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What would you do if a scraggly homeless person knocked on your door, and all he asked was for a sandwich, a bottle of water, a bath, and perhaps a beard trim? (lemmy.world)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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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?

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (2 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 17 points 3 months ago (2 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 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.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

I think you need a digital hug 🤗

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Be kind, be safe, and love thy fellow person. 👍

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 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. 👍

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...