A man ran a simple experiment. He wanted to see what would happen if he gave a homeless person $100.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUBTAdI7zuY
So, if you can’t watch the above video, Josh walks up to a homeless man (Tom) and gives him $100 and walks away. Josh then secretly follows Tom with a camera to see how he would spend it. Tom immediately puts down his sign, picks up his bag and proceeds directly to the liquor store. Thinking he is about to nab Tom, Josh continues to follow him with the camera. However, acting a lot like Santa, Tom takes food out of his sack and gives it to other homeless people. He gives away pizza, burritos and chips.
Josh confronts Tom, but this time he begins by apologizing, “When I saw you go into the liquor stores, I thought you were going to get drunk,” Josh says, “I’m shocked.” Josh then gives him an additional $100. The two continue the conversation and it leads to further revelations. You see, Tom quit his job to be with his father as he fought cancer last year. His father died and two months later, his mother died. He has been living on the streets ever since then. Tom goes on to remind us that, “There are a lot of homeless people who are a victim of circumstance. They aren’t lazy. One thing just leads to another… A lot of homeless people are good people.”
Joe’s Perspective #1: After doing some investigating, I discovered that Josh initially set out to do an instructive video on why one shouldn’t donate money to a homeless person. His initial suspicions were correct when Tom ventured in to the liquor store. However, Josh was admittedly surprised by the selfless act that followed. Josh was surprised that a homeless man who was begging for money could turn around and basically donate most of that money to fellow homeless people he did not even know.
Joe’s Perspective #2: I think this story reminds us not to stereotype… anyone. To understand someone, you must first get to know a person’s character. How many of us were thinking Tom or any other homeless person would misuse that money at the liquor store? I know I was. Why? Because I hold certain beliefs about why someone becomes homeless. That might be true in some or even the majority of cases, but it’s not fair to put all homeless people in this category. Everyone has a story and their story deserves to be understood.
Joe’s Perspective #3: To complete the journey, Josh found Tom at a later time at a homeless shelter. He took him out for dinner, got him a hotel room, and gave him a makeover – complete with a new suit and a hair cut. Josh is now trying to raise $100,000 to get Tom some housing and job training. I hope it works out. Watch the video below for the 2nd part of the story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y60sVHNsl-U
Your Turn: Please place your comments below, (2) like and share our Facebook page (character development & leadership) or (3) tweet to @CDandLeadership)
1. Forget what you just saw, what would you have thought that a homeless person would do with $100?
2. Does this change your perceptions of homeless people. If so, in what ways?
3. How will you respond the next time a stranger requests money on the streets?
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I think that people should be more considerate of other people they see on the streets, you never know the circumstansesm or what they had gone through. Also, if it were you, you wouldn’t want to be accused of asking for money to get drunk, some people just want to be able to support themselves and a brighter future.
i think he was a great man with a lot of integrity because he did not have to do that but he did even though the man gave it to him so he could do something for hisself but he helped another man out.he was a great person with a kind heart for that it shows what type of man he really is.
I would hope that if a homeless person was given 100 dollars that they would spend it wisely. I would start off with buying some feminine stuff and some warm clothes and save the rest for food. People should feel some more sympathy for people on the streets, you don’t know their story. That man was very nice and had lots of integrity.
yes very true
i agree
I would think that a homeless person would buy themselves some food and maybe a hotel room for the night with $100. Yes, it does change my perception of homeless people in the sense that they aren’t selfish people and a lot of them actually have a big heart. Next time a person is asking for money on the streets I will give any spare change that I have or water/food that I have with me.
I think that a homeless person with $100 would go out and spend it on themselves. They would get food or do something that would only benefit themselves because they need the money. It does change my perspective on homeless people because it shows that they aren’t all selfish. They are people too and they can do good if they wanted to. This whole experiment just shows us not to stereotype people just because of how they look. If we first get to know people, then we would have a better understanding of them and not say something rude because they look a certain way.
Most people think that if you give some money to a homeless person they are automatically going to turn around and buy something that wont help them get back on their feet. Or get some food into their stomach. They think that they are going to turn around and buy alchol and get drunk, but half of that isn’t even true, like the blog said you have to be in someones shoes to really understand them. Not all homeless people want to stay that way, most of them want to get back on their feet. So you shouldn’t really judge a person by sterotypes.
I would think that a homeless person would use all of the money for themselves. I thought that they would go out and buy food, clothes, and anything else they needed/wanted. This changes my view on homeless because it shows that not all of them are selfish. They are just like us and if they want to do something good then they can. You can’t just look at them and automatically think that they are going to use the money for themselves.
I would do that too. what a nice helping man
I would think a homeless person would spend the money on food and warmer clothes if it was the winter. I would also donate money to homeless people to help them out because I think it’s sad for them to have to live on their own with nothing, so I would give them money or food or something to help them out.
I honestly thought that Tom was going to buy alcohol when I saw that he was going into the liquor store. It was nowhere in my mind that he would help other homeless people in the area.
This changes my view on homeless people greatly; this makes me realize that they are just had a rough time and ended up on the streets, they did not intend on being on the streets to buy drugs or alcohol.
When I encounter a homeless person in the future, I will be sure to give them the change I have on hand to at least help a little. I am still weary of homeless people, but this changes my one-sided thoughts on them.
I would think the same thing if he gave the homeless man money i would of thought he was going to go and buy alcohol.It does change the way i look at homeless people because it says about them that they just don’t care about themselves they also care about other homeless people.i would probably give a person money if I have it.
This video has demonstrated that to never judge anyone just because they are homeless or how they look they might be super kind and warm hearted people and they have just had bad circumstances happen in their life which has led them to how they are now I have always felt bad for homeless people but now I will make sure to give someone who has it harder than me all the spare change and or food that I have.
I would assume that the homeless person wold use it for their own bad habits such as alcohol, drugs, etc. This does change my perspective because you never know the real reason why someone is homeless. It’s not always because of drugs or alcohol. The individual could have lost his/her family. You don’t really know the persons story. Next time a homeless person asks for money I will give as much as I can because I understand everyone needs a little help.
I think that people should be more considerate of other people they see on the streets, you never know the circumstansesm or what they had gone through. Also, if it were you, you wouldn’t want to be accused of asking for money to get drunk, some people just want to be able to support themselves and a brighter future.
Honestly if your going to give someone money you did your goood deed whatever they do with that money is on them if the want to spend the money on food good for them if they want to spend kit on drugs that’s on them
1. by themselves food with it.
2. Yes, because instead of buying food for himself, he bought it for someone else. I would not think of that happening.
3. I would give them some of the money I carry around.
I think that people should be more considerate of other people they see on the streets, you never know the circumstansesm or what they had gone through. Also, if it were you, you wouldn’t want to be accused of asking for money to get drunk, some people just want to be able to support themselves and a brighter future.
tell that guy that I said good JOB god blessssssss
Very thoughtful of the homeless guy god bless him.
I think that a homeless person with $100 would go out and spend it on themselves. They would get food or do something that would only benefit themselves because they need the money. It does change my perspective on homeless people because it shows that they aren’t all selfish. They are people too and they can do good if they wanted to. This whole experiment just shows us not to stereotype people just because of how they look. If we first get to know people, then we would have a better understanding of them and not say something rude because they look a certain way.
I think that a homeless person with $100 would go out and spend it on themselves. They would get food or do something that would only benefit themselves because they need the money. This whole experiment just shows us not to stereotype people just because of how they look. If we are first get to know people, then we would have a better understanding of them.
1. I would had thought a homeless person would go buy beer or drugs.
2. Yes because this shows not all homeless people go buy useless things with money
3. i would give them money just not 100 dollars.
1. If I gave money to a homeless person I would hope they would spend it on something that they actually need to help them.
2. Yes, I think they need to spend the money people give them for something they need. People are being generous by giving them the money so they should have respect and by good things.
3. I will tell them that they need to spend it on something they need or they aren’t being responsible.
If I give a homeless person money, I just hope they get what they need instead of something they don’t need
Most people think that if you give some money to a homeless person they are automatically going to turn around and buy something that wont help them get back on their feet. Or get some food into their stomach. They think that they are going to turn around and buy alchol and get drunk, but half of that isn’t even true, like the blog said you have to be in someones shoes to really understand them. Not all homeless people want to stay that way, most of them want to get back on their feet. So you shouldn’t really judge a person by sterotypes.
you wouldn’t want to be accused of asking for money to get drunk, some people just want to be able to support themselves and a brighter future.
1. A homeless person would buy them some food, clothes, house, car. They can do a lot with a $100.
2. Yes, this change my perception because you will have to start caring for the poor out on the streets that do not have no other place to stay because whether if that was you.
3. The next time a stranger request for money I will give them a couple of change or a snack that I have with me because you have to have a big heart and start caring for others.
1.) go buy food or even try to change their appearance for a job
2.) i’ve always thought of it as they have the same opportunity as everyone else, homeless or not.
3.) i mean if i’ve got it i’d give it, depending on how much they they request.
i think he was a great man with a lot of integrity because he did not have to do that but he did even though the man gave it to him so he could do something for hisself but he helped another man out.he was a great person with a kind heart for that it shows what type of man he really is.
1 I think a homeless person would buy food and other stuff they need to survive
2. yes because some homeless people will just buy drugs and stuff but some of them would get stuff they need or stuff for another homeless person
3. I will give them what I have maybe.
a homeless man with $100 would buy food and clothes
I at first thought he would buy liquor and food.
It really does, it shows how things can really impact the lives of people. I see now that they try to be truthful and struggle for their daily needs.
I would probably supply the person with things that they need. The stigma is gone (that they blow it recklessly), so I would provide them with sanitary products, food & water, and maybe a sleeping bag or tent.
1. I think an homeless person would buys alcohol or drugs with the $100.
2. Yes, that all homeless people are not on alcohol and drugs.
3. I would probably do the same thing Josh did, just to see if the person that i meet is a little like tom.
It is amazing how someone living on the streets with nothing to eat or only has the clothes on his back and gets 100 dollars and goes and spends it on everyone else who needs it and doesn’t save any for him self and decides to give to people that he doesn’t even know, now that is a person who has a heart and integrity and wants to give back to people as needy as him.
1. I would think a homeless person would use the money wisely.
2. This changed my point of view on homeless people a little bit. It gives me more hope that there are good people that do good things even though they are going through rough times.
3. If a stranger requests money, I will judge the situation. If it seems unlike a scam then I will give it to them, but if it seems like a scam then I will politely decline.
(1)
Just go and buy food.
(2)
A little bit, knowing that someone might do something good with money.
(3)
Maybe they really do need it, and that something happened to them, and that they have no choice but to be on the streets.
1.I at first thought he would buy liquor and food.
2.It really does, it shows how things can really impact the lives of people. I see now that they try to be truthful and struggle for their daily needs.
3.I would probably supply the person with things that they need. The stigma is gone (that they blow it recklessly), so I would provide them with sanitary products, food & water, and maybe a sleeping bag or tent.
1.) He would have bought liquor, food maybe.
2.) Yes. Anyone could lie about being homeless, but until you give them the money you’re unsure.
3.) If I had change on me, I’d be willing to give it to them. Whether they use it wisely or not, it would feel good.
1.) I would hope that they got some canned foods so that they last longer and a warm jacket.
2.) Yes, Anyone can lie about being homeless just to get money, but until you give them money, you will never know.
3.) If I had money I of course would give the money to them, they are homeless, they have no home and I do, so they desverve it more than I do.
1. I would think they would take it and be so thankful for it and buy food or something they really need.
2. This kind of changes my perspective on homeless people because some of them would just spend it on unnecessary things, but some of them want to give back to others in their situation.
3. I would probably give them some money but before I do, I would start a conversation on why they want my money.
1)
They probably would use the money to buy food, water and clothes.
2)
They might give some to someone else that needs it too.
3)
They could just be doing a scheme and trying to get money.
I would hope that they spend it wisely. I would start out by getting hygiene products like body wash, tooth brush, etc. then some nice new clothes and a new pair of shoes. Lastly, I would get some canned food that can last for years not open. I think people should be sympathetic toward homeless people because they have had a hard life, and every bit that you give counts.
I would hope that they spend it wisely. I would start out by buying some hygiene products like bodywash, toothbrush, etc. Then I would get some new clothes and a new pair of shoes. Lastly I would get some canned food because it can last years without being opened. I think people should feel sympathetic toward homeless people because they have had a hard life, and every little bit counts.
1) I think that they would buy food and clothing.
2) It does change what I think about homeless people, but sometimes homeless people buy stuff that they don’t need.
3) I would give them something first like food and maybe give then money.
1) he would buy food and probably some alcohol
2) it wouldn’t change my perspective on them at all, I would still help them
3) I would give them the money anyway, it would make me feel good knowing I helped out someone in need
1. Take it for himself and use it as he pleases
2. Not really because everyone is different and you can’t have a strict perspective on someone based on what group they are from
3. The same way I always do
Very thoughtful of the homeless guy god bless him.
Before I watched this, I would have thought a homeless person would have used 100 dollars to get some food and something to drink that would last, that doesn’t need refrigerated.
This video kind of changes my perception of homeless people. When I saw the man go into the liquor store, I thought he was going to buy alcohol. I need to remember not to judge people before I know the facts.
I might not give them money but I would offer them food or something that helps them survive. I might also offer them some hygiene products so they can stay clean and safe as well.
1. When he was given the money and walked in to the liquor store, i really thought he was going to buy alcohol. Some homeless people i know buy food, but others i think use the money for unnecessary stuff.
2. Yes and no. I have seen some “homeless people” holding signs asking for money or food, then walk away from the spot they were at and get in to a car, and not a crappy run down one either. But there are other homeless people who actually need the money and food.
3. How will you respond the next time a stranger requests money on the streets?
Honestly, i do not give them any now. I see the same people that walk to their car. I think a lot of them fake it because they do not want to actually work.
1) Would have bought food or possibly alcohol maybe.
2) Yes, anyone could lie about being homeless, but until you give them the money you’re unsure.
3) If I had change on me, I’d be willing to give it to them. Whether they use it wisely or not, it would feel good.
I think a good man would take it to better himself, and a bad one would buy food and booze.
No
I would say I don’t have any.
1. I would think that he is buying alcohol or some food.
2. It more off gives me a clearer perspective of what homeless people feel and what their situation is.
3. I would give them a little bit of money and try to have a conversation with them.
1. I would think that they would either go to the liquor store or go to the gas station and get tobacco.
2.In a way yes but also no because there is going to be people were it was not their fault that they became homeless but there’s people that will lie about how they became homeless and I think that is why most people have that type of mindset with homeless people.
3. I would ask what they need it for and I would just go buy it for them so I know they won’t spend it on what their not supposed too.
This comment is integrity because the man used the money on others instead of himself
This story shows that you don’t know people’s situations and what they are going through so you should not judge until you are fully aware of the situation. And even when you know what is going on judgment of others is not your place.
1. I probably would’ve thought he was going to buy something that would improve his own situation, not anything that would help others.
2. This story gives a good perspective on the life a lot of homeless people live and how many of them are just victims of circumstance. They still want to help others though. This specific story shows integrity because the man didn’t even know he’d get thanked for spending that $100 on others. He just did it because he knew it was the right thing to do.
3. I would probably give them a little money and try to understand what got them into their situation. Obviously I’d want to give them more money if I knew they were going to use it for a good purpose.
I would think they would use it to get the stuff they need to get a job.
1. I think an homeless person would buys alcohol or drugs with the $100.
2. Yes, that all homeless people are not on alcohol and drugs.
3. I would probably do the same thing Josh did, just to see if the person that i meet is a little like tom.
1. bought food and clothes
2. yes
3. I will give them money
1. buy food and clothes
2. yes
3. I will give them money
1. Forget what you just saw, what would you have thought that a homeless person would do with $100?
I think a homeless person would buy food and water and other essential supplies
2. Does this change your perceptions of homeless people. If so, in what ways?
No, because homeless people are normal people too so they would usually act close to everyday people
3. How will you respond the next time a stranger requests money on the streets?
I would ask him what would you use it for then think about getting him money
I would have thought the same thing as Josh that he would have went and got smokes or alcohol. It does change my perspective and Ill try to think of that when I see homeless people now.
This is a good lesson on sacrifice because even though Tom had nothing he still gave away what little money he had, he paid it forward because even though he was in a bad situation he knew that others were also in similar situations. Not only is this a lesson on sacrifice, but on selflessness.
I believe that a homeless person would spend the money by getting things they need, for example, food, water, clothing, and a tent or something to keep them protected from the weather.
Another side of it could be that they would buy smokes or get an alcoholic beverage because of the type of person they are, not only would it affect their health, I believe if they want it they will buy it.
This is a great way to show sacrifice he realizes how it feels to be hungry because he is homeless so he goes to the store to buy food for other homeless people.
1) Bu necessities
(2 yeah because i did not expect him to look out for others at the time
3)i would definately think about giving him money
It’s beautiful, how even in the worst of times, in the most desperate of situations, people can put others before themselves, and even though not aware of being watched, he still did a great deed and helped people.
1. They would buy it with food or clothes. But sadly they’re some who would buy drugs.
2. Homeless people will always be normal. I’ve never hated them I’m just scared on how they sometimes act.
3. I would give them money, only if they’re real homeless people.
1 i think they would be kind
2 Homeless people will always be normal
3 give they half of whats in my wallet
I would have thought the homeless man would spend the money on food and cloths just for himself. This changes my perception about homeless people as they seem to be more selfless and giving even if they still need basics to survive. This makes me want to give atleast something to every homeless person I come across.
My name is B.J. a.k.a Bobby Benton , and i am homeless here in woodbine TN , well my wife and i are both homeless together . We would get our I.D”s so we could get jobs and off these streets. Being on the streets is one of the hardest and scariest things i have ever gone through. We would also get food with whats left over . All homeless people are still humans and still a child of God like you. We are All made to up lift each other that is why we were created . There is always a few who make give the rest a bad reputation < but then you have some like me and ,my wife who just had a run of bad luck and need a little help and want to turn their life around but cant find the right person cause that [[HOMELESS]] word is herd so people frown and run scared . Sometimes try to take the time and ask ……. What's your story you never no we might just be able to help you more than you can help us .God put us all here for a reason .