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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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[-] diptchip@lemmy.world 6 points 14 hours ago

I’d be much more likely to give money to someone trying to sell something or offering a service. They don’t even try anymore. Miss the old gas can routine.

[-] CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.works 3 points 13 hours ago

I once had a gas can man try to sell me the same story twice in the parking lot of my job weeks apart from one another. "Yeah I came up with my wife and kids and we ran out of gas..."

I didn't fall for it the first time and the second time was pure enjoyment as he obviously didnt recognize me, so I got to witness his song and dance with "secret insider knowledge."

this post was submitted on 10 Aug 2025

166 points (100.0% liked)

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