Ask Lemmy

I used to give them a cigarette. I quit though.

Call in the national guard apparently.

I feed them, get them any medical care they need and help them get into section 8 housing.

And then they introduce me to their friends to do the same for them.

Or they were just trying to play on people’s sympathy for money and avoid me like the plague.

I once experienced , in my 22. I gave out about 10 dol , then got keeping asked (i was too shy to reject!) so at last i gave out 50 dol, all what i took from school my college. bad grammar sry

I tell them the truth: I don't carry cash.

Its not like you can say “oh no, I donate to services that help the needy” because that person isn’t necessarily being helped by that.

I had a friend say exactly that to someone. When I asked them further about it, they said, "he knows where to find a cot." That was more convincing to me before I listened to the "According to Need," Podcast. It looked at homelessness in the Bay Area (where we live) and getting a bed is nearly impossible.

I don't usually give money cause I rarely carry small bills. But sometimes. And I will without fail buy food for anyone who asks.

I give to the obviously mentally impaired ones the most. The last person I gave a 20 to looked straight through me as he talked to god. There is only so much you can do. I know it sucks.

If you don't have the means to help with what they're asking for, a quick "Sorry, can't help today" and going about your business is they way to go. It's not a full on engagement, but it is an acknowledgement.

Back when I was a smoker, if I didn't have means to help with cash but had some smokes to spare and a little time I'd say "No, but if you smoke I can share one with you" and, if they were into it, stop and chat for a cigarette break's length of time. Lots of factors to consider here before doing that, but for the most part people enjoyed the acknowledgement for a few minutes. YMMV.

I usual walk around with some small cash, change, etc, and definitely give it out as I'm walking until I'm out.

I just keep a mental note of it and skip the next coffee or odd lunch date, so my budget evens ~ out.

Peacefully coexisting is the hope imo. Just leave people alone, offer help if you can, otherwise wish them well.

Anyone harassing either has drug or mental issues, not much you can do but limit interactions.

Sound like asylums may be returning, so that will probably be horrible.

Keep an amount of change on you that you won’t miss, it doesn’t have to be 20s or even 1s. Even if it’s just 20 or 30 cents, it will be appreciated. And if it’s not, that person either has some serious mental health issues that are making them lash out (most likely) or they’re scamming (unlikely but not impossible). You’re not going to look like the asshole in that situation if you just walk away.

I give them negative five dollar bills so they actually owe me moneys. Gotta love UOIs!

My brother has told me many times before that giving them money ain't gonna do nothing because that's money that they can use for drugs if they're addicted. He says buying them food is better.

As messed up as it is, kinda gotta agree, especially since zi don't know who's an addict and who's not.

I normally ignore them because I don't keep physical cash on me unless I'm making an as discrete as possible purchase. It may sound kinda cruel, but I find it easy for me to just ignore them and pretend they don't exist. Don't know whether that's more of a personality thing with me or because of my autism already making me less likely to wanna deal with people in general.

I’d be much more likely to give money to someone trying to sell something or offering a service. They don’t even try anymore. Miss the old gas can routine.

Shake my head, say "sorry man, God bless," and keep walking. I'm not religious, but they often are.

Donate to real charities that actually help people change their lives, or to food banks or shelters that support them. Giving to individuals feels nicer (or worse to avoid) due to the directness, but is ultimately not as helpful.

I really don't have cash

When I lived in a city I never gave money but I did offer canned or sealed food. I have also given away my used camping gear.

Usually im with my kids, why would you ask a parent with kids for money? Any money I have is for the kids

I give whatever change I have, but when that's gone:

"Sorry. I get paid electronically and pay for damn near everything electronically, the only time I touch cash I have to pay extra to get it."

now I have been hit with the: can you venmo me five?

I hate when they come by the car and look in your car.. if you move a little they think your gonna give them money..

Sucks I know but come on what’s up with the pressure ?

Yeah, they don't do that where I live. They get housed and fed by the government. The only people begging are Roma. And there are laws preventing people from approaching you so they have to settle for sitting on the street corner with signs.