Honestly, all of these are superficial, performative measures designed to make the do-er feel good without enacting meaningful change. To be truly useful: a) give homeless people money, without expectations attached to how they spend it; b) advocate hard for the legalization of all illicit drugs; c) rail even harder for abolishing the police; d) vote for political candidates who are on board with these. I can assure you, a banana or Starbucks gift card isn’t about to make anyone’s life easier.

Sincerely, a formerly homeless person.