What's your first reaction when you see a homeless person?

"That could or will be me some day."

Dear Roy Roy,

In July 2015, at the age of 70, I became homeless for ten months...                  I lived with homeless people and traveled with them and stayed in shelters with them.

I am outraged at mindless people who blame the poor for their poverty, and toward the culture of greed in this country my first reaction is @#$%%^&+!!!, and my second reaction is %$Z)&#@!!!

I give thanks that I have all I need and want, I say hopefully he or she will find the legal peace, home and food they're seeking and if I can help with breakfast, lunch or dinner I will. Money, I don't give. 

Their goes i

My first reaction is to study them, and evaluate the situation. Unfortunately there have been people panhandling at major intersections and then walking over to  parking lot and getting into a new car. So instead of giving to panhandlers, I donate to an organization that feeds and clothes them.

I always think of this part of this song and my heart breaks for them......

"Don't Laugh At Me" By Mark Wills

I'm the cripple on the corner

You pass me on the street
I wouldn't be out here beggin'
If I had enough to eat
And don't think that I don't notice
That our eyes never meet.

I lost my wife and little boy
Someone crossed that yellow line
The day we laid 'em in the ground
Is the day I lost my mind
Right now I'm down to holdin'
This little cardboard sign.

[Chorus:]
Don't laugh at me, don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me.

I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, hey aren't we all?

[Chorus:]
Don't laugh at me, don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me.

i would ask are u ok or whats wrong and talk to them.

it makes me thankful for what i do have and that im not in their position. But it is sad that it has to be like this in the world. (Vancouver and its metro area have far too many homeless people)

I can't always tell but when I see that a homeless person may really need a dollar or two, or perhaps even a small meal, I offer them my money or any leftovers I may have. I too have been homeless for a while and I know how it is to just feel lost and rejected by society. Being in that situation (as also highlighted by Virginia and others) can really open your eyes to the less fortunate world. Now that I have something to give, I feel more willing to do so. I guess I've always been that way.