I personally do not, but I think it's a personal decision. I have a background in working for homeless non-profits. If you have a desire to really help and be part of moving towards a solution, find a local group and donate and/or volunteer with them.
The reality of handing money to someone is at best it's a band-aid, and more often you're just buying that night's substance of choice. No judgement there, if I was homeless and likely not receiving needed medical and mental health treatment, I'd be high and drunk as often as I could too. Hell, I'm high as often as I can be now. Nevertheless though, I feel comfortable choosing not to participate by handing money when asked and I don't begrudge anyone who does.
exactly how i do it, and i make sure 50% of my professional life i’m sacrificing income to work for not for profits. i want my donation to be the most effective it can be, and making sure that people have roofs over their head isn’t going to happen with my spare change
I work with a mutual aid group that engages in street outreach. I experience a lot of different cases and pretty much all of them would be benefitted by having more money.
Some people have a job, but not a home, and are trying to get housed
Some people have a home, but not a job and are trying to stay housed
Some people have neither and are trying to stay alive
Some people have both, but are so underpaid for the area they are in and are trying to stay housed
Some people are migrants and it is 100% illegal for them to work in the US and their only source of aid is through asking the community
Not one of them enjoys the situation they are in nor has made an explicit choice to be or stay homeless.
A lot of people who panhandle stay in encampments. These provide a small community with a lot of support structures for those there. There’s often someone who knows how to cook anything with any source of heat, someone who knows how to treat wounds, someone who knows what each person in the camp needs, and someone who’s plugged into the broader community and can get things for those who can’t (not all food pantries or lines are accommodating for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues can have trouble waiting for hours for food or even getting there). My point being that even if your contribution doesn’t help the person asking directly, it likely helps someone they know.
And if you’re worried about the whole “they’ll just spend it on drugs” thing, I honestly wouldn’t. Among the people I work with maybe 1/3 of them use drugs and very very few use anything other than weed. Employed and housed people use weed to unwind, why is it so much more evil if you don’t have a house? And if you’re working with the 2/3 of people that don’t use drugs than it’s not really a concern. I do realize that those numbers might be vastly different in areas that were more harshly hit by opioid issues.
I never give money to the homeless. They’ll just buy drugs and alcohol.
I keep it for myself. So I can buy drugs and alcohol.
—
For real though, I try to give $5 if I can. Some people will waste it, some will make good use of it, and it’s impossible to tell from the outside looking in. So I might as well swing at every ball. Giving to charities is good too, but they don’t reach everyone (for all sorts of reasons).
I think the debate on this issue is blown out of proportion.
First, giving a small amount of money to someone in need is a very direct and human act of compassion which makes it worthwhile, if you gift someone money it is their prerogative what they do with it and the idea that it is harmful is blown out of proportion.
Second, giving money to a local charity is also worthwhile, if you don't feel comfortable for whatever reason.
The idea that one approach is good and the other is actively bad is at best a distraction and at worst an excuse to do nothing at all
The fact is that even in Australia, which by world standards has a not bad safety net, it is not possible for most people to get crisis housing and waiting lists for public housing are rarely less than 6 months, welfare payments can be cut off for trivial reasons and public mental health services are overwhelmed. These are the problems that successive governments have refused to tackle.
If you can make someone's day with a small gift then please do.
Yes of course. And if they go spend it on a pack of chips or coffee from the 7-11, that might be just what they needed to get through the next few hours.
Only they know what they need right then and there, and I hope we’re past the condescension of people refusing to give money but offering some food item they believe the person would benefit from (because “if I give money they’ll just waste it”).
Sometimes they might want to talk if you can spare some time too, to break the social exclusion they’re feeling.
And they might not be appreciative, or they may have a as bad attitude, that’s the way it goes. They’re dispossessed, they’re looked down on, and they could be sleeping on the side of the road on a rainy night wondering how long they’ve got left. They may have lost families. They may not have it in them to say “thanks mate”.
I keep some cash in my pocket specifically in case I run across someone asking for money.
And then I live like a hermit, almost never going anywhere, so it's rare that I actually have occasion to give in that way, but you know.
Also, in my experience, it's not necessarily homeless people who need the money. I've seen people (claiming they're) close to losing their housing who are hoping to raise enough money panhandling to make their rent this month.
Of course, if you are struggling financially, it's definitely very reasonable to decline to give in that context. I suppose if anything feels "off" as well. (Though I wouldn't want to bias folks in the direction of thinking that there may be any reason to be more suspicious of people in need than others.) But over all, I do think it's something that can make a hugely, vitally positive change in someone's basic wellbeing.
the biggest failure that happens when we give resources directly to homeless people is not also providing the support systems that prevent the relapse in the first place. we dont provide for social services that give them regular human contact that has been proven to lower drug and alcohol addiction issues.
'non-profits'... charities... are just not enough to provide these services, it needs to be a systemic, over-arching process and not the one-off solutions those 'non profit' agencies provide.
The important act is giving. If you think a dude on the side of the road needs $20 and you've got it to spare, there's no downside to doing that. They may not use it how you like them to, but they will use it how they best can. Sometimes that's food, sometimes that's drugs, to keep them from actively offing themselves.
If you think a charity has a decent track record and can better use those funds to serve more people, donate it there. They'll use it how they beat see fit, whether that's food, shelter or enforcement of policies. It may not be how you want it used, but that's okay.
Ultimately, give what you can, however you can. Once you've given the money, you can't determine how it's used, so be okay with your act of charity simply existing by itself, not in comparison to another hypothetical "best" act of charity.
I don't give money to panhandlers because I don't like being solicited. (Also why I don't buy things at my door, or via telemarketing) however I do support the idea of programs distributing funds directly to those in need.
Who are you to decide what they're allowed to buy? You'd rather have someone go hungry on the off chance they might buy something you don't agree with?
It's ultimately an assessment done in a case by case basis. Another example: will you give money to a relative who will use it for gambling? Helping someone turn around their life and enabling their habits are different things.
The point is to help this person temporarily alleviate a problem they have, whatever that problem may be. If you don't want to do this, fine, but if you're only willing to give money if they use that money in ways that you deem wholesome, that's patronising.
I don't know which are real and which are part of some scam ring. In my area there are rings of women with children selling candy. When they reach the last stop they regroup and discuss with each other then shill candy on the next train. I never give money but I buy food if they ask. I offered to buy a sandwich from dunkin for a man and he screamed at me about how he needed muthafuckin money!!!! and ever since I don't offer anything anymore to anyone.
I will leave it at people can, if they have the means and want to. You're never obligated, even if someone is using aggressive panhandling tactics.
I play pinball, so I'm one of the disappearing folks that often has a little bit of pocket change left over. If I see someone panhandling and I am feeling generous, I'll share some. If I don't have any, am still feeling generous, and they're outside of somewhere serving food, I'll ask if they want something. Usually people say yes, sometimes they say no. Never buy something with the specific intent to give it to a panhandler without asking them first - it's rude to presume. If you legit have something extra that you didn't expect that is fair game to offer - in those circumstances I always add "If you don't want it, that's cool" to make it clear I'm not forcing it on them/I won't think they're rude for not taking it.
If I'm not feeling generous, I don't give anything.
Whatever anyone does with anything I gift them is their business. It's fucking rough out there.
A good charity would be able to get the most out of your money. At least you know the chances of your $20 turning into drugs, alcohol, or gambling is minimal that way.
Making money takes time and effort, and you owe it to yourself to see it spent wisely.
I really can't see a downside. If they seem to be obviously homeless or they're actively asking for help, they probably need it. Though it's extremely unlikely that your meager contribution will be the change that suddenly allows them to magically overcome poverty and become middle class home owners with well paying jobs, that doesn't really make them need it any less. Whatever they use the money on, it's going to be what they need in the immediate term, be it drugs or food or anything really and unlike others this is the only way they can really get that money so they do need people to occasionally part with it. You'd only give it to them because you had it spare anyway and it's not going to make them more homeless than they already were. If the concern is that it's not addressing the root personal problems that put them individually on the street or the root social problems that put many on the streets, that's completely true but if you're serious about doing that you're going to need more than the couple of bucks in your pocket anyway. That's going to be concerted massive political will and financial effort and several people's lifetimes worth of work all at the same time, besides you can always involve yourself in some way in such efforts and hand over spare change. The only times I can really think of where it makes sense not to give directly are: you can't afford to do it, the physical circumstances of handing it over are dangerous/impractical, you don't care about homeless people or other people in general or you subscribe to some nasty Malthusian ideas and think yourself somehow benevolent for condemning people to destitution as some kind of "cruel to be kind" doctrine in which case you're unlikely to have given this a lot of thought anyway and don't really face much of a dilemma.
There's a lot about direct giving here, but consider donating to local shelters instead. Especially in the winter. The more they have for supporting bus fare in and out of town or food, being sheltered is a good thing. And the local shelter has very little overhead compared to charities.
It's better to buy them food or give them homeless care packs. There are good lists online of things you can give to homeless folks that will help them a lot, socks are a main staple.
I give all three depending on the scenario. I almost never have cash on me, so I don't hand out money very often just because of that.
It's important to show them compassion and care. Homeless people are often treated like trash by most people. Saying a kind word to them and giving them a small gift might be the only instance of kindness they experience for days, possibly weeks.
Your money will go further if you donate to a local charity or food bank. That being said, I'll give money occasionally. It's nice to let them know others do genuinely care about them and their plight. Usually I'll talk to them first. If they're not too pushy I'll slip them enough for a couple of meals. Subway gift cards are a good way to go. There's lots of them and you know your money will go towards food. Most importantly treat them with respect and dignity
In this world of digital payments, I don't have cash on me. When I do, I give a little here and there and its usually met with thanks.
I wish there was an easier way give 50p or something digitally by tapping my card against a reader of theirs, but the setup cost and the chance of misuse is high
Do you want to feel good momentarily for doing something good? Get some interpersonal gratitude? Then yes.
Do you want to reduce homelessness in your community? There are probably local projects for that, where your money will be used more effectively.
Do you want to be altruistic, helping people in need and want your money to be used as effectively as possible? Look into reputable charities (like Helen Keller Intl, preventing child blindness and death with Vitamin A is hella cost effective) or funds. I looked into the same thing some time ago and stumbled upon givewell.org. They evaluate charities based on a number of ratings and choose the most effective ones for their funds. Been donating through them monthly for a year now. Also, it is tax deductible so i get almost half of it back.
I was at a sandwich shop in town. Something happened and they messed up my sandwich. They said "want a remake?" and, well, please. I'm particular. "Want this one?" Yeah, as I'll bring it home for the wife. But wait: on the way to the train I see a pair huddled in a doorway, just being. "Free sammich? Just from there, I swear it's good, but it's extra. You want?" Yeah, they wanted it.
Felt good not to waste it.
I feel totally okay with buying a poor guy lunch if he wants it. My family was poor, I'm okay now, I have no pride and I like food; I assume Buddy is the same way. If so, free lunch. Woo!
I don't like giving money to people. I DO like giving money to the food bank, as they can leverage the fuck out of it and the dollar goes further for more people. I don't give food to the food bank, as whatever I buy to give for them is nowhere near as good as me giving that money to them directly.
My parents have a well worn story of the time they were students and very poor and they saw a homeless guy outside the kebab shop and asked if he'd like a kebab to which he agreed. They brought it out to him and he examined it and threw it on the ground and yelled at them about something they now don't remember exactly but they think was something to do with not wanting chilli sauce. Guessing that guy wasn't in the best state of mind at the time, bit of a bummer for them though because they scraped together the last of their cash to pay for that and it would have been better if they could at least have eaten it themselves.
I had a similar experience with a Subway restaurant downtown. Dude was begging for money on the sidewalk. We offer him a sub, and just gets mad at us, and goes back to playing on his MacBook while cursing us out.
Do you think the best way to help homeless people is to give them money directly, or donate it to organizations that help them? Not sure if there's a right answer.
This is an empirical question that people are baselessly speculating about from the armchair, when we’ve know the answer for years. Even the neoliberals over at The Economist think it’s a good idea.
There are homeless people everywhere...
This homeless guy asked me for money the other day
I was about to give it to him and then I thought he's just going to use it on drugs or alcohol
And then I thought: "That's what I'm going to use it on!"
"Why am I judging this poor bastard?"
People love to judge homeless guys
Like if you give him the money he's just going to waste it. He's going to waste the money
Well, he lives in a box, what do you want him to do? Save it up and buy a wall unit?
Take a little run to the store for a throw rug and a CD rack?
He's homeless!
I walked behind this guy the other day. A homeless guy asked him for money
He looks right at the homeless guy and goes: "Why don't you go get a job, you bum?"
People always say that to homeless guys, "Get a job", like it is always that easy
This homeless guy was wearing his underwear outside his pants
I'm guessing his resume ain't all up to date
I'm predicting some problems during the interview process
I'm pretty sure even McDonald's has a "Underwear Go Inside The Pants" policy
Not that they enforce it really strictly, but technically, I'm sure it is on the books
Underwear Goes Inside the Pants, Lazyboy (TV)
I don't really see an issue with giving homeless people money, I'm more inclined to give to buskers honestly, but I don't have the means to give to anyone.
My whole life, people have told me it's better to give them food than money, but I'm not sure I agree with that perspective personally. Maybe if they want food you can offer to get it for them if they might be embarrassed to get it themselves or something? Maybe ask them if they'd prefer money or something else right now? Idk, I haven't had many chances to help people in that kind of situation.
I don't because I'm concerned that they would use my generous gift to just go out and buy drugs. And that may be cruel of me. But I would rather donate to a charity that feeds the homeless, such as a soup kitchen. Or if I see somebody that would look hungry, I would rather buy them a meal directly than give them the money for it.
My opinion is no. They can then use it to buy drugs or alcohol, which is unfortunately likely.
Maybe you could donate to some homeless shelter?
Or maybe, you could try asking if you could buy them some food instead.
EDIT: this was a test. This comment is a copy of an original comment on this post. This copy received 90% downvotes while the original received 36% downvotes. This is evidence that the majority of Lemmy would not give money to help a homeless person despite being an ultra liberal (democrat, not leftist) social media platform. Hmm…
61 Comments
HikingVet@lemmy.ca · 33 pts · 1y
If you want to. It might help.
Moops@lemmy.world · 29 pts · 1y
I personally do not, but I think it's a personal decision. I have a background in working for homeless non-profits. If you have a desire to really help and be part of moving towards a solution, find a local group and donate and/or volunteer with them.
The reality of handing money to someone is at best it's a band-aid, and more often you're just buying that night's substance of choice. No judgement there, if I was homeless and likely not receiving needed medical and mental health treatment, I'd be high and drunk as often as I could too. Hell, I'm high as often as I can be now. Nevertheless though, I feel comfortable choosing not to participate by handing money when asked and I don't begrudge anyone who does.
pupbiru@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
exactly how i do it, and i make sure 50% of my professional life i’m sacrificing income to work for not for profits. i want my donation to be the most effective it can be, and making sure that people have roofs over their head isn’t going to happen with my spare change
unmagical@lemmy.ml · 28 pts · 1y
Yes, if you have the means.
I work with a mutual aid group that engages in street outreach. I experience a lot of different cases and pretty much all of them would be benefitted by having more money.
Some people have a job, but not a home, and are trying to get housed
Some people have a home, but not a job and are trying to stay housed
Some people have neither and are trying to stay alive
Some people have both, but are so underpaid for the area they are in and are trying to stay housed
Some people are migrants and it is 100% illegal for them to work in the US and their only source of aid is through asking the community
Not one of them enjoys the situation they are in nor has made an explicit choice to be or stay homeless.
A lot of people who panhandle stay in encampments. These provide a small community with a lot of support structures for those there. There’s often someone who knows how to cook anything with any source of heat, someone who knows how to treat wounds, someone who knows what each person in the camp needs, and someone who’s plugged into the broader community and can get things for those who can’t (not all food pantries or lines are accommodating for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues can have trouble waiting for hours for food or even getting there). My point being that even if your contribution doesn’t help the person asking directly, it likely helps someone they know.
And if you’re worried about the whole “they’ll just spend it on drugs” thing, I honestly wouldn’t. Among the people I work with maybe 1/3 of them use drugs and very very few use anything other than weed. Employed and housed people use weed to unwind, why is it so much more evil if you don’t have a house? And if you’re working with the 2/3 of people that don’t use drugs than it’s not really a concern. I do realize that those numbers might be vastly different in areas that were more harshly hit by opioid issues.
kibiz0r@midwest.social · 26 pts · 1y
I never give money to the homeless. They’ll just buy drugs and alcohol.
I keep it for myself. So I can buy drugs and alcohol.
—
For real though, I try to give $5 if I can. Some people will waste it, some will make good use of it, and it’s impossible to tell from the outside looking in. So I might as well swing at every ball. Giving to charities is good too, but they don’t reach everyone (for all sorts of reasons).
Joshi@aussie.zone · 22 pts · 1y
I think the debate on this issue is blown out of proportion.
First, giving a small amount of money to someone in need is a very direct and human act of compassion which makes it worthwhile, if you gift someone money it is their prerogative what they do with it and the idea that it is harmful is blown out of proportion.
Second, giving money to a local charity is also worthwhile, if you don't feel comfortable for whatever reason.
The idea that one approach is good and the other is actively bad is at best a distraction and at worst an excuse to do nothing at all
The fact is that even in Australia, which by world standards has a not bad safety net, it is not possible for most people to get crisis housing and waiting lists for public housing are rarely less than 6 months, welfare payments can be cut off for trivial reasons and public mental health services are overwhelmed. These are the problems that successive governments have refused to tackle.
If you can make someone's day with a small gift then please do.
BlueSquid0741@lemmy.sdf.org · 19 pts · 1y
Yes of course. And if they go spend it on a pack of chips or coffee from the 7-11, that might be just what they needed to get through the next few hours.
Only they know what they need right then and there, and I hope we’re past the condescension of people refusing to give money but offering some food item they believe the person would benefit from (because “if I give money they’ll just waste it”).
Sometimes they might want to talk if you can spare some time too, to break the social exclusion they’re feeling.
And they might not be appreciative, or they may have a as bad attitude, that’s the way it goes. They’re dispossessed, they’re looked down on, and they could be sleeping on the side of the road on a rainy night wondering how long they’ve got left. They may have lost families. They may not have it in them to say “thanks mate”.
Stovetop@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y
corsicanguppy@lemmy.ca · 1 pts · 1y
Dude doesn't need to accept it.
Hmm. Don't be a dick, okay?
BlueSquid0741@lemmy.sdf.org · 2 pts · 1y
Are you serious dude? Fuck me.
LastoftheDinosaurs@reddthat.com · 17 pts · 1y
TootSweet@lemmy.world · 12 pts · 1y
I keep some cash in my pocket specifically in case I run across someone asking for money.
And then I live like a hermit, almost never going anywhere, so it's rare that I actually have occasion to give in that way, but you know.
Also, in my experience, it's not necessarily homeless people who need the money. I've seen people (claiming they're) close to losing their housing who are hoping to raise enough money panhandling to make their rent this month.
Of course, if you are struggling financially, it's definitely very reasonable to decline to give in that context. I suppose if anything feels "off" as well. (Though I wouldn't want to bias folks in the direction of thinking that there may be any reason to be more suspicious of people in need than others.) But over all, I do think it's something that can make a hugely, vitally positive change in someone's basic wellbeing.
originalucifer@moist.catsweat.com · 11 pts · 1y
the biggest failure that happens when we give resources directly to homeless people is not also providing the support systems that prevent the relapse in the first place. we dont provide for social services that give them regular human contact that has been proven to lower drug and alcohol addiction issues.
'non-profits'... charities... are just not enough to provide these services, it needs to be a systemic, over-arching process and not the one-off solutions those 'non profit' agencies provide.
Ookami38@sh.itjust.works · 11 pts · 1y
The important act is giving. If you think a dude on the side of the road needs $20 and you've got it to spare, there's no downside to doing that. They may not use it how you like them to, but they will use it how they best can. Sometimes that's food, sometimes that's drugs, to keep them from actively offing themselves.
If you think a charity has a decent track record and can better use those funds to serve more people, donate it there. They'll use it how they beat see fit, whether that's food, shelter or enforcement of policies. It may not be how you want it used, but that's okay.
Ultimately, give what you can, however you can. Once you've given the money, you can't determine how it's used, so be okay with your act of charity simply existing by itself, not in comparison to another hypothetical "best" act of charity.
Corno@lemm.ee · 11 pts · 1y
If you want to, yes. When I see them I try and buy them some food. I also give to the local charities which support them.
m0darn@lemmy.ca · 10 pts · 1y
I don't give money to panhandlers because I don't like being solicited. (Also why I don't buy things at my door, or via telemarketing) however I do support the idea of programs distributing funds directly to those in need.
skullgiver@popplesburger.hilciferous.nl · 10 pts · 1y
[This comment has been deleted by an automated system]
ubergeek@lemmy.today · 10 pts · 1y
I do. I get the "but they're just gonna buy drugs!" thing, let's be honest: I was gonna spend it on that, anyways.
If a 40 is what they need, right now, to numb the pain of existence, in this moment, why not?
user224@lemmy.sdf.org · 8 pts · 1y
My opinion is no. They can then use it to buy drugs or alcohol, which is unfortunately likely.
Maybe you could donate to some homeless shelter?
Or maybe, you could try asking if you could buy them some food instead.
unmagical@lemmy.ml · 9 pts · 1y
Housed people buy drugs and alcohol. Unhoused people buy drugs and alcohol.
Why is it so much more evil for the latter?
papertowels@lemmy.one · 3 pts · 1y
Some nuance - nobody is freely giving housed folks money to buy drugs and alcohol either.
unmagical@lemmy.ml · -3 pts · 1y
I've received gift cards to liquor stores before.
papertowels@lemmy.one · 4 pts · 1y
That's cool! I'm willing to bet that's outside of the norm for most folks. If y'all want to prove me wrong I'll happily provide a venmo ;)
akkajdh999@programming.dev · 1 pts · 1y
Mr_Blott@feddit.uk · 6 pts · 1y
akkajdh999@programming.dev · 3 pts · 1y
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 1 pts · 1y
Who are you to decide what they're allowed to buy? You'd rather have someone go hungry on the off chance they might buy something you don't agree with?
mo_lave@reddthat.com · 6 pts · 1y
It's ultimately an assessment done in a case by case basis. Another example: will you give money to a relative who will use it for gambling? Helping someone turn around their life and enabling their habits are different things.
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 2 pts · 1y
If my relative wants to gamble with the 2 Currency that I've given them, okay then.
Lifecoach5000@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 1y
Buying them some food I think is the compromise here.
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 1 pts · 1y
If you're already standing in front of a food cart, I suppose.
lemming741@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y
Who am I to decide what my money is spent on?
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 2 pts · 1y
Giving another person money usually implies the transfer of ownership of that money to that other person, unless otherwise specified.
lemming741@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
I think people have the right to do that conditionally
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 2 pts · 1y
Sure. And depending on the circumstances the conditions might not make you look like a very nice person. Which you are of course free to ignore.
akkajdh999@programming.dev · 1 pts · 1y
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 1 pts · 1y
And? That's not the point.
akkajdh999@programming.dev · 3 pts · 1y
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 3 pts · 1y
The point is to help this person temporarily alleviate a problem they have, whatever that problem may be. If you don't want to do this, fine, but if you're only willing to give money if they use that money in ways that you deem wholesome, that's patronising.
akkajdh999@programming.dev · 4 pts · 1y
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 1 pts · 1y
The problem is that you are convinced they're going to buy drugs. You do not know that person, it is not your place to decide that.
No, I do not agree that simply offering help is patronising.
venusaur@lemmy.world · -7 pts · 1y
wtf?!? Is this Lemmy?? How did this comment get more likes than dislikes? I’m gonna post the same thing and see what happens.
TokenEffort@sh.itjust.works · 8 pts · 1y
I don't know which are real and which are part of some scam ring. In my area there are rings of women with children selling candy. When they reach the last stop they regroup and discuss with each other then shill candy on the next train. I never give money but I buy food if they ask. I offered to buy a sandwich from dunkin for a man and he screamed at me about how he needed muthafuckin money!!!! and ever since I don't offer anything anymore to anyone.
Cracks_InTheWalls@sh.itjust.works · 7 pts · 1y
I will leave it at people can, if they have the means and want to. You're never obligated, even if someone is using aggressive panhandling tactics.
I play pinball, so I'm one of the disappearing folks that often has a little bit of pocket change left over. If I see someone panhandling and I am feeling generous, I'll share some. If I don't have any, am still feeling generous, and they're outside of somewhere serving food, I'll ask if they want something. Usually people say yes, sometimes they say no. Never buy something with the specific intent to give it to a panhandler without asking them first - it's rude to presume. If you legit have something extra that you didn't expect that is fair game to offer - in those circumstances I always add "If you don't want it, that's cool" to make it clear I'm not forcing it on them/I won't think they're rude for not taking it.
If I'm not feeling generous, I don't give anything.
Whatever anyone does with anything I gift them is their business. It's fucking rough out there.
NeoToasty@kbin.melroy.org · 6 pts · 1y
SanndyTheManndy@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 1y
A good charity would be able to get the most out of your money. At least you know the chances of your $20 turning into drugs, alcohol, or gambling is minimal that way. Making money takes time and effort, and you owe it to yourself to see it spent wisely.
Jimmycrackcrack@lemmy.ml · 5 pts · 1y
I really can't see a downside. If they seem to be obviously homeless or they're actively asking for help, they probably need it. Though it's extremely unlikely that your meager contribution will be the change that suddenly allows them to magically overcome poverty and become middle class home owners with well paying jobs, that doesn't really make them need it any less. Whatever they use the money on, it's going to be what they need in the immediate term, be it drugs or food or anything really and unlike others this is the only way they can really get that money so they do need people to occasionally part with it. You'd only give it to them because you had it spare anyway and it's not going to make them more homeless than they already were. If the concern is that it's not addressing the root personal problems that put them individually on the street or the root social problems that put many on the streets, that's completely true but if you're serious about doing that you're going to need more than the couple of bucks in your pocket anyway. That's going to be concerted massive political will and financial effort and several people's lifetimes worth of work all at the same time, besides you can always involve yourself in some way in such efforts and hand over spare change. The only times I can really think of where it makes sense not to give directly are: you can't afford to do it, the physical circumstances of handing it over are dangerous/impractical, you don't care about homeless people or other people in general or you subscribe to some nasty Malthusian ideas and think yourself somehow benevolent for condemning people to destitution as some kind of "cruel to be kind" doctrine in which case you're unlikely to have given this a lot of thought anyway and don't really face much of a dilemma.
fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.com · 4 pts · 1y
There's a lot about direct giving here, but consider donating to local shelters instead. Especially in the winter. The more they have for supporting bus fare in and out of town or food, being sheltered is a good thing. And the local shelter has very little overhead compared to charities.
Lettuceeatlettuce@lemmy.ml · 4 pts · 1y
It's better to buy them food or give them homeless care packs. There are good lists online of things you can give to homeless folks that will help them a lot, socks are a main staple.
I give all three depending on the scenario. I almost never have cash on me, so I don't hand out money very often just because of that.
It's important to show them compassion and care. Homeless people are often treated like trash by most people. Saying a kind word to them and giving them a small gift might be the only instance of kindness they experience for days, possibly weeks.
Hikermick@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y
Your money will go further if you donate to a local charity or food bank. That being said, I'll give money occasionally. It's nice to let them know others do genuinely care about them and their plight. Usually I'll talk to them first. If they're not too pushy I'll slip them enough for a couple of meals. Subway gift cards are a good way to go. There's lots of them and you know your money will go towards food. Most importantly treat them with respect and dignity
tetris11@lemmy.ml · 3 pts · 1y
In this world of digital payments, I don't have cash on me. When I do, I give a little here and there and its usually met with thanks.
I wish there was an easier way give 50p or something digitally by tapping my card against a reader of theirs, but the setup cost and the chance of misuse is high
Tattorack@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1y
No. It would be better to give your money that fixes the underlying issues why the person is homeless in the first place.
There are a lot more homeless people about than the one you're giving money to, and giving money to one homeless person will not fix their situation.
tomi000@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1y
Depends on your priorities and goals.
Do you want to feel good momentarily for doing something good? Get some interpersonal gratitude? Then yes.
Do you want to reduce homelessness in your community? There are probably local projects for that, where your money will be used more effectively.
Do you want to be altruistic, helping people in need and want your money to be used as effectively as possible? Look into reputable charities (like Helen Keller Intl, preventing child blindness and death with Vitamin A is hella cost effective) or funds. I looked into the same thing some time ago and stumbled upon givewell.org. They evaluate charities based on a number of ratings and choose the most effective ones for their funds. Been donating through them monthly for a year now. Also, it is tax deductible so i get almost half of it back.
Nemoder@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 1y
Would I rather live in a world where sometimes people take advantage of kindness or a world where nobody helps anyone in need? I'll take the former.
phoneymouse@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
ALiteralCabbage@feddit.uk · 4 pts · 1y
You could have asked him what he wanted first, if anything at all?
corsicanguppy@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 1y
I was at a sandwich shop in town. Something happened and they messed up my sandwich. They said "want a remake?" and, well, please. I'm particular. "Want this one?" Yeah, as I'll bring it home for the wife. But wait: on the way to the train I see a pair huddled in a doorway, just being. "Free sammich? Just from there, I swear it's good, but it's extra. You want?" Yeah, they wanted it.
Felt good not to waste it.
I feel totally okay with buying a poor guy lunch if he wants it. My family was poor, I'm okay now, I have no pride and I like food; I assume Buddy is the same way. If so, free lunch. Woo!
I don't like giving money to people. I DO like giving money to the food bank, as they can leverage the fuck out of it and the dollar goes further for more people. I don't give food to the food bank, as whatever I buy to give for them is nowhere near as good as me giving that money to them directly.
Jayb151@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
Same, as a young man I had a visit in downtown Chicago. I had a doughnut in my pocket... Which a begger refused. Really crossed my circuits that day.
Jimmycrackcrack@lemmy.ml · 1 pts · 1y
My parents have a well worn story of the time they were students and very poor and they saw a homeless guy outside the kebab shop and asked if he'd like a kebab to which he agreed. They brought it out to him and he examined it and threw it on the ground and yelled at them about something they now don't remember exactly but they think was something to do with not wanting chilli sauce. Guessing that guy wasn't in the best state of mind at the time, bit of a bummer for them though because they scraped together the last of their cash to pay for that and it would have been better if they could at least have eaten it themselves.
altima_neo@lemmy.zip · 0 pts · 1y
Yeah, those pan handlers are jerks.
I had a similar experience with a Subway restaurant downtown. Dude was begging for money on the sidewalk. We offer him a sub, and just gets mad at us, and goes back to playing on his MacBook while cursing us out.
johannesvanderwhales@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
Do you think the best way to help homeless people is to give them money directly, or donate it to organizations that help them? Not sure if there's a right answer.
ALiteralCabbage@feddit.uk · 0 pts · 1y
The right answer is "yes". Some cash in the moment is a nice thing to do, and will alleviate an immediate want or need potentially.
Donation to an organisation that will help the problem long term is a worthwhile thing to fund.
Why not give a man a fish to eat while you're teaching them to fish for themselves, if you're in a position to do so?
VirusMaster3073@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
It's better to give it, despite the risk of some people just using it for drugs/alcohol (addiction is a health issue anyway)
HailSeitan@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
This is an empirical question that people are baselessly speculating about from the armchair, when we’ve know the answer for years. Even the neoliberals over at The Economist think it’s a good idea.
JayJLeas@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 1y
I don't really see an issue with giving homeless people money, I'm more inclined to give to buskers honestly, but I don't have the means to give to anyone.
My whole life, people have told me it's better to give them food than money, but I'm not sure I agree with that perspective personally. Maybe if they want food you can offer to get it for them if they might be embarrassed to get it themselves or something? Maybe ask them if they'd prefer money or something else right now? Idk, I haven't had many chances to help people in that kind of situation.
shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 1y
I don't because I'm concerned that they would use my generous gift to just go out and buy drugs. And that may be cruel of me. But I would rather donate to a charity that feeds the homeless, such as a soup kitchen. Or if I see somebody that would look hungry, I would rather buy them a meal directly than give them the money for it.
hahattpro@lemmy.ml · 0 pts · 1y
You are sponsoring the RICH and the GOVERMENT to fuck up the miniority part of society.
Dont do it. Let's government do their job. You already do your share: Your TAX and your community work.
MrFunnyMoustache@lemmy.ml · 0 pts · 1y
venusaur@lemmy.world · -9 pts · 1y
Majority of Lemmy would not give money to homeless people. That’s crazy. No empathy for the poor.
Being poor isn’t hot right now. Only Gaza, trans and abortions.
mke_geek@lemm.ee · -3 pts · 1y
No, the majority of people don't want to enable someone to drink alcohol or use drugs.
venusaur@lemmy.world · -19 pts · 1y
My opinion is no. They can then use it to buy drugs or alcohol, which is unfortunately likely.
Maybe you could donate to some homeless shelter?
Or maybe, you could try asking if you could buy them some food instead.
EDIT: this was a test. This comment is a copy of an original comment on this post. This copy received 90% downvotes while the original received 36% downvotes. This is evidence that the majority of Lemmy would not give money to help a homeless person despite being an ultra liberal (democrat, not leftist) social media platform. Hmm…
ShouldIHaveFun@sh.itjust.works · 8 pts · 1y
Did you really think that people wouldn't realize that you copied the other comment? Of course you'll be down voted.
IDKWhatUsernametoPutHereLolol@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 1y