Cigarettes suppress appetite. But seriously give em a break. Do you seriously think that someone living day to day because we are spending billions of dollars on road and infrastructure so that more chinese can move here, here really gives a crap about his health. It's just survival for these guys. So let it be let it be let it let it be .... If you don't wanna help dont. If you wanna help and don't wanna give them money buy them the food yourself but ask first. Or get the a carton of smokes and let them live a little.

Why not just give without any judgment? No one knows what their circumstances are, and they are obviously in need. Who cares what they spend the money on at least you have brightened someones day even just temporarily.

They are addicted, try showing some empathy for those people who have that and other addictions instead of condemning them.

probably disgarded butt ends they have picked up from others...

Not related to smoking. I once gave a young teen $20. He was at the station with a trolley filled with his clothes and other items. We got talking,I found out he lived with his older brother. His older brothers girlfriend moved in,they didn't get along so he was told he had to leave. He didn't ask for money. He asked me why I would do this. I told him it was because he didn't ask.( and he looked like he needed help).

I suppose food isn't a priority when you have any sort of addition,be it cigarettes, alcohol, gambling etc. You know there are alot of people living rough now that used to have jobs,homes and probably did those things when they could afford it. The thing is this could be any of us. The thing I find disturbing is watching councils take tents from people that have no means to afford rent ,give them 1 hour to collect what they can and then they are told to move on. WHERE? No offer of help,just get lost. And if your own a car ,you can't sleep in it,you get fined. There is no compassion.

We smoke because you lot want to keep us down

It is when they burst into flames...that's when I get really annoyed ....and the smell is terrible..... Edited 18-Nov-24 20:42pm

I was once asked by a bloke on the sidewalk for $2 which he said he needed to by a pack of cigarettes, when I replied that this would be a good time to give up smoking, he got real upset. I will not give money for smokes, if you can’t afford it, give up, I did.Edited 17-Nov-24 08:50am

Where I live, thieves live nearby who take our things always. They smoke too. Go figure. I say let them afford their own smokes, not steal from me.

Many a time I drive by a food bank before it opens, and there are several people outside waiting, smoking cigarettes and playing on their phones. Some need food banks, but a lot don't. One time I came out of a grocery store, a man asked if I had any money. I gave him the last $5 I had , he said is that all you got nastily. Ungrateful wretch.

Maybe they are not using it for food .

A lot of people today that smoke, are also thief's where I live. Wonder if any others notice this anywhere else?

If they didn’t smoke then perhaps they wouldn’t be beggars!

Yes in Melbourne it's a big problem and not just in the city,other big towns as well. All ages. Alit get those cheap imported;;and illegal cigarettes. A l I cal shop printed t.shirts that became quite popular. They said" No 8 don't have a cigarette or $2 " . Trains are the worst,some of these people get very aggressive towards people that say no.

Rarely carry any cash on me these days so I would just buy some food/drinks for them but if they choose to smoke,well that's their business and not all of them are smokers.

Buy them a drink or a meal eg sandwich ,pie ,sausage roll that way you know that you gave help where it should be required and needed not your money .

There's an area in CA where the people begging have signs up that actually say things like, "Need money for Beer", "Need Money for Weed."

Smoking or drinking is an addiction which does not affect my decision whether I am going to give them spare change! However, I don't give spare change. I will buy the individual a sandwich!Edited 04-Apr-24 00:03am

Cigarettes are a stress relief. But not all beggars smoke. That's a misconception.

Tell them to get off the drugs and get a job. Simple.

watched a bloke get out of his car, with his dog, pay for the parking meter, then on with the scruffy coat, out with the cardboard sign, and off to his begging gig.

Stop smoking if u need $ but addiction is hard

There are a lot of reasons people find themselves on the streets. It is not our right to judge any single one of these people. Do you know anyone living paycheque to paycheque? What happens when they get sick and can't work for a week or 2? Or get fired or laid off? The bank or landlord start calling. Or you go hungry. Or you go without heat or medication. It's a very humiliating experience to find yourself losing everything you had. If someone is out there legitimately in need, and NOT A SCAMMER, I'll give a meal or a bag of food and sometimes even money. It's not up to me how they deal with getting through their day or how that money is spent. If they choose to drink it or smoke it or crack it, that's how they're dealing today with their circumstances. Those of us who have are supposed to share with the ones who do not. We are blessed to have what we need and a lot of us have struggled but not quite found ourselves homeless. Give the person in front of you in the grocery line the money when you see them removing items because they don't have enough. Pay someone's phone bill when they need the help after missing some work. Take a jacket to a neighbour you see in just a sweater on a cold day. We see it all around us but what do we do? Do we ignore it? Feel that little tightness in your chest or throat when you see someone in need and give what you can. A meal, a little time and conversation, a little human to human interaction goes a great distance for someone struggling and you will feel wonderful for giving them that:) Again, instead of judging them say a prayer for them and give what you can.

Offer food instead of money. So many use money to purchase alcohol, drugs, etc.

You hit the nail on the head.

I'll get them something to eat and pray for them and If they refuse them that is on them!

Smoking is an addiction not just a habit. And like all addicts they are going to make sure that from one payday to the next they have enough smokes to see them through to the next payday. Some food was probably bought also with remaining money left over but not enough so that is why they now go out into the street begging money for a sandwich. A friend of mine years ago refused to give a beggar money unless it was for a meal (we had a takeaway shop next door) the beggar refused and left but he came back a couple of hours later and asked if the offer was still open which it was and my friend took him into the shop and bought him a lovely hamburger with chips and a drink and anything else he wanted. He said it was the best meal he had in ages. My friend never gives beggars money but will buy them what they need nutrionally. She knows then that her money isn't getting wasted

In certain areas of NZ "professional" beggars earn up to 500 - 600 dollars a day so no wonder they can afford the odd "fag"

If you are of a generous nature it shouldnt matter what the " beggars" use the money for. If it bothers you that they dont use the money as YOU think they should then the giving isnt heartfelt, and maybe your good intentions arent as good as they should be. Just my opinion. I give " beggars " money all the time. I hope if Im ever in a situation like that I won't be judged and someone with a good heart will give me change whether i smoke or not. ❤

Usually, I don't give to street beggars like to donate to reputable charities like salvation army

they are addicted just like drugs ,when i smoked may years ago i had to have a cigarette and i would lie and cheat to have that cancer stick in my mouth rgds

I don't give beggars anything anymore, I really only donate to dog rescue places because they get so little help and the dogs have been screwed over by pathetic humans.

A lot of those beggars probably make more in a week than you do from generous people and they probably get the dole on top of that!

Life is an addiction, rich people make drugs for the pore to make money, thank this human race and government be humble and kind to them its not there fult , it's your problem creating it and not caring about it.

I never carry cash any more and don't have any to spare but I do feel for these people as I gave up smoking after a 40+ year habit a few years ago and I know how addictive it is.

They usually want money to buy drugs or cigarettes. If you feel like doing something helpful, buy the person a piece of fruit and a drink.

I don't give them money I usually buy them some food from the bakery, kfc, etc.

Judge not and ye shall not be judged.

I once gave a beggar $20 cause he looked like he needed it. Then while waiting in my car at the supermarket for my mother to finish her shopping, he went across the road to the pokies. He didn't get a meal cause he was only there for 5min. Came back and started begging again. He did this 3 times in the half hour I was waiting for mum. I do not give $$$ to beggars anymore. You can't tell who is real and who is faking it.

I'm tired of beggars, I'm tired of people asking me for money and I won't donate to Go Fund Me. I have charities that I regularly donate to and I pay my bills with no help from the government so I ignore hands held out.

I do not go up town ,, I stay away , but my husband has said that people have asked him for money ,you see we are struggling just to keep our bills paid<

I am glad I don't smoke at all.

If they smoke ,they don’t deserve. Handouts

Hard life out there but I will not hand over money. In Australia people not working are given money enough to just survive.Smoking is very expensive, is up to them what they do with their money but I am not paying towards smoking or drugs. A crowd often live together or on the streets, yes I have a Grandson who lives like that, smokes and all things not good but I refuse to give money. I know where the money goes.The way things are, people can't afford to give away money

I dont like money wasted on smoking nor what it does to our health and environment but the homeless have a lot to deal with and who are we to judge. Better than hard drugs and alcohol.

I’m pretty sure they would also ask for a smoke. I’m not against them smoking considering what they’re going through Edited 02-Apr-24 16:04pm

It seems from what I see around my local area that we have quite a few people looking for a handout. Most of them do thank you and the ones I've seen lately are getting much younger. I confess I'm a softie - if they have a dog I always say hello to the dog. I don't smoke but if I have a little change I do give it to them hoping they will buy food not smokes.

I agree its a problem but in a lot of cases, they are addicted to it and maybe other substances as well, in which case they are living a very unpleasant life because to them there is no way out of their misery and they feel hopeless. If you are sick of being approached for money just say a quick sorry and that you just gave out your last bit of cash. Wish them a good day because I'm pretty sure you wouldn't like to be in their shoes. Edited 02-Apr-24 15:22pm

Correct Jay

You will soon find out how needy some of these people actually are if, instead of giving them CASH, you offer to take them into a nearby Cafe and buy them something to eat and a hot drink. The reaction is usually to tell you where to go and what to do. I am no longer faced with these requests because I now pay for everything using a Debit Card. and no longewr carry any Cash.

If they need money get government assistance and budget like everyone else! Might sound cruel but everyone else has to do it

dont judge....

' These homeless people often have mobile phones' as well as smoke? Wow so how little then would you like them to have ? The phones are probably nicked anyway or second hand. Possibly a well meaning gift to keep them safe on the streets and in contact with at least someone,and services. It's the equivalent of them having a car. And smoking as others have mentioned is an appetite suppressant and a way of dealing with their daily stresses , not ideal of course but that is not for us to judge with a roof over heads. Edited 02-Apr-24 14:43pm

Sometimes they do that to get through, they know they don't have enough for much so spending some money on alcohol or cigarettes keep them from feeling to much, or they can relax just a little bit, you do what you do to live

love you,very good

i dont give beggars money

Having been in their shoes, I know what it's like to have an addiction. When you have nothing else to live for, you rely on your habit even more. As much as food and accommodation are important and well and truly needed, a cigarette can help you immediately solve any cravings you might be having. I was lucky in a way that if I was out begging for change I had the occasional person who preferred to hand over things like milk, bread and other things I may of needed. The best thing you can do for some beggers is to stop and ask them if they need anything in particular. Just having someone acknowledge them as a human being is enough to make their day.

Get a job

I just don’t give money to people asking for it. I would rather give money to a place that helps children.

I'm a smoker I just feel sometimes people put their habit first before themselves they chose the bad

I was a casual smoker. A pack lasted three days. I love the taste but they just got too expensive. Haven't had one in 17 years. I can't see how anyone not working can afford to smoke.

When I was visiting my husband in hospital every day nearly, I was asked for money or cigarettes.

They pick up dumpers from the ground and reroll them.

When I was still working in the city and had to go to work early each day I came across this guy that was hanging around the traffic lights near my place. When the lights were red he would run around from car to car asking for $20 for food and a train fare. I saw people give him money. After about the 3rd day when he was still there harassing people for money, I got out of my car and threatened to thump him if he asked me again. He swore profusely at me, threatening to call the cops on me, then told me he didn’t need my stinking cash as he had plenty already. He pulled a roll of twenties out of his pocket and waved them at me. Judging by the size of that roll there must have been about 2 grand in there.. After that he never turned up at those lights anymore.

I do have a few people where I live and ask for smokes all the time .I'm not a smoker and I wish they would stop asking me ,I guess they're hoping I'll buy them smoke. I won't be doing this anytime soon.It's a bad habit from what I hear it's very hard to quit smoking ,I hope that one day they will give it a try to quit,

smoking is probaly one of the few things in life they get enjoyment from,if you feel that they dhouldnt be spending on smokes,dont give them any money,seems to me you dont mind giving them a little bit but want to control what they do with it,as you know here in australia the government has made smoking incredibly expensive,smokers are an easy target

I have no idea. When I was in university I always seemed to have cigarettes and booze, but no cash. I don't know how I did it then and I still don't know. I have managed to quit both, though.

in australia, where im from, the charities that .are supposed to help those in need, no longer do so. last year my self and my children ended up having to move from a very bad situation, and had used the last of what money i had to pay for a moving vehicle. after we moved i went to a local charity to ask for help, i explained my circumstances , and was told that they no longer help mothers with children.

It amazes me how anyone in their right mind smokes. As a non-smoker who has had lung cancer probably caused by having parents who were heavy smokers and then having to work among heavy smokers in days before we knew the harm, I then had to have the cancer removed , along with part of a lung, it just shocks and angers me to see smokers. I even speak to adults who I see smoking over their children, even mothers with little ones in strollers. It is a disgusting, selfish and dangerous habit. If you were only killing yourself I wouldn't care but I would never want another child to suffer the hell I went through because of parents' ignorance. It is child abuse.

Along with the need to bum smokes these people are often tattooed and maybe have a dog to support and feed. I would not trade places with them however.

I used to strike beggars all the time when I worked in Adelaide years ago, but not now in the country. They'd often pester people waiting for buses, and I suspect any money they received from anyone probably went on anything but food.

"These Beggars"????????

Because people like you give them money to buy them, I'm retired and couldn't afford them.

I know one lady who offered to buy one a pie, pasty or sandwich. He hurled pretty bad language at her. He was in a wheelchair which may or may not been genuine. Another person in the mall said he does it every day then goes to the hotel, drinks and smokes the money away, then starts again.

If you give or donate to people or organisations then from then on you have no say what is done with that donation. If you don’t like what the donation is being spent on, give to another cause

I was asked for 35 dollars when in the shops last week, I said that's an odd amount, and he said it was to buy credit for his phone, a week or so ago I guy asked me for 4 dollars to buy food I said to him where can you buy food for 4 dollars I will come with you I am hungry also, apparently woolies were discounting their pies, cold woolies pies i think not,so I gave him a voucher I had for a meal at the local which I hope he enjoyed, but I have helped many in others when I have the opportunity they don't have to be homeless to need help I have always lived by the motto BE THE REASON SOMEBODY SMILES TODAY. to be able to put a smile on a face / change someone's day is one of the greatest things you can do, and no I didn't buy the guys phone credit, I loaned him my phone it turned out he had broken down and was trying to reach his wife to pick up his daughterEdited 02-Apr-24 11:24am

Because when they see someone smoking they usually ask for a smoke as it is the rates of cigarettes have gone up a lot.

There are too many street beggars, dressed better than me, have an upgraded phone better than mine, etc. Our policy in our town is to support the missions rather than give handouts on the street. WE EVEN HAVE OFFICIAL SIGNS POSTED ON STREET CORNERS STATING SUCH. One hot day I felt sorry for someone standing on a street corner and had just come from home with an ice cold bottle of water, so I gave the man the unopened bottle of water and he thru it back in my face, giving me a black eye. Never again will I give a handout for whatever reason to someone on the street corner.

I never give spare change I usually ask them if they would like a coffee especially if I see there homeless

It really annoys me when beggars ask for money when they smoke tailor made cigarettes, at the prices they are these days if they can afford to smoke they don't need any help from the public.

I live it a country that is classed as third world. There are pockets of absolute poverty here. Smoking helps keep the hunger away. It is a necessity rather than a luxury.

this is so hard - there are people less fortunate than us - i however do not like being intimidated. i am no goodie two shoes but if i can help i will but please dont take advantage

They are addicted to nicatine

I see them and most have mobile phones and other comforts. I don’t give money to anyone in the streets.lately I see charities after money. Same goes with them as well. I walk in a straight line but bypass them.

The cost of smokes is outrageous. I am so glad I don't smoke any more. I wouldn't be able to afford too. We also can't hold that they smoke against any one either as I know how hard it can be to give up. It's like leaving money to some one and then controlling how they use the money. It just can't happen. Plus how do you know they haven't eaten but smoking does suppress your appetite. Let them do what they need and help when you can, if you don't want to see the beggars then maybe you need to change where you walk or cross the road.

Give when you can with no expectation and judgement. You are not walking in this life in their shoes.

Pray for them

How about this? I am a retired clinical nurse. Have seen people dragging their oxygen bottles to the smoking room!!

MIXED UP BODILY NEEDS!!! Their addiction suppresses the need to eat. Everyone is sparing their change and dollars and trust me, they eat. You just don't catch it. I CALL THEM OUT ON IT AND I DO IT WITH A CARING ATTITUDE. I THINK IT MAKES THEM THINK, INSTEAD OF ARGUING THEIR ACTIONS...... BECAUSE I'M NICE ABOUT IT. BUT I TELL THEM I CAN'T HELP WHEN THEY USE MY MUCH NEEDED CHANGE AND BASICALLY DISRESPECT MY KINDNESS.

Got to have some pleasure in life & I think the same thing plus have money for alcohol. From a non smoker who hates the smell etc

Ok

Professional grifters

I SMOKE FOR MANY, MANY YRS...I QUIT, COLD TURKEY 2 IN A HALF YRS. AGO...I ALSO NEVER BEG ANYBODY FOR MONEY OR CIGARETTES, I SUPPORTED MY OWN HABIT.......Edited 02-Apr-24 09:57am

I once bought a guy (who lived on the streets with his dog) a meal plus extra meat from a local kebab shop, to give to his dog. He was so grateful and gave it all to his dog. I asked what he needed and all he said was "nothing now. I am happy my dog has eaten." I then gave him $20 and quickly walked away... not wanting him to see the tears in my eyes

they can afford smokes and got a mobil phone but can,t seem to bye food they beg and no that some one will help i was in a supermarket and a young women with a kid in front of me never had the right money and just looks at us behind her we never would have paid for her in her shopping was smokes drink some nappies and a bit of food sorry i,m no paying for your habit

What I would like to know if the beggars are so poor that they need to beg money, why do a lot of them look as if they eat very well. I have heard stories of some generous soles giving food to beggars rather than provide money that may be spent on booze and cigarettes only to get abused by the puzzled Beggers.

A lot of us got hooked on smoking at a young age, it is worse trying to kick the habit I have heard, than hard drugs. There are a lot of homeless people who still smoke,but they are not alone. I will, if I can buy food and a hot drink, but no money for smokes or drug, or alcohol.

It has been a very long time since I have seen someone who is homeless. And when I did I always dropped a few dollars for them. While smoking is not a good habit to have, as I myself did use to smoke, it probably provides some help for them mentally.

Addiction is terrible