I find it tough. I live in a major metropolitan area with lots of homelessness and pan handlers. I make the decision to give/not give money based on what I can afford at the time. I figure once I make the decision to give, what they use the money for, is out of my hands. If it's for food great. If it's for drugs or alcohol to help them get through the day, I'm not going to judge them.

I am more inclined to give money to people who are selling "Street Times" which is an incredibly mediocre paper, that the homeless can sell, and they keep something like 65% of the cost. I figure they're at least making an effort.

I find here, that if I don't have the money to give, a simple, "Sorry I can't" suffices. I'm rarely if ever harassed.


splitimage