I just encountered something I really hate.

[protege]

We don't get many panhandlers out in the 'burbs. Simply because residents and business owners call the cops or run them off. There were a couple, when the economy first started to tank...but that didn't lost long. Too many complaints over motorists being harassed at traffic lights...soon sent them packing. I've also noticed, that even the city of Pittsburgh has taken an aggressive stance against panhandling. It's actually pretty rare to see one downtown. For awhile, it wasn't possible to walk around downtown without someone begging for change.

[Kimmik]

It is kinda sad, having lived some years in California, I did research into the homeless epidemic.
While yes you have scammers and people who dont really need help, a lot more then you think are there because there is no where for them to go. As a society we just hope they go somewhere else or cease to be at all.

I talked to this one old gentleman, his skin leathery from to much sun, his hair unkempt because he didnt have a place to wash it. Many shelters in the bigger cities have waiting lists, a lot close down in the warmer months or cut how many beds they have to cut cost. I asked him if he did drugs, he said nope. I asked him if he drank, he said yes his goal when he could get it was to drink till he didnt care.

Do you know how many places will hire someone who is homeless, especially when they dont always get a shower or clean clothes. Hell I have seen people turned down for a job because they took the bus.

I talked to him for a long time and learned his story and how he got to where he was. It hurt to see the pain in his eyes. To here tales of the insults thrown at him, he had stuff thrown at him.. his backpack stolen twice. Hassled for trying to sleep some where safe because he couldnt get into the shelter. He has watched people pass him as if he wasnt there, been told to get a job, told that the world would be better if people like him just died..

I treated him to dinner for spending the day answering my questions... I noticed as we sat and talked, the glares and hateful looks that he got, it was funny he had better table manners then a lot of people that i know.

So before you write them all off as scum that should just disappear in a puff of smoke, realize that there are people out there that have fallen through the cracks, and a fair number are ill. I give people what little change i have on me...

I remember my aunt living under a bridge one summer, she couldnt afford rent, she was sick and had 2 children. I have been homeless and let me tell you it blew chunks, I would try to get enough change to buy a cheeseburger and maybe if i was lucky it would be 2. I remember what people said to me, the looks, the being watched like a hawk because i came into a store cause i saved up enough for a few cans of potted meat and bread.

Sorry, touchy subject with me... but on the original point, anyone who begs for money for a tragedy while seeming under the influence needs beaned upside the head.

[Rageaholic]

Do you know how many places will hire someone who is homeless, especially when they dont always get a shower or clean clothes. Hell I have seen people turned down for a job because they took the bus.

And this is why I hate the hiring process. They judge you on such stupid things, making impossible for those with no money or experience to get the job they need.

[Andara Bledin]

As a society we just hope they go somewhere else or cease to be at all.

Out of sight, out of mind. It's easier to ignore them than try to fix the reason they're there.

In an extreme case, one city in Orange County (Santa Ana, I think), actually rounded up their strays and dumped them somewhere that wasn't in their city.

Do you know how many places will hire someone who is homeless, especially when they dont always get a shower or clean clothes. Hell I have seen people turned down for a job because they took the bus.

Also, many of our assistance programs won't work with people who don't have an address. My brother was living in his car for a period of several months and he couldn't get food stamps because he didn't have an address for them to put on the file. Bureaucratic insanity.

But, of course, it's always all their fault they're on the street. If they'd just try harder, they'd be able to get along just fine.

^-.-^

[Cymberleah]

The thing that gets me about ignoring panhandlers and the homeless, is that there is no other social interaction where simple eye contact is considered an invitation for a shakedown.

I almost never have cash on me. If I do have cash, it's because I need cash for a certain purpose. So right off the bat I'm not the sort who is even really capable of donating.

I do not think people are bad for needing money. I do get annoyed that there are people who feel the ability to hold a stolen tow warning sign (funny how often the backs of these get the "please help!" notice) and stand by traffic is enough to garner a living wage. I also am not keen on walking down the sidewalk and being harassed to give money. "Homeless disabled veteran, please help!" Right. You're asking me to make a split second decision as to your veracity and need, which, quite frankly, is not even remotely a position I wish to be in as I move from Point A to Point B.

There would be a lot less ignoring if I didn't feel that attention was just a means for people to try to get me to give them money with no real return.

[jackfaire]

I am proud of my area because the shelters seem to work really hard to help people out and even some of the more upscale hotels open up parts of their buildings during particularly cold winters to give homeless people a place to stay.