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.

  • make -j8@lemmy.world
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    20 days ago

    i actually give to those who do not ask

    like a lady in the subway, visibly mentally challenged with all her belongings, drawing and striking words in her notepad. she made me sad, so i gave her a bill when leaving the train. her face became lightened when she saw it, she said thank you and I left

    sometimes I leave at where they sleep like under pillow next to head

    • AA5B@lemmy.world
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      20 days ago

      This is a great idea. Some of us are wary of being ripped off by a scammer and there are some of those. But those few scammers will likely be the most aggressive. Someone just existing in need will NOT be a scammer. This seems like a great way to be sure you’re actually helping someone who needs it