I was expecting China to be totally cashless when I went last year. While everyone accepts digital payments, almost everyone also accepts cash just fine.

I wish the homeless in London did this, I'd happily give a few pounds here and there if it were easy to. Back when I had cash on me at all times, I would think nothing of it, just toss a coin. Now in our cashless society, I found myself at a loss to do anything about the people suffering in front of me

You could try carrying cash again, especially just a few coins for the homeless.

Can't even be penniless these days, you need a fancy electronic device, a data plan and reliable access to an outlet before you can beg for charity. Sad world.

And then people won't give you money because "look at them with their phones! I'm sure that could have paid rent for a month"

Maybe 1/10th of the rent for a month. Second-hand crappy phones are real damn cheap. I know someone who can't afford rent even if they paid for nothing else, and they go through one every 2-3 months.

You could donate to your chosen homeless assistance charity and just carry cards that explain how to get assistance from the same org.

Maybe not true everywhere but in all the towns I have lived in the homeless were well aware of organizations that provide assistance. No need to carry a card about it.

Indeed, and there's usually a reason why they're on the street instead of going to those organizations (justifiable to a random other person or not).

My experience is they are already using those services but most of those services can only provide so much. In my state most people on the street already have Medicaid and food stamps but it isn’t like that is enough to get you a place to live or a job. The programs and services available can keep someone alive but are rarely comprehensive enough to deal with chronic mental and physical health issues that impact the ability of someone to thrive in a market economy. Even the most rightwing 20th century economist recognized that the state will need to step in for housing and employment for some part of the population.