Though maybe not.
I haven’t figured out how to interact with the homeless I see panhandling on the street now that I’m housed again.
I know enough to know that not all panhandlers are homeless. I know that quite a few of them will by their off-the-counter meds with whatever they get. I know that very few of them, (I never met another one while I was homeless) are doing what I was doing, going to school and attempting to stay integrated with society.
I still give out tasty fruit if I have any with me, but I still won’t give out money. I’ve yet to see another homeless with a sign like mine, “need school supplies”.
I feel guilty, like I’m betraying those who accepted me by not contributing to their well-being now that I don’t need them anymore.
*play on the film Despicable Me
Homeless Adventures 
Anonymous
/ May 21, 2012Yep that’s hard, BUT you saw it from both sides now. I wouldn’t give money either, lol unless they have a Paypal account. You can only do so much with what you have.
Alyce
Jerryprism
/ May 21, 2012You do what you think is right. Can’t change the world. Maybe helping one at a time when you can is all the mitzvah you need to do.
stillstrange
/ May 22, 2012I keep aToteBag in my car for the homeless. I have it filled with soap, granola bars, deoderant, etc. I only give it to someone who is pushing a basket or sitting next to one. I have heard stories of those with the signs who actually do not want to “work for food” or actually do have a motel room somewhere. I say a prayer and God leads me to someone who may need the the bag of stuff. In this way, I am helping one person at a time in my own way. Anyone is welcome to join me in this endeavor.