Jesus, what a story. Looks super fake. I hope he didn't lie to you, because he could've have. He could've pretended to talk with his relatives on his phone but in reality was his drug dealer colleague. There's a thin line between being brave, and becoming a history. I would've reached for a gun, if someone like that approaches. That can be anyone's demise. It's usually how it starts.
A beggar asked me for gas money. I told him no. Then he asked for breakfast money. I told him no. Then he asked to use my cell phone and I told him no one handled my phone. He then said he would give me the number to call. I told him no because then the person I called would have my cell phone number. He left. There is a scam a minute out there and I don't trust anyone. The more you give to beggars the more beggars you will get. There are organizations that gladly help out people truly in need. I do give to one of those.
As soon as they walk toward me, I say, hey do you have a quarter. I don't speak English. "Spare change",, No thanks, I have plenty.
Holy crap. Someone thanked this post recently and I completely forgot that I used to do that when I lived in Chicago.
"I give all of my money to the shelter". They only want money for booze, drugs or cigarettes since they can get money for food.
I don't consider them as bums. I consider them as brothers and sisters. I give them what I can afford and tell them to pass it on.
IMO you are not doing a person any favor by giving them money. There is no such thing as something for nothing. When you give charity to someone, they are paying for it with their human dignity. Once a person loses their dignity and self confidence, they are increasingly less likely to attempt to stand up and attempt to be self sufficient. When you subsidize something you always get more of it. If you want homelessness to increase, subsidize it by giving money to beggars.