Ask Lemmy

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.

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.

I tell them the truth: I don't carry cash.

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.

I had a friend say exactly that to someone. When I asked them further about it, they said, "he knows where to find a cot." That was more convincing to me before I listened to the "According to Need," Podcast. It looked at homelessness in the Bay Area (where we live) and getting a bed is nearly impossible.

I don't usually give money cause I rarely carry small bills. But sometimes. And I will without fail buy food for anyone who asks.

Call in the national guard apparently.

Unless they take Apple Pay I can't give them any money even if I wanted to.

Ignore them.

My city has the programs in place for them to get off the street. All they need to do is go into a program that will get them off drugs and to not use drugs in the provided apartments.

As such, if they are on the street, it is because they value drugs over living.

I just say "sorry, I haven't". I think as long as you just try to acknowledge them in a good way, i.e. smiling, maintaining eye contact, being polite, so you still acknowledge them as the human being that they are.

Sure it's bad to lie, but so is being insensitive with the truth, whether it's "I wanna spend the money on myself" or "there are more effective ways to make a difference than giving money to you"

If I know, I‘ll probably pass someone asking for money, I try to have some change prepared, so I don’t have to get out my wallet. (Where I live, there are just a few places where that’s likely. ) I usually just say no if unprepared. My basic assumption is that someone asking for money in the streets is worse off than me, so it’s nice if I can help. But then again, if I don’t feel safe, I won’t give anything and since I can’t help everyone I don’t feel bad not giving anything.

I usually don't give money, but once a year give 100€ or so to our local homeless support organization, who are also regularly giving out meals and coffee.

Say "no sorry" and move along, its not a problem for individuals to solve.

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.

It's not honest but effective:

Make and maintain eye contact from at least 20 feet away, when you're close enough to be heard: ask them if they have any spare change.

I'll give a buck or two, depending on how much money I'm making that time of year. I've stopped and had a conversation a few times as well.

I usual walk around with some small cash, change, etc, and definitely give it out as I'm walking until I'm out.

I just keep a mental note of it and skip the next coffee or odd lunch date, so my budget evens ~ out.

"Seriously? Do I look like I have money?"

“No” “no thanks” or “sorry, no”

I vote and contact my elected officials to tell them to provide unrestricted supportive housing.

I hate when they come by the car and look in your car.. if you move a little they think your gonna give them money..

Sucks I know but come on what’s up with the pressure ?

I feel really guilty and to avoid feeling worse by making eye contact, I just ignore them. The first time I encountered somebody homeless after being on my own, I felt like a huge asshole because all I could say was sorry while walking by them with grocery's. I didn't have cash on me at the time. Ever since then, I've just always ignored them. I'm what they call a hypocrite. Sucks

I have given sporadically in the past, depending on how poor I was at the time, etc.

I don't carry cash at all anymore, though.

I'll give sometimes if they're not pushy. If i don't want to, sometimes I'll tell them "I just gave all my change to that guy back there"

If I have change or a spare buck, I give it to them. I don't care what they spend it on.

Give them some cash, if I have a little extra. I recommend carrying a little change if you live in an area with regular homeless folks.

I used to bring a particular homeless guy who hung around my block a sandwich on my way to work, and a beer when walking my dog on Friday nights (if I saw him, for either occurrence). That was all when I lived in a different city though.

I never carry cash on me, not even small change, so I tell them honestly that I have nothing to give.

Instead, I donate regularly to local charities (my employer even manages one) and have volunteered time for outreach programs when I am able. Addressing the acute needs of a single person might make you feel good, but the data shows that it's more effective to address homelessness at a systemic level.