Ask Lemmy

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.

I say I don't have cash. It's true but tbh I wouldn't give any if I had. It just goes to alcohol and/or drugs.

I'll give a buck or two, depending on how much money I'm making that time of year. I've stopped and had a conversation a few times as well.

"Seriously? Do I look like I have money?"

Depending on how they ask, it's either a short polite "no" or I just ignore them (it's mostly the former, thankfully). I rarely, if ever, have cash on me. And although it sometimes happen, I'm not exactly safe from a single bad month putting me under anyway.

Something I won't do is insult/harass/otherwise make them even more miserable. If I can't help them, I'm sure as hell won't make things worse for them.

I try to have food bars and give it to them. Hopefully they eat it and not trade it for drugs or something

I have given sporadically in the past, depending on how poor I was at the time, etc.

I don't carry cash at all anymore, though.

I feel really guilty and to avoid feeling worse by making eye contact, I just ignore them. The first time I encountered somebody homeless after being on my own, I felt like a huge asshole because all I could say was sorry while walking by them with grocery's. I didn't have cash on me at the time. Ever since then, I've just always ignored them. I'm what they call a hypocrite. Sucks

I'll give sometimes if they're not pushy. If i don't want to, sometimes I'll tell them "I just gave all my change to that guy back there"

Say "no sorry" and move along, its not a problem for individuals to solve.

If I have change or a spare buck, I give it to them. I don't care what they spend it on.

“No” “no thanks” or “sorry, no”

I vote and contact my elected officials to tell them to provide unrestricted supportive housing.

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 ?

i give them money, just $10. I feel bad and I'll be thinking about it all day. Even if they do something wrong with it at least they know someone cared

I give what I can when I can. It's rare to have actual cash, but if it's close to a restaurant I just ask if they want food or drink and buy them something with my card. Takes 5 minutes and is just a small act of kindness and support from another person. Most people don't even acknowledge they exist, let alone talk to them.

Life under capitalism seriously sucks for all of us (except a few hundred people), if I can maybe help make someone's day a little less shitty I'll try.

I don't mean this in a judgemental way at all, but just remember that they are humans too, just like you or I. Most people do not realize just how insanely lucky they are to be able to do basic things like work and have a house and car and have money and all that many people don't get the same opportunities and are dealt a bad hand in life through no fault of theirs. One big medical bill can make someone homeless in this system. Don't feel bad or awkward about having some resources that others don't have, but you can also slow down and share a little.

Treat other people how you would want to be treated if roles reversed. Simple as that.

Again, I don't mean to make anyone feel bad for not giving. I also don't mean to elevate myself in the least, I'm not any better than you, I'm just trying to help people see the humanity in others regardless of money.

Unfortunately, I've had my fair share of ungrateful ones that kind of ruin it for everyone. Not even a thank you, just rip it off my hand and walk away like I'm a nuisance. I'm much more selective nowadays, but I do give occasionally.