This is becoming more common in my town. I just either feel like an ass saying I dont have cash, or lying, but I also can’t be giving out 20’s to everyone who asks.

I feel bad for most of them but at the same time I get anxiety walking down the sidewalk and seeing someone up ahead that I know is going to ask me for money. 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. And ignoring completely feels so mean, plus I tried that one time and the person was screaming at me as i walked away that I ignored them.

I also dont want my city to round them up and send them to prison camps, something they are planning and that I know a lot of people would vote for just to “get rid of them” but im not supporting that at all.

Its tough.

  • Nusm@peachpie.theatl.socialEnglish
    111·
    1 day ago

    Where I live, there isn’t much walking, but the homeless stand at intersections and hold signs and look at you while you wait on the light to change.

    My wife, who is a much better person than I, will keep $5 McDonald’s gift cards in her vehicle and sometimes hand those out. She says that there is a McDonald’s within walking distance of almost anywhere in town, and that $5 is enough to get a couple of things off the value menu and a free cup of water. If they’re really homeless and hungry, at least they will have something to eat.

    • AA5B@lemmy.world
      3·
      1 day ago

      Where I live, the local paper did an expose about some of those people being scammers. Most are truly in need and deserve any help we can give. But you need to be more skeptical of the most aggressive or the ones with the best spots. There’s only a small number of scammers but they will drive away the truly needy when they can find a profitable intersection

      I like the one guy here with a practice of giving only to those who aren’t actively panhandling.

      But that reminds me, it’s been too long since I donated to services for the needy

    • bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.worksOP
      2·
      1 day ago

      Very similar here. That is genius!! Beause i also feel dumb giving someone 5 dollars they are going to go spend on a steelhouse reserve instantly…very common here.