The homeless woman in the photo is not identified by name, and she has moved on from Boulder, so I'll tell you how I know her: She used to hang around a north Boulder neighborhood (where I've camped out without problems since 2008), frequently passing out drunk on private property there, and using the sidewalk for a toilet in full view of residents, workers, and customers at nearby businesses. I was one of many who called the police.

I'm homeless myself, and I always advise concerned citizens to only give cash to those homeless people they've become acquainted with well enough that they can be certain it won't go for alcohol and/or drugs.

Gift cards are great, too, but something like a $20 gift card to Cheesecake Factory might be traded for a joint. Just be aware!