Man confronted by panhandler who rejected offer for work

A Manatee County man is taking a stand after offering a panhandler a job -- and then being rejected.

FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon joined Ryan Bray as he stood at the intersection of 75th Street W and Manatee Avenue W, holding a sign to warn drivers not to give panhandlers cash. During the interview, the transient man -- identified by Bray as the one who rejected his offer for help -- approached and confronted Bray, claiming he did nothing wrong.

Bray, who works for his family's remodeling business, said he has seen the same group of panhandlers at the intersection before and wanted to do more than hand out a temporary solution, so he offered one of the men a job: $15 an hour to do yard work, plus help to get off the streets.

Bray said the panhandler kicked his Jeep and told him to leave.

[scuvastebe]

I was homeless 10 years ago, my sign said, will work for money. I got a job that afternoon. 10 years later, I rent a house, own an old car, I work and I study. I feel so blessed with these achievements. Word of advice, stop the excessive drinking, it helps a lot.

Edit: Thank you to everyone for the positive comments, I really appreciate it.

[Takemehome]

$15 an hour to do yard work? Is the job still available? I will take it.

[SouthernSkeptic]

I gave a homeless guy a brand new blanket once and he acted like I gave him a new car. I knew at that moment that he was truly homeless.

[jeffsanders]

A few years ago, a homeless guy hung out near where I worked. Asked around about him and he really was homeless, not scamming. He NEVER asked me for money, just cigarettes. I would slip him a few bucks though. One day, he was eating a cheeseburger and he told me he had another one. He asked me if I was hungry and wanted it. That humbled me tremendously! A homeless man concerned for my well being! He'd come to the restaurant I worked at and would do some work in trade for food. He's since gotten off the streets and is doing ok. Wonderful man!

[BeardMan]

I was homeless at one point, I could never bring myself to ask for money. I did go to a church and ask for food. It took everything I had to walk in that door and ask for food, but I was sooo hungry that I had to. Angel Food Ministry came to the rescue.

[IndomitableGanja]

I was homeless for a year . I slept under bridges, behind cracks, walls, really anything out of sight. My pride would make it so I never begged for money and I remember always being hungry and tired. You could never really sleep and cops would make sure you never felt comfortable. I met a wonderful lady at the local library and she asked me why I always looked so tired. She offered me a room and a job if I just went to college . I didn’t have much hope, But I did, and She kept pushing me to finish until I was able to finish… it still makes me smile, and cry. all she wanted to do was help me & I never understood why. three years later, I have a room, a job, a car and I’m completely sober . I still don’t understand sometimes, but some people really do care and never let someone tell you different .

[davidhouse]

I was homeless for four months lost my job people helped me so much giving me money and food i was grateful i really wanted someone to offer me a job i was about to run out of minutes on my cell phone one day a lady stopped she asked me if i needed anything and also asked me what phone service i had i told her she came back with food and a cell phone card i was shocked she then said i have seen you looking for work filling out job applications at places which is why she helped me she said there was another homeless guy in the same area who was making no effort she thought it was great that i was trying so hard i got a job and now have an apartment

[JohnDoe-fznu]

Came out of grocery store and was approached by a “homeless” mom with kid in tow. She asked for money while holding a sign with “Hungry. Please help. God bless”
I offered a bag of my non perishable groceries and she said she does not want any groceries, she only wants cash and if I did not give her money then her kid would have to starve………
Her pimp/husband walked up and said I could return 10$ and give them cash instead.
I told them both the store they are standing in front of has a help wanted sign. They both were well groomed, clean clothes, newish shoes. They can’t be doing to bad harassing people for money.

[chutorakaiken]

A group of friends I know bought a panhandler a sandwich from McDonald's. He not only turned it down, his reply to them was not a "thank you, " but "I only take money and/or alcohol." You can't really help someone who doesn't want to help themself.

[KevinJohnson-smjc]

I offered to buy lunch for a guy at McDonald's, he acted like I insulted him. He said give me the money instead, I can't eat this stuff, bad stomach! I said being a alcoholic will do that, he got mad and left!

[NT-fome]

Came out of a diner after lunch one day and a man and woman hit me up for a donation. Gave me the sob story of haven't eaten in two days. Told them I wouldn't give them money but would take them inside the diner and buy them each a sandwich. Got cursed and called every name under the sun. Made me think that just maybe they wanted the money for booze or dope and not food.

[tannerwilloughby]

I felt bad for this family for a couple weeks...the kids had a sign that said need money...then one day i saw the parents pick them up in a new 2020 suburban that's worth more than I could make as a construction worker. Super sad what world we live in...but I did give a big group of homeless guys chairs to sit on and they were all grateful

[TenThumbsProductions]

Beggars can’t be choosers.
Beggar: oh yeah, hold my sign.

[stardustmelody]

When I lived in Charlotte there was a man who panhandled near my grocery store. He had a dog with him which gained my sympathy. I would always give him money. One day his pic was on the front page of the newspaper. He had nearly $30, 000 in the bank. I was struggling living from paycheck to paycheck. I don’t give money to panhandlers anymore.

[randyr]

On my way to work everyday there was a homeless guy that sat off of the exit I would take with a “Homeless and Hungry” sign. I offered him a peanut butter sandwich one day and he was so thankful he practically devoured it in front of me. I would bring him a sandwich every day after that till I changed jobs. Hope his circumstances have improved. Some people do just need a hand.

[sandysmith]

I was homeless, and lived in a tent in the woods for 4 months. I made money by waking up at 6:30 am, and calling a temp service for jobs. I made money, then I would go to a golf resorts at 4 am with a resume'. I got a job as a landscaper for 4 years. It's very difficult, but you can pull yourself out of homelessness, and despair.

[groovynipple]

I’m a nurse in a drug and alcohol detox facility. Most of my patients got their money panhandling. They have even ran into me a month or so after discharge and asked for money for “broke down car” or some BS. 🙄 I mean, seriously? I never give money to panhandlers.

[Kev]

I ran across someone in Houston asking for money to eat. I went home and cooked a meal that included rice dressing, sweet peas, homemade bread, and bbq chicken. I even had a drink along with dessert. The guy told me he didn't want that, he wanted money. It was accepted by another homeless person with a smile. I truly don't know everyone's story, but I tried to help at what he was trying to accomplish....eat.

[seanpeters]

Last week when I was in Las Vegas at a hotel I had a young man, probably in his early 20s, approach me and say "Hey, I'm hungry." We told him, "Then go eat something." He said "I need money." He was probably wearing about $300 worth the trendy clothes and shoes. The entitlement with "beggars" these days is appalling.

[allen-rpgm]

I once visited a friend who was an amazing cook. She sent me home with some leftovers. On my way home on the subway a panhandler approached me asking for money for food. I offered him the leftovers and he accepted it. I did mention what a great cook my friend is and I hope he appreciated it. About a year later I crossed paths with this dude and he immediately remembered me and the food I gave him...." man you were right that was awesome!" hahaha!