Why I Feel Guilty When I’m Asked on the Street for Spare Change

About every other day, I get asked by someone on the streets of Portland if I can spare some change. I have never been able to give them any, but not because I don't want to. 

I understand many people in Portland are down on their luck and a little pocket change will be a big help to them, but every time I'm asked for spare change I have to politely say no.

The conversation typically goes like this:

Person: "Excuse me sir, could you spare some change?"

Me: "No I'm sorry. I don't have any change on me. If I did I'd be happy to give it to you."

And then I get no response, or sometimes a huff in disgust.

I'm sure they don't believe me, but every time I have to say no, I'm telling the truth. I have no change. I don't even have any bills. I never have cash on me except for those rare occasions where I'm going somewhere and need it.

I pay for absolutely everything either with my debit card or Android Pay on my phone. Even if I'm buying a 75 cent soda at the convenience store, I'm paying by card or phone. I've been using a pay by phone system at any place that offers it for the past couple years with Google Wallet before it recently changed to Android Pay.

I'd try to go into detail about why I don't have any change, but I know it won't do any good. The guilt will still be there. I could donate to a homeless shelter, which I've done before, but still that won't help that person who just needed a bit of change.

Should I feel guilty about this? Should I approach it a different way? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Let me know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter @Q979.