Yeah socks are great. I’ll include them in the next round of backpacks. Summer is just ending around here - today was the first day in months that could have been called a cool day. The fall/winter backpacks will include warm clothing. Kaio I’ll have to hit up a dollar store for rain ponchos - thanks!
But socks could be sold for cash or traded for booze. I can mitigate the chances of my donations being abused, but I can’t eliminate them. I would still rather do something than nothing. I’m tired of doing nothing. When I’m in DC later this week I’ll have a few gift cards in my wallet. I know I’m likely to see homeless people, and now I’ll be prepared to give them something more useful than my pity. The cards will fit in my wallet in the same way pairs of warm socks won’t. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s what I can do.
But first look up the definition of the word treat, is does not mean belittle them as we commonly take that phrase.
Offer to buy them a meal at the place they are standing infront of begging. Go in with them, have them order anything they want off the menu, ask them if they would like anything else, or make suggestions. Typically these people may order something small/inexpensive. Let them know that they are worth having a ‘better’ meal (this helps their sense of self worth). Sit with them (chose a non-smelly homeless person), and ask them about their story, ask them what they do with the money, be open and accepting (you are acting as a councler here, they need someone to talk to and not hold back out of fear).
Accept their right to refuse you gift also. If they don’t want you to buy them a meal, and just want money, say sorry can’t help you, wish them well, and walk away. You are the giver, and serving the function of the ‘parent’, they have to willingly be the child and not turn it around (goes to power dynamics).
If you simply gave them cash, you do them really no good, you don’t elevate them out of their situation, as that is their situation, but by treating them to a meal you are forcing them to live above their situation - you are giving them a taste of a different life foods they would never get on their own, you are also providing a ear for them. Most of all you are showing them true human kindness, the stuff taht reaches the heart and transforms lives.