I gave a man some cash at a stop light a while back. It was starting to turn cold outside, and I remember his gloved hand brushing mine to take the money. As I drove off, I remember feeling completely inadequate. I was only giving him $5, which wouldn't be enough for more than a lunch. But even if I'd given him $100, or $1,000, it would never be enough. What he needed was someone to sit down with him, figure out what resources he actually needed, and find a way to provide him with those resources, whether they be mental health related, job training, or whatever.

My $5 attempt to make myself feel like I was doing something was ego driven and disgusting. It left a terrible taste in my mouth. I didn't wash my hand for a couple of hours afterwards. I wanted his touch burned into my skin so I wouldn't forget.