Ask Lemmy

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 ?

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

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.

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

Give them some cash, if I have a little extra. I recommend carrying a little change if you live in an area with regular homeless folks.

I used to bring a particular homeless guy who hung around my block a sandwich on my way to work, and a beer when walking my dog on Friday nights (if I saw him, for either occurrence). That was all when I lived in a different city 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 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.

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.

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.

“No” “no thanks” or “sorry, no”

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

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

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

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 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

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.