I feel I should mention that it's actually not in my personal habit to give homeless people around here money because I know a lot of it ends up going back in to fueling the 'underworld' even if not spent directly on drugs, so there has to be discernment regarding the local environment. I usually offer food if I am able to or most often I just try to nod, smile and acknowledge. As Dtris said, a little bit of love can go a long way. However, that can also be tricky, because sometimes there are people who will see someone who looks generous and try to take advantage. This has happened with my fiance who is by nature a very compassionate person.
While I don't think it is fruitful to spend time comparing "good deeds", it's important to be aware of the environment you are acting in.
There are a lot of groups of homeless people here rather than solitary so there is something of a homeless 'culture' here. Where I live is a very popular place for transients and travelers, we see a big influx during the summers. I don't judge these people, lots of them are great people, a lot of them are suffering and deserve compassion and care. There are definitely a lot of variables to the situation and every person and their situation is unique so if you're going to be generous I would do it without thinking of polarization and to be wise about it if you can.
I should also mention I just live in a medium size port city, and while this is a difficult issue, where I live is beautiful and there are lots of great people, so it's still home to me and unlike some of the people who live here I don't look down on people who are desperate, suffering or just trying to survive whether that be physically, mentally or emotionally.
While I don't think it is fruitful to spend time comparing "good deeds", it's important to be aware of the environment you are acting in.
There are a lot of groups of homeless people here rather than solitary so there is something of a homeless 'culture' here. Where I live is a very popular place for transients and travelers, we see a big influx during the summers. I don't judge these people, lots of them are great people, a lot of them are suffering and deserve compassion and care. There are definitely a lot of variables to the situation and every person and their situation is unique so if you're going to be generous I would do it without thinking of polarization and to be wise about it if you can.
I should also mention I just live in a medium size port city, and while this is a difficult issue, where I live is beautiful and there are lots of great people, so it's still home to me and unlike some of the people who live here I don't look down on people who are desperate, suffering or just trying to survive whether that be physically, mentally or emotionally.