173
submitted 3 months ago by over_clox@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

I've actually skipped work just to help a homeless guy get his beard trimmed. Bought him pizza too. Kinda hard to get anywhere in life when you look like shit.

Be kind to the homeless, they just need a helping hand here and there.

What would you do?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] CorruptedArk@lemm.ee 10 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

I subscribe to a policy of cautious altruism, like a lot of folks already said. I need to keep myself and my family safe so probably not allow in the house, but I'd give food water, the hose, soap, shampoo, clean towel, and a change of clothes if I can. Maybe even some cash if I have it around to spare.

If I have a shed or garage I'd allow them to use it to change clothes privately and offer to wash their clothes if safe. They may have residue of drugs like meth on their clothes that I'm unable handle.

I've also got a decent amount of privilege to share.

Be kind, be safe

[-] CorruptedArk@lemm.ee 17 points 3 months ago

Also, for anyone reading through this thinking, "I shouldn't give them money because drugs"

I use drugs to cope with chronic pain so I can get through a workday

I'm skilled labor and make a decent salary

The only things separating me from a homeless person were some "fortunate" family deaths providing enough inheritance to put me through college at a good time and some lucky networking

We should all be more humble and less judgemental of eachother's choices

[-] overcast5348@lemmy.world 9 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

"I shouldn't give them money because drugs"

I have a roof over my head, eat thrice a day, and have a loving family. Yet there are days when I want to drown myself in alcohol or weed. Who am I to judge a homeless person if they choose to do drugs and forget their suffering for a little while?

I always give money, if anything, to the few of them in my neighborhood. Whether it's food , clothes, drugs or something else - they know what they need better than I know it.

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago

I'm not exactly sure how to interpret all this, except I think you have a decent trustworthy soul, and care about others.

[-] CorruptedArk@lemm.ee 2 points 3 months ago

Yeah, I try to every day

Some days are harder than others, I ain't perfect, I've caused probably as much harm as good, but I try my best

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

I think you need a digital hug ๐Ÿค—

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

Be kind, be safe, and love thy fellow person. ๐Ÿ‘

[-] CorruptedArk@lemm.ee 2 points 3 months ago

I've quite a few friends I've personally pulled out of homelessness, so I've seen how hard it is firsthand, I hope things are better for you

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

Things actually are better for me these days. Not great, but much better. I'm living in a decent affordable apartment now, rather than the old run down trailer park I came from.

Thank you for your kind words. ๐Ÿ‘

I've had people occasionally help me along the way, and at my discretion, I'm glad to help others in return when possible. Pass it forward...

this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2024
173 points (90.6% liked)

Asklemmy

43783 readers
1141 users here now

A loosely moderated place to ask open-ended questions

Search asklemmy ๐Ÿ”

If your post meets the following criteria, it's welcome here!

  1. Open-ended question
  2. Not offensive: at this point, we do not have the bandwidth to moderate overtly political discussions. Assume best intent and be excellent to each other.
  3. Not regarding using or support for Lemmy: context, see the list of support communities and tools for finding communities below
  4. Not ad nauseam inducing: please make sure it is a question that would be new to most members
  5. An actual topic of discussion

Looking for support?

Looking for a community?

~Icon~ ~by~ ~@Double_A@discuss.tchncs.de~

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS