No. It would be better to give your money that fixes the underlying issues why the person is homeless in the first place.

There are a lot more homeless people about than the one you’re giving money to, and giving money to one homeless person will not fix their situation.

It’s better to give it, despite the risk of some people just using it for drugs/alcohol (addiction is a health issue anyway)

I do. I get the “but they’re just gonna buy drugs!” thing, let’s be honest: I was gonna spend it on that, anyways.

If a 40 is what they need, right now, to numb the pain of existence, in this moment, why not?

I will leave it at people can, if they have the means and want to. You’re never obligated, even if someone is using aggressive panhandling tactics.

I play pinball, so I’m one of the disappearing folks that often has a little bit of pocket change left over. If I see someone panhandling and I am feeling generous, I’ll share some. If I don’t have any, am still feeling generous, and they’re outside of somewhere serving food, I’ll ask if they want something. Usually people say yes, sometimes they say no. Never buy something with the specific intent to give it to a panhandler without asking them first - it’s rude to presume. If you legit have something extra that you didn’t expect that is fair game to offer - in those circumstances I always add “If you don’t want it, that’s cool” to make it clear I’m not forcing it on them/I won’t think they’re rude for not taking it.

If I’m not feeling generous, I don’t give anything.

Whatever anyone does with anything I gift them is their business. It’s fucking rough out there.

It’s better to buy them food or give them homeless care packs. There are good lists online of things you can give to homeless folks that will help them a lot, socks are a main staple.

I give all three depending on the scenario. I almost never have cash on me, so I don’t hand out money very often just because of that.

It’s important to show them compassion and care. Homeless people are often treated like trash by most people. Saying a kind word to them and giving them a small gift might be the only instance of kindness they experience for days, possibly weeks.