Couple raises over $400k for homeless man

[Irving]

The story is actually about how the homeless guy is suing then for the money since they won't give it up.

https://apnews.com/9d95a99f8a424acab95ade3cdee6b99b

That's not what has my interest though. So the over $400k was raised by 14,000 people. Divided equally, that's about $28 each. People can spend their money how they want, whatever. I haven't looked up the statics, but will go ahead and assume that most people in this country don't even make $150k, let alone $400k per year. I'm curious what factors were involved to get this number so high.

I've read stuff about the difference between raising money for individuals vs. groups, so I get that factor. There could have been a set goal that people were trying to reach; and I'm sure there was some amount of getting wrapped up in a movement. But at some point, when the amount raised was at $200k there were still thousands of people donating after that. I don't like to think I'm heartless, but when donating to a person that is presented as having nothing, and the donation amount is over what I make in a year, several years really, I wouldn't donate. Who are theses people that keep funding?

Anyway, I hope he gets all the money due to him. I have no doubt that he's been spending it poorly, but if they want to turn into personal financial advisors, they should have done that up front instead of slaping together some hasty fund raiser.

[68Charger]

The story is actually about how the homeless guy is suing then for the money since they won't give it up.

https://apnews.com/9d95a99f8a424acab95ade3cdee6b99b

That's not what has my interest though. So the over $400k was raised by 14,000 people. Divided equally, that's about $28 each. People can spend their money how they want, whatever. I haven't looked up the statics, but will go ahead and assume that most people in this country don't even make $150k, let alone $400k per year. I'm curious what factors were involved to get this number so high.

I've read stuff about the difference between raising money for individuals vs. groups, so I get that factor. There could have been a set goal that people were trying to reach; and I'm sure there was some amount of getting wrapped up in a movement. But at some point, when the amount raised was at $200k there were still thousands of people donating after that. I don't like to think I'm heartless, but when donating to a person that is presented as having nothing, and the donation amount is over what I make in a year, several years really, I wouldn't donate. Who are theses people that keep funding?

Anyway, I hope he gets all the money due to him. I have no doubt that he's been spending it poorly, but if they want to turn into personal financial advisors, they should have done that up front instead of slaping together some hasty fund raiser.

full disclosure, I didn't read the article yet...

People want to feel that they make a difference, that they're part of a bigger story. Some people get this thru Work, Church, Politics, and others Philanthropy. I'm guessing that those that keep donating are ones without such a connection that fulfills this need already.

[Irving]

Agreed. People are generally bad at money, and the quest to feel good about helping is likely more powerful than the realization that you're now donating to someone in a far *better position than you.

*Assuming a homeless person has zero debts but is now flush with cash.

[izzy]

I read a similar article the other day, basically the same story. Kinda glad the guy finally will get all that money. So what if he spends it poorly.

[Justin]

I wish I was given the opportunity to resist the temptation to spend a large windfall in stupid ways.

[izzy]

I wish I was given the opportunity to resist the temptation to spend a large windfall in stupid ways.

we could all get a Tesla

[Great-Kazoo]

we could all get a Tesla

And be able to afford the electric upgrades.

[Irving]

If I had a Tesla, my first mood would be a crank handle off a Model T driving out of the grill. No one would get it though.

[ChickNorris]

If I had a Tesla, my first mood would be a crank handle off a Model T driving out of the grill. No one would get it though.

I would have

[StagLefty]

If I had a Tesla, my first mood would be a crank handle off a Model T driving out of the grill. No one would get it though.

Everyone knows that's for the dashboard clock