Beggars are getting bold!

[Magpie]

Can you spare a couple of buck! US currency please.

Aw, I'm Canadian. No US dollars here. Better luck with the next person!

 

[dish rag]

Aw, I'm Canadian. No US dollars here. Better luck with the next person!

I know but I'm sure you have some laying around, all Canadians do. Especially now.

 

[Magpie]

I know but I'm sure you have some laying around, all Canadians do. Especially now.

Really? Clearly I didn't get the memo from Trudeau.

 

[dish rag]

Aw, I'm Canadian. No US dollars here. Better luck with the next person!

Well you know the old saying. Beggers can't be choosey Canadian will do, we'll be back very soon. Please add 30% though.

 

[MamaBelle4]

I have supplied many Christmases and Thanksgivings over the years, it's nice and kind and the right thing to do. And it's really not that expensive. But for the homeless the best thing for them to be is in a shelter. That's not coming form me. That's coming for people who work with them.

Sure. Shelter would be ideal. In the meantime, they need to eat. They need clothes and shoes for their kids. They need their meds.
They are still people with basic necessities. They still need warmth in the winter and relief in the summer. It isn't like homeless organizations immediately have a bell that rings in their office everytime someone ends up in the street like a bat signal. Some families are homeless for months, even years. While they are trying to get help, hoping for a miracle or even just a small break, they still need to feed their kids and keep them safe and warm. Maybe $5 to a homeless person goes a heck of a lot further than you think, not just right into the closest bar.

 

[dish rag]

Really? Clearly I didn't get the memo from Trudeau.

He's too busy giving away my wifes money.

 

[dish rag]

Sure. Shelter would be ideal. In the meantime, they need to eat. They need clothes and shoes for their kids. They need their meds.
They are still people with basic necessities. They still need warmth in the winter and relief in the summer. It isn't like homeless organizations immediately have a bell that rings in their office everytime someone ends up in the street like a bat signal. Some families are homeless for months, even years. While they are trying to get help, hoping for a miracle or even just a small break, they still need to feed their kids and keep them safe and warm. Maybe $5 to a homeless person goes a heck of a lot further than you think, not just right into the closest bar.

The best thing you can give them besides maybe taking them into your home and letting them live with you is a ride to the homeless shelter. That's were they belong. Not standing on street corning, urinating on the sides of the road and sleeping in door ways of commercial building. Thats not whats best for them. You seem to think I don't care. I think I care more than most on this thread. I want the best for them. So please help them all you can. It takes real time and real money to help the down trodden. Not a buck.

 

[MamaBelle4]

The best thing you can give them besides maybe taking them into your home and letting them live with you is a ride to the homeless shelter. That's were they belong. Not standing on street corning, urinating on the sides of the road and sleeping in door ways of commercial building. Thats not whats best for them. You seem to think I don't care. I think I care more than most on this thread. I want the best for them. So please help them all you can. It takes real time and real money to help the down trodden. Not a buck.

You seem to think you know more what a homeless family needs than a person (me) who spent a portion of her childhood homeless. Perhaps my perspective has some value. Perhaps a shelter isn't best for everyone.

Do you really think my parents would have stayed in a shelter with their five children, with people fighting unknown demons, like schizophrenia or addiction? A place where my father likely couldn't have stayed because men usually leave to make room for women and children? We lived in our van.

You think you know so well what a homeless person needs. You are choosing to ignore my experiences because they do not align with your worldview.

Yes, a roof over one's head is the primary goal, but until that is attainable, people still need food and their medicine (my father and two siblings all have juvenile diabetes), clothes to wear and shoes for their feet.

And most importantly, dignity and compassion. I am not saying you do not care, but your assertion that it is not helpful to give a homeless person cash is beyond misguided and colored by your worldview and perceptions.

I have mentioned a time (and I could mention 100s of others) when a little bit of kindness in the form of cash made a difference to my family. And you chose to ignore it to push your own beliefs and agenda.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Sure. Shelter would be ideal. In the meantime, they need to eat. They need clothes and shoes for their kids. They need their meds.
They are still people with basic necessities. They still need warmth in the winter and relief in the summer. It isn't like homeless organizations immediately have a bell that rings in their office everytime someone ends up in the street like a bat signal. Some families are homeless for months, even years. While they are trying to get help, hoping for a miracle or even just a small break, they still need to feed their kids and keep them safe and warm. Maybe $5 to a homeless person goes a heck of a lot further than you think, not just right into the closest bar.

I agree with you on a lot of stuff, but you know what, the homeless families here do get help. They're in assisted housing or emergency housing. They aren't the ones panhandling or using the alley for their toilet, or shooting up in the city park. I'm talking about people who won't go to the shelter for a shower and a night because they'd have to follow the rules. I have a lot of sympathy for the homeless and the best way to help them is to donate to the food pantry and shelters so they can eat and be safe. There may be no bat signal but they have resources and there are organizations that they can go to for help. There are several churches in my area that house families like that so they don't have to go to a shelter. I have no sympathy for the guys who panhandle all day, or throw away food people give them, or actively make the town a worse place to live. And that wasn't your family, by your own admittance.

 

[Magpie]

The best thing you can give them besides maybe taking them into your home and letting them live with you is a ride to the homeless shelter. That's were they belong. Not standing on street corning, urinating on the sides of the road and sleeping in door ways of commercial building. Thats not whats best for them. You seem to think I don't care. I think I care more than most on this thread. I want the best for them. So please help them all you can. It takes real time and real money to help the down trodden. Not a buck.

Actually, that's really not the best thing you can do. And I sincerely hope you aren't taking people you don't know into your home or into your car.

This is actually something my daughter's taken quite a few courses on, when she was studying Health Sciences. We've talked about it at length. It's a complicated problem.

First off, homeless shelters are often unsafe. Overcrowded. They may try to split up families. They have rules against drinking and drugs (for good reason, but someone in the grips of an addiction may find this a compelling reason to avoid them). They have strict curfews. They can be dehumanizing and humiliating. Trans people are at particular risk. Many people feel much safer and happier living under a bridge.

Some people are simply not capable of "just following the rules" in a shelter. It doesn't mean they're spoiled special snowflakes. They're usually people with executive function disorders, intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses.

Secondly, if you are a social worker, you need to talk to the person and get to know their individual circumstances. No one is more of an expert on their own life, then they are. You can't just parachute in with a prepackaged "solution" and expect it to work with everyone. Start with respect, and communication, and an open mind. Be flexible and willing to work with the person.

Donating to shelters, and campaigning to have more built is helpful. Working to improve services, creating clean needle exchanges, methadone clinics, strengthening the social safety net, legalizing pot and prostitution... Even just not being part of the NIMBY crowd helps! It's frustrating to see a group try to build a new shelter only to have people protest against it.

Giving a dollar or two to someone on the street will not solve all their problems, but it doesn't hurt them, either. It's a small gesture from one human being to another. It's not meant to be anything more.

 

[MamaBelle4]

I have no sympathy for the guys who panhandle all day, or throw away food people give them, or actively make the town a worse place to live

Of course not. I never said to give to people you know or believe to be scamming you, but if you see someone down on their luck, that is different.

I don't know all the requirements for getting help now, I do know back then my parents were denied assistance because of his decent (not great) income and vehicle (asset) that they wanted him to sell before considering assistance.

I believe weflare in my state takes assets into account still, so what is a person to do in the same situation? I'm just saying that, kindness and compassion goes along way. Even if, as Magpie stated earlier, just look a homeless person in the eye and wish them a good day, or give them a cup of coffee on a cold morning. You have no idea how much of an impact a little humanity can have.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Actually, that's really not the best thing you can do. And I sincerely hope you aren't taking people you don't know into your home or into your car.

This is actually something my daughter's taken quite a few courses on, when she was studying Health Sciences. We've talked about it at length. It's a complicated problem.

First off, homeless shelters are often unsafe. Overcrowded. They may try to split up families. They have rules against drinking and drugs (for good reason, but someone in the grips of an addiction may find this a compelling reason to avoid them). They have strict curfews. They can be dehumanizing and humiliating. Trans people are at particular risk. Many people feel much safer and happier living under a bridge.

Some people are simply not capable of "just following the rules" in a shelter. It doesn't mean they're spoiled special snowflakes. They're usually people with executive function disorders, intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses.

Secondly, if you are a social worker, you need to talk to the person and get to know their individual circumstances. No one is more of an expert on their own life, then they are. You can't just parachute in with a prepackaged "solution" and expect it to work with everyone. Start with respect, and communication, and an open mind. Be flexible and willing to work with the person.

Donating to shelters, and campaigning to have more built is helpful. Working to improve services, creating clean needle exchanges, methadone clinics, strengthening the social safety net, legalizing pot and prostitution... Even just not being part of the NIMBY crowd helps! It's frustrating to see a group try to build a new shelter only to have people protest against it.

Giving a dollar or two to someone on the street will not solve all their problems, but it doesn't hurt them, either. It's a small gesture from one human being to another. It's not meant to be anything more.

The NIMBY crowd drives me insane. This is a major problem in my hometown right now. It's making it really difficult to set up some of those services you mention, which I support.

I don't give money to panhandlers often because even making eye contact with them is chancy. I'll say sorry, have a nice day to the ones I know are safe. But many of them are unpredictable and sometimes the safest thing to do is to not engage at all.

I'm not saying they're bad people. I'm saying as a single female, I feel safer not getting involved.

 

[Magpie]

The NIMBY crowd drives me insane. This is a major problem in my hometown right now. It's making it really difficult to set up some of those services you mention, which I support.

I don't give money to panhandlers often because even making eye contact with them is chancy. I'll say sorry, have a nice day to the ones I know are safe. But many of them are unpredictable and sometimes the safest thing to do is to not engage at all.

I'm not saying they're bad people. I'm saying as a single female, I feel safer not getting involved.

That's completely understandable. As I said much earlier in this thread, my mother (who has worked in both Pakistan and Romania) taught me to "choose your beggar". Get to know the people on your daily route. Know who is safe(ish) and who should be avoided.

There was actually one man who made me so deeply uncomfortable (he'd stand outside the place I worked and stare through the window at me), that no only did I never give him money, but the one time I saw him near my apartment building I actually changed direction and walked to a friend's house instead. I didn't want to risk any chance of him finding out where I lived.

 

[luvsJack]

I have supplied many Christmases and Thanksgivings over the years, it's nice and kind and the right thing to do. And it's really not that expensive. But for the homeless the best thing for them to be is in a shelter. That's not coming form me. That's coming for people who work with them.

And if they can't all be in a shelter? Shelters are limited to how many people they can take at one time. Sometimes they are just full. I don't have the funds to build a shelter. I do have the funds to buy a meal. So in a better world, there would be plenty of space for anyone to stay in a shelter and have the help they need. Reality is very different. The people you know who work with the homeless should be aware of that.

Buying a man a meal or a woman and child a meal may not be the thing that helps them in the long run but it got them through this day. And for some, its all they can ask, to get through one day. Giving a man a cigarette may not help him from being homeless but it gives him some relief for a minute. Lets him know that I do think of him as a human being just like me, not a begging stray that some see. Giving a man the money to buy beer that his body is craving, probably isn't the right choice for getting him away from alcohol, but it relieved his pain for a little while and just like the other guy, made him feel human for a minute.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Of course not. I never said to give to people you know or believe to be scamming you, but if you see someone down on their luck, that is different.

I don't know all the requirements for getting help now, I do know back then my parents were denied assistance because of his decent (not great) income and vehicle (asset) that they wanted him to sell before considering assistance.

I believe weflare in my state takes assets into account still, so what is a person to do in the same situation? I'm just saying that, kindness and compassion goes along way. Even if, as Magpie stated earlier, just look a homeless person in the eye and wish them a good day, or give them a cup of coffee on a cold morning. You have no idea how much of an impact a little humanity can have.

That's really terrible for your parents. I've heard of stuff like that and I don't understand how anyone giving up their income and vehicle would help that person or the state.

I agree with you about the humanity. I do try to do that when I can. The folks out in the winter are the ones I feel worst for. I haven't been homeless but I've been close enough to the wire due to illness that I understand how hard it is to get your life back on track. You can be employed, and be working overtime, and still be in the red every month.

 

[MamaBelle4]

That's really terrible for your parents. I've heard of stuff like that and I don't understand how anyone giving up their income and vehicle would help that person or the state.

I agree with you about the humanity. I do try to do that when I can. The folks out in the winter are the ones I feel worst for. I haven't been homeless but I've been close enough to the wire due to illness that I understand how hard it is to get your life back on track. You can be employed, and be working overtime, and still be in the red every month.

And I agree with you with keeping yourself safe. I used to work in the two biggest "cities" around here where there's a lot of violence and gang activity and all that nonsense. When I would have cash and pass a homeless person, I would always make sure I was out of sight before getting my money out, then walk it back. You certainly have to protect yourself.

 

[Magpie]

And I agree with you with keeping yourself safe. I used to work in the two biggest "cities" around here where there's a lot of violence and gang activity and all that nonsense. When I would have cash and pass a homeless person, I would always make sure I was out of sight before getting my money out, then walk it back. You certainly have to protect yourself.

I never pull my wallet out, except when I'm standing at a cash register. If I'm going to give someone money (or bus tickets), it's because I've already got it tucked in my side pocket, for that purpose.

I even keep my bus pass separate, so I don't have to pull out my wallet when I get on the bus.

 

[kimblebee]

Perhaps your
neurologist just likes to make all his patients feel special and unique?

He is definitely not that kind of doctor. He is 'quirky' and has a weird way about him. I like him because he doesn't pull punches or try to pay you on the back. If something sucks, he'll tell you..he won't sugarcoat it.

 

[Domo]

Some people have mental problems. It's a sad truth.

We had a local homeless girl, near where I work. I'd give spare change, I'd buy her lunch, small things like that. A few months back, she vanished. The next day, there was a small bunch of flowers with a note that read, "RIP Mum". Never saw her again.

 

[dish rag]

You seem to think you know more what a homeless family needs than a person (me) who spent a portion of her childhood homeless. Perhaps my perspective has some value. Perhaps a shelter isn't best for everyone.

Do you really think my parents would have stayed in a shelter with their five children, with people fighting unknown demons, like schizophrenia or addiction? A place where my father likely couldn't have stayed because men usually leave to make room for women and children? We lived in our van.

You think you know so well what a homeless person needs. You are choosing to ignore my experiences because they do not align with your worldview.

Yes, a roof over one's head is the primary goal, but until that is attainable, people still need food and their medicine (my father and two siblings all have juvenile diabetes), clothes to wear and shoes for their feet.

And most importantly, dignity and compassion. I am not saying you do not care, but your assertion that it is not helpful to give a homeless person cash is beyond misguided and colored by your worldview and perceptions.

I have mentioned a time (and I could mention 100s of others) when a little bit of kindness in the form of cash made a difference to my family. And you chose to ignore it to push your own beliefs and agenda.

I clearly stated what I have done and still do.