I don't know the answers, but sometimes think people look away because they don't want to stare, which is considered impolite. Maybe just smiling, or saying hello would be a step to make them feel less invisible?
None of the above has mentioned begging, so let me address that, since it is the title of the post. (Just found the picture profound). Recently I've read some articles about some communities cracking down on what they are calling aggressive begging. The first article was actually from The UK. The area where the royal wedding will be, has a handful of homeless/street people. Their government has decided it's inappropriate for them to be there on the doorsteps when the royal wedding uses that particularly route. They indicate they are being forceful---aggressive with begging, some who work or live in the area say that's not true; while other business want the homeless gone. Apparently, the problem is global, not specific to The United States.
I've passed people who have a can or bucket ...some container and are requesting donations, but, I've never had anyone actually approach me and beg for money. Have you? Do you give money to those with containers? Some say it helps, others say it's not a good idea, as some aren't real homeless people, but con artists. How do you know if you're really helping someone? Isn't it better to perhaps give donations to someone who might be a con artist, than to not help anyone?
I see both sides of the issue, and have from time to time drop some money in the container; other times not. I don't more than I do, and sometimes I later feel badly because I didn't. Sometimes it's because I don't want to open my purse, sometimes it's because I know I don't have small bills..........I often carry very little cash, because I charge 99.9% of all my purchases. I sometimes put a couple of dollars in a pocket (if I have one, and often as a women don't have pockets), so if see someone I can make a contribution without getting into my purse.
Tell us what you do? Tell us what you've seen. Perhaps we can learn from each other.
In my effort to blog in ABC order, this is my B post.
A post is HERE, if you missed it.
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.
