"Homeless & pregnant, please help."

SeaSoul

I just passed a young pregnant woman on the street holding this sign.  It's the second time I've seen her (first was about a month ago).  I live in a small, nice city - not a major metropolitan area.  Yes, there are certain intersections where you see homeless/destitute people holding up signs during commuting hours, hoping for a handout from passing motorists, but this was in a shopping district on the waterfront and she was sitting in a storefront doorway.  Very much out of place for the area.  I feel for her, and at the same time there's a skeptic in me.  I have to assume that her plea is really going to get attention and I have no doubt that people in a position to help have offered much more than just $$.  Yet she's out there again.  So I can't help but wonder if she has ulterior motives, or, worse, there is someone in her life forcing her to do it - knowing that people will be "suckers for a pregnant woman."  Ugh, all-in-all it's just upsetting and I wish I knew what to do.  I've always been kind of uncomfortable with those situations - where DH, I've no doubt, would ask if he could help and feel out her answer (he is such a good man, but not a pushover either).  What would you do?

Mrs.Babbsy

My H hates taking me downtown. I am a sucker, I would give money.

tina623

I was sitting in my car when I guy came up to my window and asked me for gas money to get home.  I gave him what was in the drawer in my dash board and drove off.  I saw him walking into McDonalds to eat.  It didn't break me and I really dont' know his story.  I tend to give ppl what's in my pocket which is why I don't carry that much cash, maybe $5.  I'm a sucker that way

Susanann

I'm a sucker, I would have given money too.  A woman I work prepares little care packs with crackers and other things for them instead of giving them money.

dusk42

Check your phone book for crisis pregnancy resources and see what options are in your area for low-cost prenatal care.  They will also be able to set her up with WIC and, depending on her circumstances, temporary housing.  If she wants help, there are resources that you can point her to.  You could also give her a gift card for a grocery store or even fast food.  

This is the place that we used to donate baby supplies, maternity clothes, etc. to:

https://www.birthright.org/ 

Christakim

When I lived in Philly, my friends gave coupons to fast food places to homeless people so they knew that they weren't spending their money on things like butts and alcohol.  Just an idea.

InACitySoNice

I'm a New Yorker.  I'm jaded.  I don't give to individuals, I give to organizations.

That being said, I'm not sure what I'd do about a pregnant homeless woman.  Probably make a few phone calls, check the internet, see what options are out there.  Sad if it's true.

desabean

I work with the homeless so this is a topic I'm fairly opinionated on.  I make it a personal policy to NOT give money to people on the streets.  However, I feel it is a personal choice and if people want to give, I think that is fine.  I actually have a client who pan handles so she can buy diet coke...she has a mean DC addiction and after she pays her rent (she lives in one of our group homes) and buys cigarettes, she never has enough for her daily 2 liter. 

Lots of people panhandle so they can get a hotel room each night and of course many others panhandle for drugs.  I just don't give because it would be a conflict of interest if that person ever became one of my clients and most people are not panhandling because they are starving.  Where I live, there are enough free food resources and outreach to the homeless that that people have access to food.

If it were me I would contact one of my colleagues who does outreach to the homeless....most community mental health centers have resources for assertive community treatment that fund these positions so you might contact them to see if they have been able to outreach to this woman and can get her some help.