this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2024
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Homeless folks aren't implicitly dangerous or alcoholics or drug addicts (and for the latter two, that's not reeeaaally your business). Many will turn to substances to ease the suffering in their lives, which is their business and their business alone.
Your 5 bucks isn't going to turn their life around or ruin it, even if they use it in the absolute best or absolute worst way. But it can ease their suffering, however they choose to use it.
That said, if you don't have the money to keep yourself and your loved ones at some minimum threshold of "life" then please, don't feel guilty for not being able to give monetarily. You can acknowledge that guilt, feel it, and let it pass by. Ultimately the system is the thing that is failing them, not you.
If you find yourself without monetary means of supporting the homeless or impoverished, but you want to contribute to the lessening of their suffering, see if there's any volunteering you can do in your local area that seeks for the betterment of their circumstances. Often your time and your energy are worth far, far more than any extra money you might be able to donate.