It would be better to put that he needs cash specifically on the sign if that’s what he needs but I don’t think he meant “anything helps” as actually anything. If he needs socks and has access to food then taking the food from you just means you’ll have less food. People offer homeless people a lot of food and while that’s very kind it’s not always what’s needed. Socks, Tylenol/ibuprofen, wound care, quarters for laundry, etc were big when I was helping people.