5$ I used to do it before exams for good karma

I've given well over $20 before to the homeless.

But only after I've sat down, had lunch with them, and vetted them as to why they were homeless or needy. Once I determine why, I find out how I can best help them. Some have problems that can't be fixed. Others do have problems that can be fixed. Its just a matter of finding out why.

I live in the suburb of Cleveland, but worked in the rough areas on the east side a few years back. Political correctness tells me to call them "urban areas", but we just refer to it as the ghetto. Anyways Cleveland ain't no stranger to homeless people, but at least some homeless work for the money they beg for. I remember filling up gas after workaround mid night in a worn down area and I was approached by I hobo who offered to fill my gas. Came back from inside the station and my gas was already filled up for me. The guy saved me the time to fill up my gas so I gave him a couple bucks.

I don't ever give money to people who flat out beg for it on the streets. I was in Indianapolis last March for an NSTA conference. I went clubbing (for the first time in years) in downtown Indianapolis (beautiful place), and there was this homeless man with a sign that said, "Who am I kidding? I want the money so I can buy beer!" Something just clicked in my head that night and told me to never give a dime to a homeless person ever.

I think the main reason that I give money to homeless people is for the karma. I believe in a what goes around comes around. I'm hoping that by giving, if I am ever in a time of need, someone will help me out.

I'm sure most are homeless because they choose to be, or have bad habits that have put them in that situation. But I try to believe that some are just down on their luck and need a little good will to kick start them into getting their life on track. I also know there are some scammers out there as well.

Speaking of scammers there is this lady who sits a few blocks from my office asking for money, and toward the end of the day she jumps in her boyfriends BMW for a ride home. I never give money to her.