They're On The Ballpoint

Need a pen? Consider asking a hobo. Sure, you might feel rude at first, but consider the following:

1) Hobos are frequently at ground level. Pens often end up on the ground when they fall out of pockets.

2) Hobos can not get drunk on a pen, eat a pen or do (many) drugs with a pen. By way of generalization, this makes the pen a commodity they can part with and notice no decrease in quality of life.

3) Hobos ask you for change. Requesting a pen is about the same level of annoyance/intrusion.