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What do you do when homeless folks ask for money? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 23 hours ago by bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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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.

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[-] tyrant@lemmy.world 28 points 20 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago)

I say "sorry not today" or something similar but also offer food if I have it. I've usually got a Clif bar or something. Also nice to have emergency blankets for winter hand outs.

Edit: just remember they are people too. Regardless of their current situation. Some might have mental health issues, others maybe substance abuse problems, some might just be down on their luck and unable to find work. Treat them with the respect you would want if you were in their shoes.

[-] Septimaeus@infosec.pub 11 points 19 hours ago

This sounds closest. Acknowledge. Be friendly. Offer food water. Make eye contact, however fleeting. Assess crisis. Keep moving. This is Manhattan and depending on the neighborhood and street they might be the umpteenth to ask. They know this. I still acknowledge and make eye contact because suddenly being invisible is the worst part psychologically.

Bonus: if it’s your neighborhood, odds are you will see these people again. You might want to learn their names. They won’t keep asking you if they recognize you and know you don’t have it.

this post was submitted on 10 Aug 2025

166 points (100.0% liked)

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