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.
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.