Spare some change?

Is it just me, or do other people have a policy on beggars?

Reading this article the other day got me thinking about it.

In general, I'm wary of beggars and their reasons for wanting me to share my cash with them. I do wonder if some of them take their tips from articles like these. I'm sure there are many genuine homeless people who need my help, but how do you work out who is "worthy" of getting your money? Is everyone worthy? Or no-one? Will my money help them improve their situation? Or will my money contribute to their problems?

When I was living in London there was a homeless man named Alf (yes, that was his name) who used to camp outside the entrance to Swiss Cottage tube station on Finchley Road. He'd always ask for "the price of a cup of tea". And he'd ask for it. Look you in the eye and ask you. At first, I rushed past him, but then one day I bought him a cup of tea, and there began a tradition. Instead of giving him cash, I'd buy him a cuppa. I figured if that's what he was asking for, that's what I'd give him. We became quite good mates, Alf and I. He was a lovely man, always keen for a chat.

When I moved to Sydney I noticed that there was a rather high proportion of beggars sitting on the streets with cardboard signs asking for money. "Lazy" beggars my boyfriend at the time called them. I rarely gave these beggars any money. Actually I never gave them any. My figuring is that I've worked hard to earn my money, so the least they can do is ask me straight up... like Alf used to. The ones who asked me straight out sometimes got a couple of dollars. And the woman with the "dance troupe". She always got some of my cash, purely due to her creativity and zeal.

Having lived in Melbourne for nearly 18 months now, I've discovered that there appear to be less outright beggars, but quite a few more Big Issue vendors. I like Big Issue vendors. I like that they're actively trying to improve their situation. I like that I have my regulars at various points around the city (I try to share the love by not buying from the same one each week). And I figure I get good value for my $5. I get an interesting read and I get to help someone.

When I was in London last year, I noticed a Big Issue vendor in Soho and stopped to buy one. It cost £1.70. That's about A$3. Bargain. I told him that it's $5 in Australia and he nearly fell over... then told me if he charged that he could probably stay in Claridges each night. I think if I'd offered him a plane ticket he would've been out here quicker than looking.

Soooo... hmmm. I think I've kinda lost my train of thought on this one. I can't remember where this was going. Anyway. What are your thoughts on beggars? Do you give? Do you have a system of working out just who gets your money or do you share at random? I'd be interested to know.

In the meantime, I'm going to be grateful that I'm not the one standing on a street corner...

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