I’m talking outside of organizing, just in your day to day when people approach you. What do you usually give if so?
There’s a lot of times I don’t have cash on my person and wonder if there’s something else I could do to help.
Food and clothes mostly. I try to check on the guys in my neighborhood every once in a while and ask if they’re alright, especially when it’s cold.
I’m poor, so sometimes nothing. When I do give something, I give cash. Typically $5-10.
A couple months ago I got off the subway and a homeless person asked me for water; I gave her my whole bottle of water and a can of Sprite I had in my bag. Someone else a few blocks later asked me for money, and I offered him some peanuts.
I’m glad I squirreled away the refreshments from the flight I’d taken that day.
My mom always keeps granola bars in the car - I wish I had her level of preparedness.
If I have cash, I give that. If I smoke, I offer a couple cigs. If I’m outside of a store, I’ll offer to go in and grab some food and get some cash back to give. If you live in a state that has good can or bottle refunds, drop those off at an encampment nearby. They add up.
I also offer alcohol or weed if I have it, like if I’m on a patio of a bar.
