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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[–] 37 points 1 year ago (16 children)

When I was driving through an area frequently that had a large amount of homeless I'd pack a few extra sandwiches, granola bars and bottles of water to give out. I also kept gallon bags and a large bag of dog food for those who had dogs. I never once had someone turn down food and ask for money instead.

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  • [–] 24 points 1 year ago

    If possible, do not give food unless it is sealed. I prefer to give out canned food with a pull tab or sealed items like protein bars and granola bars. Many unhoused people throw away open items like sandwiches given to them by random people for their own safety, and I can't blame them

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  • [–] 37 points 1 year ago (10 children)

    Guess it depends on your city. In my city I have literally seen a homeless person throw food back at the person who gave it to them and scream “I ASKED FOR A DOLLAR, BITCH!”

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  • [–] 7 points 1 year ago (6 children)

    You sure this isn't a scene in scary movie?

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  • [+] -9 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    "I'm, uh, gluten intolerant. And I don't eat processed foods."

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  • [–] 15 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Literally not even once. But keep strawmanning the homeless to make yourself feel better

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  • [–] 8 points 1 year ago

    Uh...I was just playing off of your last sentence, where you brought up the idea that someone could turn down food. I was imagining a scenario where someone would do that.

    You can get down off your high horse if you'd like.

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