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.

  • Cracks_InTheWalls@sh.itjust.works
    2·
    2 hours ago

    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.

  • heyWhatsay@slrpnk.netEnglish
    1·
    2 hours ago

    Peacefully coexisting is the hope imo. Just leave people alone, offer help if you can, otherwise wish them well.

    Anyone harassing either has drug or mental issues, not much you can do but limit interactions.

    Sound like asylums may be returning, so that will probably be horrible.

  • Colonel_Panic_@eviltoast.org
    11·
    2 hours ago

    I give what I can when I can. It’s rare to have actual cash, but if it’s close to a restaurant I just ask if they want food or drink and buy them something with my card. Takes 5 minutes and is just a small act of kindness and support from another person. Most people don’t even acknowledge they exist, let alone talk to them.

    Life under capitalism seriously sucks for all of us (except a few hundred people), if I can maybe help make someone’s day a little less shitty I’ll try.

    I don’t mean this in a judgemental way at all, but just remember that they are humans too, just like you or I. Most people do not realize just how insanely lucky they are to be able to do basic things like work and have a house and car and have money and all that many people don’t get the same opportunities and are dealt a bad hand in life through no fault of theirs. One big medical bill can make someone homeless in this system. Don’t feel bad or awkward about having some resources that others don’t have, but you can also slow down and share a little.

    Treat other people how you would want to be treated if roles reversed. Simple as that.

    Again, I don’t mean to make anyone feel bad for not giving. I also don’t mean to elevate myself in the least, I’m not any better than you, I’m just trying to help people see the humanity in others regardless of money.

  • sobchak@programming.dev
    2·
    4 hours ago

    I almost never have cash or even change now, so that’s what I tell them. I used to give them some money if I had it and wasn’t immediately going to use it. One of my old friends used to give them a beer out of a pack he bought if there was a person outside the store or on the corner begging on the drive to wherever he was going.

  • DarkFuture@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    5 hours ago

    I just tell them I’ve only got my card on me and keep walking.

    As physical money is becoming more and more obsolete this is becoming less of a lie. And I certainly don’t carry change on me anymore.

    I used to give them whatever small change/bills I had on me, but then I realized that effectively added up to another monthly bill and I’m trying to save up for a home and need to have rainy day money in case my car eats shit. I vote to help them every chance I get and that is enough. If that isn’t enough, then that’s our system’s fault, not my personal fault.

  • cley_faye@lemmy.world
    1·
    4 hours ago

    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.

  • Ofiuco@piefed.caEnglish
    5·
    7 hours ago

    I walk faster because I don’t know if they are asking for themselves, checking to steal from you (checking who has money, how much and if it’s kept somewhere they can easily take it) or working for someone worse to kidnap you.

    Living in México City does wonders to paranoia.

  • lemmy_outta_here@lemmy.world
    7·
    8 hours ago

    If I am not in a position to give i look the person in the eye, smile apologetically and say, “no, sorry.” I try not to ignore them and i am never rude. No one has ever reacted badly.

  • HyonoKo@lemmy.ml
    15·
    10 hours ago

    Been there done that. You never, ever know what’s the story behind a beggar. If I have and feel like it and I’m not in a rush I give. This is a fucked up world.

  • muziriyaolili@lemmy.world
    4·
    9 hours ago

    I once experienced , in my 22. I gave out about 10 dol , then got keeping asked (i was too shy to reject!) so at last i gave out 50 dol, all what i took from school my college. bad grammar sry