I've actually had homeless people ask me for gas money. I never actually gave them the gas money, I usually give them money if they ask for food money. But after my last experience at QT, I'll only be giving food and job applications. I mean, WTF it's logical not to give them money for gas. If you can afford a car, especially the cars that most of them drive, you can afford the stinky $3/gallon.
So far, the stories that "homeless" people throw at me are: food money, gas money, "i just came from iraq" or some other army related situations.
The "I'm heading to (wherever, USA) to be with my sick (insert relative here)" excuses they use to pull on your heart strings. I learned a lot from these people, and real homeless people, when I was living on the street myself. I've learned the tricks of the trade, but I never participated. I did my own thing and never panhandled in all my time out there. Later, QD.
I appreciate that. I've met so many people when I was out there. Of course, every one of them had their stories of how they got there. Well over half have everyone else to blame but themselves. They would tell me their stories and I could tell that they were creating their own mess. It's very easy to get caught up in the drug life with using them to get "away" from their problems. The addictiveness gets to them and they don't turn around. The ones that may be out there "legitimately" have gotten so used to it, they just keep on surviving that way. I was lucky enough (and smart enough) to not get wrapped up in drugs and alcohol or I might still be there. After two years of BS-ing myself, I turned it around and moved out of state to clear my mind.
I never believed the sob stories before and I damn sure don't believe them now. <--- talking about the "just ran out of gas on my way to dying Mom" or the "I'm hungry can you spare some change for a hamburger" routines. Later, QD.