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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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[-] kerrigan778 14 points 17 hours ago

Okay, but the money you gave could have been used to provide community kitchen and shelters. Should community aid be given in cash based on peoples willingness to look convincingly in need? Should assertive street harassment be the default choice to get aid? Everytime you're tempted to give cash, give that much to a local shelter or kitchen.

[-] Randomgal@lemmy.ca 8 points 14 hours ago

Brother not everyone likes the shelter. A lot of homeless people refuse to go because they are dangerous and if you're trying to quit drugs, well now you're surrounded by druggies.

You have good intentions, but assistance can't be locked behind institutional demands. If they wanted to go to the shelter, they would be at the shelter. If they wanted to receive conditional help, they'd be at the shelter.

They are asking you for help, just give it if you can.

[-] surewhynotlem@lemmy.world 8 points 14 hours ago

Don't shame people for their choice of giving methods. Shame people who give nothing.

[-] mojofrododojo@lemmy.world 14 points 16 hours ago

when community aid doesn't actually aid the community - we have lots of shelters with rules against pets, couples, drinking etc., - religious orgs primarily who want to force their values on the victims.

Everytime you’re tempted to give cash, give that much to a local shelter or kitchen.

I disagree, there's something to be said for helping individuals when you can. And there are lots of individuals who will not seek institutional aid for a number of valid reasons.

this post was submitted on 10 Aug 2025

166 points (100.0% liked)

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