council, and provided he was living in East Herts prior to becoming homeless, they will sort out a hostel for him to stay in whilst waiting for a council flat to become available. He can also register as unemployed and claim Jobseekers Allowance. I don't think East Herts council would be inundated with these sort of applications in the area. If he's genuine that's what to do.
Reply ID 21610
quote:Don't get me wrong, I admire your charitable nature. But one of my best friends works full time with the homeless and mentally ill, and even he says that 99% are not genuine, despite the sob stories.
Originally posted by James007quote:Dude mate, you are missing the point. I actually took time out to speak to the bloke who happened to be sober and desperate. Two quid wasn't much from my pocket but to him it helped. Having spoken to him it appeared this was an extreme case of misfortune on his part and if my two pounds bought him an apple or two to keep him going, then fair enough. The government do a lot more pilfering on all of us without us being told. At least this bloke had a sign up.
Originally posted by Dude
The only reason we have beggars in the first place is because people keep giving them money. I totally sympathise with homeless people, but there are so many charity and central help groups, there is no excuse for it, except in very rare extreme cases. Mostly, begging is simply the easy option, and fortunate for the beggars, too many people are a soft touch.