I watched a panhandler begin her work day

[fatsack]

At the corner of 1-10 & Wurzbach ..
Stepping out of a 2007 Lincoln Navigator :wow

[AlamoSpursFan]

I stood in line behind a bum at a Mickey D's in Corpus once. Dude pulled out the fattest roll of cash I'd ever seen...and it looked like 5's and 10's...not just the ones you'd expect.

Nice not having to deal with that pesky income tax and all...

[Viva Las Espuelas]

At the corner of 1-10 & Wurzbach ..
Stepping out of a 2007 Lincoln Navigator :wowthat's why if a panhandler says he's hungry i buy him food. if he's thirsty i buy him water. plus if he doesn't smell like a sack of sweaty anuses(anni, perhaps)mixed with death, he ain't getting a damn thing.

[Don Quixote]

Dang straight. I want my bums to look and smell like ... bums!

We have a whole mess of them living in a community under the I-10 bridge at Canal St. and Claiborne. I guess people feel guilty .. give them $$$ all the time. I don't give them anything.

[curtismedellin]

screw that shit. 2007 Lincoln Navigator. She ain't the only one.

I never give those "panhandlers" any of my hard earned cash.

[macdude06]

other day at 1604 and blanco a bum had a sign that said "need 37 cents for the bus please help" so i gave him 40 cents just to help the guy..i got played..next day there he was again same sign..so i rolled down my window and was like WTF and he walked fast the other way

[Sunshine]

Well, the price of gas IS getting out of hand and those Navigators aren't exactly easy on gas mileage.

[fatsack]

Well, the price of gas IS getting out of hand and those Navigators aren't exactly easy on gas mileage.

i think i know what i'll be doing during my lunch hour.....

lol

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

She could have been earning the money another way.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

i think i know what i'll be doing during my lunch hour.....

lolhey. get a video camera and expose this jackass. that's what i would do. youtube, baby.

[Sunshine]

i think i know what i'll be doing during my lunch hour.....

lol

Get a lot baby. My Rodeo needs gas too.

[tlongII]

All the panhandlers here are homeless veterans apparently. At least that's what their signs say.

[Don Quixote]

Tschlong is right -- I'll grant that some of them are homeless vets. But I'll be darned if I fork over my hard-earned $$ to any old bum, regardless of their VA status.

[Don Quixote]

Some of the lefties in the New Orleans city gummint want to put these homeless people living in the tent cities under the bridge at Canal & Claiborne (they used to live in the park across from City Hall!) into apartments, paid for by the city.

It'll probably happen. Messed-up city.

[fatsack]

the lady with the 1980's dress (with the lace) that always holds up the sign "christian woman needs help" is my favorite.

[Extra Stout]

If you see a guy claiming to be a homeless vet, standing at an intersection out in an affluent suburb, he's a fraud. Now if you see one two blocks from the overpass six dozen homeless use as a shelter when there aren't any open beds at the mission, then he might be legit. If he's two blocks from the overpass and is wearing an old coat on an 80-degree day, he's even more likely to be legit. If he is sitting down all huddled and hardly moving, he's that much more likely to be legit.

Bubba in a dirty T-shirt pacing back and forth is a fraud.

[Don Quixote]

Yeah ... I'm sure the majority of the inhabitants of tent city are legit. There may be a few student protesters mixed in, but I'm sure they're mostly really homeless.

I still don't give them $$, though. Not only are they likely to blow it anyway, but I have my doubts that giving it is the truly charitable thing to do. Such was the thesis in "Ministries of Mercy," (I forget the author), that taught that the church needs a more comprehensive approach to mercy ministries, and not something that revolves around soup kitchens and clothing drives (though those are okay).

The author correctly pointed out that while generally homelessness is the result of bad decisions made (poor $$ skills, drug addiction, committing adultery, criminal history), sometimes it results from things outside of one's control (a storm, maybe a husband threw the wife out, medical or mental problems).

[Sunshine]

There is a homeless man who has built his own little "lean-to' in a field off Wurzbach near the intersection at Babcock. The kids and I watched it go from a couple of sticks and a sheet to what might be a two bedroom hut! I'm just surprised the cops haven't busted him yet. He's been there for at LEAST 6 weeks.

[fatsack]

There is a homeless man who has built his own little "lean-to' in a field off Wurzbach near the intersection at Babcock. The kids and I watched it go from a couple of sticks and a sheet to what might be a two bedroom hut! I'm just surprised the cops haven't busted him yet. He's been there for at LEAST 6 weeks.

i don't think the cops care much as long as they're not getting calls/complaints about it.

[Don Quixote]

We've had squatters move into abandoned houses in New Orleans, start fixing them, and trying to move in.

One guy paid the property taxes on a shotgun house in Gentilly, off Franklin, and was halfway through the repairs, when the owner showed up from Mississippi or somewhere. I guess at first he though it was a church who was helping him on his house. Imagine his surprise!!

[Jimcs50]

that's why if a panhandler says he's hungry i buy him food. if he's thirsty i buy him water. plus if he doesn't smell like a sack of sweaty anuses(anni, perhaps)mixed with death, he ain't getting a damn thing.

If you feed a hungry man a meal, he will eat for a day, if you teach him to panhandle, he will drive a Lincoln for a year.





:p:

[fatsack]

If you feed a hungry man a meal, he will eat for a day, if you teach him to panhandle, he will drive a Lincoln.

:p:


truer words have never been spoken.

now she's a richer too.

[E20]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51736

When I made this thread everybody laughed at me, but some homeless people make around 700-1000 dollars a day.

[Don Quixote]

Dang ... I'm tempted to quit my career and go into panhandling. Then again, I have some sense of shame. I don't think I could do it for very long, I'd begin to feel guilty, and bad about myself.

I guess it's the notion that work is one of the things that make us human. Being perpetually out of work is dehumanizing, certainly humiliating.

[mrsmaalox]

the lady with the 1980's dress (with the lace) that always holds up the sign "christian woman needs help" is my favorite.

Is she the blonde whose sign sometimes says, "Single mom, laid off from job"? I haven't seen her around in a while.

[Jimcs50]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51736

When I made this thread everybody laughed at me, but some homeless people make around 700-1000 dollars a day.


Why are they homeless if they are making that kind of dough?

It seems like they can get a hotel room for $60 a day somewhere. Also where do they keep their cash?

[desflood]

I have handed food out the window of my car occasionally, but never money. One guy I gave a lunch to I knew wasn't homeless when he rifled through the bag and began handing sh*t back to me! Hungry my ass! Every time I see him now I just wave and keep going.

[E20]

Why are they homeless if they are making that kind of dough?

It seems like they can get a hotel room for $60 a day somewhere. Also where do they keep their cash?
They are not homeless, but I would keep doing something if it works for me.


They keep it in a bank. IRS won't catch on if you transfer the money at a slow rate and it will be easier if you have multiple bank accounts.

[shelshor]

Why are they homeless if they are making that kind of dough?

It seems like they can get a hotel room for $60 a day somewhere. Also where do they keep their cash?

When I was in Portland a few years ago, one of the local stations was having a slow news day and filmed the guy that was always at NE Stark bridge over I-205. At the end of his "work day" the guy's wife picked him up in a Lexus and they went home to a luxury apartment in a gated community

[fatsack]

Is she the blonde whose sign sometimes says, "Single mom, laid off from job"? I haven't seen her around in a while.

that's the one.
i last saw her at 1604/Blanco.

[xrayzebra]

Wonder what ever happened to the group that used
dress as nurses and orderlies. They used to work the
traffic at 410/Ingram all the time. Haven't seen them for
awhile.

[N.Y. Johnny]

At the corner of 1-10 & Wurzbach ..
Stepping out of a 2007 Lincoln Navigator :wow



You kidding? but seriously,

when I lived in Washington D.C. I seen this type of thing, but I saw a crack whore woman, really literally out walking in the alley getting crack, selling it again, climb out of a nice Range Rover. :wow

[ashbeeigh]

I will never forget this....and it rings true to fatsack's story...


A few years ago I went on a Mission trip in Houston (I can't remember exactly where it was area-wise but it was off Airline...not the point though) and the pastor of the church we were staying at made a point of saying "There are panhandlers on this stretch of 10 and Airline, don't give them anything. If they ask for food direct them to the church we can give them food and whatever else they need. Some make more money they we do on a daily basis...and don't pay taxes..."

So, from now on I never give anyone anything when they're panhandling. It's really bad by the De Zavala Wal-Mart. I can hardly stand to go there, seriously.

Do you all remember the ordiance that Boerne wanted to pass where panhandlers had to pay $25 to do their thing? I thought was freaking hilarious. It died pretty quick. I think that was like Septemberish last year. Correct me if I'm wrong, someone.

[mardigan]

Since moving to Albuquerque, Ive had to learn how to say no to the homeless. There just seem to be so many people trying to play a part that its really hard to tell whats what, which makes me really sad because I never had a problem with giving change to people while I was in Texas. If I really believe someone, as another poster said, I will just give them food or water.

[JoeChalupa]

I admit I give some $$ to those in need, who am I to judge, because I always remember "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was naked and you gave me clothes. I was homeless and you gave me a place to stay". You just never know.

[PM5K]

I never give panhandlers money.

When I was about twenty or so I was homeless, and you know what I did, I worked.

I did day labor, made money and got by.

If you can walk around in the hot sun and go from car to car to ask for money, you can certainy get a job.

It's not easy when you have no phone number, and no address, but it's certainly possible, you have to use your street smarts and get it done.

[Slydragon]

http://www.breitbart.tv/html/97053.html

[Nbadan]

Yeah. every panhandler drives a Navigator...

:rolleyes

The most fucked up thing I've seen is a guy fresh out of the military complete with Desert Storm uniform and military-issued back-pack luggage on his back panhandling on Fred road....

[PM5K]

Mike Tyson used to panhandle as I recall...

[hater]

At the corner of 1-10 & Wurzbach ..
Stepping out of a 2007 Lincoln Navigator :wow

did he look like this?

http://briancuban.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/latrell_sprewell-arton21193-240x240.jpg

[PM5K]

did he look like this?

http://briancuban.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/latrell_sprewell-arton21193-240x240.jpg

He's got to feed his family...

[JoeChalupa]

Yeah. every panhandler drives a Navigator...

:rolleyes

The most fucked up thing I've seen is a guy fresh out of the military complete with Desert Storm uniform and military-issued back-pack luggage on his back panhandling on Fred road....

I'd a given him some cash. Semper Fi!!!

[JoeChalupa]

I never give panhandlers money.

When I was about twenty or so I was homeless, and you know what I did, I worked.

I did day labor, made money and got by.

If you can walk around in the hot sun and go from car to car to ask for money, you can certainy get a job.

It's not easy when you have no phone number, and no address, but it's certainly possible, you have to use your street smarts and get it done.

:tu :toast Worse I've been is when I had to sell my blood for some $$.

[PM5K]

:tu :toast Worse I've been is when I had to sell my blood for some $$.

What's worse is when you try to sell your plasma and they tell you they won't buy it because it has too much iron...

But that's the difference, when some people go through hard times they dig deep, get creative and get by, other people get lazy and get a sharpie and the top of a pizza box...

[Don Quixote]

You give $$ to bums knowing full well that you're perpetuating their cycle of dependence on others. And keeping the scammers in business.

[ashbeeigh]

I gave a bum one of Bible Verse keychain things on New Years Eve on my way out of the Bonham last year. I'm sure they were expecting that out of there. :lmao

I wish I could remember the verse. It was hilarious.

[JoeChalupa]

You give $$ to bums knowing full well that you're perpetuating their cycle of dependence on others. And keeping the scammers in business.

I understand that way of thinking and I'm not disagreeing with it at all. I just choose to act differently. Don't get me wrong, I don't just give out money to every panhandler....you all know I'm one cheap SOB...but I also admit that it is not easy for me to do nothing. Am I giving them money for booze or drugs? That is a very high probability but I for one don't have the capacity to know for sure. But enough of my kumbaya attitude.

[CosmicCowboy]

Why are they homeless if they are making that kind of dough?

It seems like they can get a hotel room for $60 a day somewhere. Also where do they keep their cash?

Jim, those guys aren't homeless...they are actors playing a role.

I had one hit me up at the Valero last year...this was a very normal, lucid guy in his 30's wearing old but clean clothes...he had obviously had a shower recently...

I told him I have my charitable organizations I support but that I don't do street donations...I then pointed out the help wanted sign on the door of the Valero and said "why don't you just go inside and get an application? They're hiring..."

He got very angry and said "FUCK THAT!...I don't want a fucking JOB...this gig is WAY too good!" and stomped off to hit up the guy at the pump...

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Jim, those guys aren't homeless...they are actors playing a role.

I had one hit me up at the Valero last year...this was a very normal, lucid guy in his 30's wearing old but clean clothes...he had obviously had a shower recently...

I told him I have my charitable organizations I support but that I don't do street donations...I then pointed out the help wanted sign on the door of the Valero and said "why don't you just go inside and get an application? They're hiring..."

He got very angry and said "FUCK THAT!...I don't want a fucking JOB...this gig is WAY too good!" and stomped off to hit up the guy at the pump...

My brother in AZ carries around work vouchers for his company where they'll give basically anyone with a pulse a job doing grunt labor at around $10/hour. He'll hand one of those to homeless guys who approach him and to this day not a single one of them has taken him up on it. Most of them throw the voucher on the ground and cuss him out and walk away.

[mardigan]

My brother in AZ carries around work vouchers for his company where they'll give basically anyone with a pulse a job doing grunt labor at around $10/hour.

Thats a really great idea. Are there many oppurtunities like that out there, or is your brother just ahead of the curve?

[Sunshine]

I have handed food out the window of my car occasionally, but never money. One guy I gave a lunch to I knew wasn't homeless when he rifled through the bag and began handing sh*t back to me! Hungry my ass! Every time I see him now I just wave and keep going.

A few years ago, my brother-in-law was meeting my sister at her office for lunch (Fred Rd/410 area) and there was a young couple on the median with a sign that said "HUNGRY". After he parked at my sisters office, he walked over there and told them he was getting ready to go to Wendy's and bring stuff back for he and his wife and he would bring them back something in about 20 minutes or so. The man said "Thanks, but we're trying to get enough money to go eat at Mario's."

After making sure he'd just heard right, my BIL said "Well, I hope you get enough before the cops gets here since I'll be calling them as soon as I get back inside!"

[JoeChalupa]

Man, don't I feel like mr. gullible.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Thats a really great idea. Are there many oppurtunities like that out there, or is your brother just ahead of the curve?

I'm not sure. It would probably be a good idea if any of them took him up on it.

Most of those jobs, and many of the better paying ones as well, end up going to Mexican nationals with their green cards who will work their asses off for $10 an hour and laugh at the lazy Americanos. I haven't asked him lately what the effect of all the immigration reform push has had, if any, on his workforce. There are some people who are still willing to work hard in America...only a lot of them aren't American.

[Sunshine]

Man, don't I feel like mr. gullible.

You shouldn't. I've given money and food to panhandlers before. But if I were to give just a quarter to every panhandler I drove by on any given day, I'd go broke. It's become almost epidemic here...you literally cannot stop at any major intersection in San Antonio without someone with a sign walking up and down between cars, peering into your window. I don't know which one is truly needy and which ones are going to take that dollar I give them and buy drugs or booze, so I give them a dollar. Or fifty cents. And in my mind, i can't help but think "there but for the grace of God go I."

[cornbread]

There was this panhandler on the Drag in Austin back 2002 and this guy would be there all day, everyday. Most people grew to recognize him. He had to be making a killing.

One day The Daily Texan interviews him about being homeless. He openly said, "I'm not homeless. People just assume this. I have an apartment up North."

They ask him, "Why do you panhandle?"

He said something to the effect of, "Why not? I just sit out here and people give me money and food everyday. It's better than working at some job."

[N.Y. Johnny]

I admit I give some $$ to those in need, who am I to judge, because I always remember "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was naked and you gave me clothes. I was homeless and you gave me a place to stay". You just never know.




I have bought meals at restaurants for a few homeless guys. Whether they're faking it and getting into a Mercedez Benz afterwards I don't know, but one of them I did buy some stuff for here in Austin a while back was crippled and looked down on his luck. I did it mainly because he was in the Whataburger just getting a cup for water and some of the workers there really were badgering him to leave and belittling him.

The "if you don't buy nothing get out!!!" treatment and they did yell at thim there towards the end.
I felt bad for the guy and got him some food and stayed there till he got it and then left him. I don't know Joe, some people looked at me like I had 8 heads or like WTF are you doing? but I couldn't just sit there and watch this guy get treated like that. I don't usually give out money to guys panhandling on the streets, but I can tell when some of these poor souls are hungry and loitering around and I'll get them some food. Oh and my brother sells band and novelty shirts on an online store and is always sending me stuff, so if you ever see Homeless dudes in Austin wearing Led Zeppelin shirts or stuff like that they're some threads I hand them...rock on! :downspin:

[Clandestino]

there is one chick that works the entire n, nw area. she dresses up like a business woman, make-up, carries a purse... sign says, "single working mom, trying to make ends meet." it is crazy..

[PM5K]

And in my mind, i can't help but think "there but for the grace of God go I."


So you're saying that if you were in their position you'd beg for money rather than earn it?

[RashoFan]

What's worse is when you try to sell your plasma and they tell you they won't buy it because it has too much iron...

But that's the difference, when some people go through hard times they dig deep, get creative and get by, other people get lazy and get a sharpie and the top of a pizza box...

The Plasma Center Princess(self-proclaimed of course) is going to chime in.
They won't "buy" your plasma that day if you have too much "iron". Lots of people get confused on this...your "iron" is your HEMATOCRIT: the percentage of bloodcells in your blood. If your HEMATOCRIT is too high, most likely you don't have a higher amount of plasma compared to blood cells. Perhaps one is dehydrated, we live in South Texas and everyone should attempt to drink more water. Or at the very least, add more ice to your evening cocktails.:toast

[PM5K]

The Plasma Center Princess(self-proclaimed of course) is going to chime in.
They won't "buy" your plasma that day if you have too much "iron". Lots of people get confused on this...your "iron" is your HEMATOCRIT: the percentage of bloodcells in your blood. If your HEMATOCRIT is too high, most likely you don't have a higher amount of plasma compared to blood cells. Perhaps one is dehydrated, we live in South Texas and everyone should attempt to drink more water. Or at the very least, add more ice to your evening cocktails.:toast

Interesting.....

[RashoFan]

What do you expect...I work at a Plasma center so I should know about this shit.

[AlamoSpursFan]

Since moving to Albuquerque, Ive had to learn how to say no to the homeless. There just seem to be so many people trying to play a part that its really hard to tell whats what, which makes me really sad because I never had a problem with giving change to people while I was in Texas. If I really believe someone, as another poster said, I will just give them food or water.

This is funny, only because of the Albuquerque part. I used to deliver to Davis Kitchens in Alb. 2 or 3 times a week and I'd always fuel up at the Flying Hook Truck Stop there.

There used to be this chick that would come up to me EVERY time trying to sell me a 3 cent Bic pen with a "I'm deaf and selling these pens to survive" note attatched for a buck. I always waved my hands and said no thanks, but one day I wanted to find out what the deal was with this chick, so after I said no thanks and she turned to walk away, I yelled "HEY!" at her back and she turned around. I started laughing, she realized she was busted and she NEVER bothered me again.

[RashoFan]

^
Busted!
:lol

[Sunshine]

So you're saying that if you were in their position you'd beg for money rather than earn it?

No, my meaning isn't literal as in I'd beg rather than work. But "for the grace of God go I"...that I become homeless....lose my job and have no one to turn to for help...that I become mentally ill and don't have the resources to seek treatment.

[AlamoSpursFan]

<---Mentally ill and gainfully employed.

I'm just sayin'...

:lol

[Sunshine]

<---Mentally ill and gainfully employed.

I'm just sayin'...

:lol

Consider yourself lucky then.

[AlamoSpursFan]

Jeeze, it was a joke!

Maybe you should change your handle from Sunshine to "The Cloud"...

:lol

[Sunshine]

Jeeze, it was a joke!

Maybe you should change your handle from Sunshine to "The Cloud"...

:lol


Geez, what did I say?

[PM5K]

Geez, what did I say?

You edited what you said ;-)

[Sunshine]

You edited what you said ;-)


Must be the mental illness playing tricks on people.

[AlamoSpursFan]

:lol

[TheCloud]

Jeeze, it was a joke!

Maybe you should change your handle from Sunshine to "The Cloud"...

:lol

I think Sunshine is PMS-ing. We should just ignore her for the next couple of days.

[AlamoSpursFan]

Damn you're quick, Mouse...

:lmao

[TheCloud]

Damn you're quick, Mouse...

:lmao

You cut me to the quick! Mouse isn't the only person who can create new usernames in a hurry.

[AlamoSpursFan]

Sorry. I assumed...so I made an ass out of u and me.

:lol

[Xolotl]

I know I've actually thought of using the panhandle method in order to help me come up with the $500 deposit I need for grad school...I don't think I could do it lol

[AlamoSpursFan]

You might have to fight the Excuse For News panhand...errrr...salesman for the corner space.

:lol

[Solid D]

I had heard they are practically giving Navigator's away these days.

[marini martini]

The Plasma Center Princess(self-proclaimed of course) is going to chime in.
Or at the very least, add more ice to your evening cocktails.:toast

I'll do my part, with the ice, that is:toast

Oh, & Mr. Martini tries to pass out the little cans of beenie weenies, chille, raviolies, and crackers. Only twice in past five years, have anyone accepted them.

[mrsmaalox]

I think it is mostly mental illness causing the problem. Mental health reform in this country is of the lowest priority. Back in the 70's and 80's when we were trying not to violate everyone's civil rights, it became very difficult to keep a mental patient in hospital to recieve the treatment they need. Like any other patient, they have the right to refuse treatment. Most of them end up homeless on the streets, and until they become a danger to themselves or others, they are legally capable of making the decision to remain homeless.

[Sunshine]

I think it is mostly mental illness causing the problem. Mental health reform in this country is of the lowest priority. Back in the 70's and 80's when we were trying not to violate everyone's civil rights, it became very difficult to keep a mental patient in hospital to recieve the treatment they need. Like any other patient, they have the right to refuse treatment. Most of them end up homeless on the streets, and until they become a danger to themselves or others, they are legally capable of making the decision to remain homeless.

I already tried rationale, it doesn't work. :rolleyes

I got slapped down for my "mental illness" remarks. Mentally ill people are perfectly capable of getting jobs, so there!

I'm totally being sarcastic btw, I agree with you 100%

[Don Quixote]

Oh, & Mr. Martini tries to pass out the little cans of beenie weenies, chille, raviolies, and crackers. Only twice in past five years, have anyone accepted them.

You still got some? I've got plenty of Thunderbird, but no food.

[TMTTRIO]

My sister in law usually has a granola bar or two in her car so whenever she comes up to someone that says they need money for food she'll give them one of her granola bars.

[sa_butta]

I admit I give some $$ to those in need, who am I to judge, because I always remember "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was naked and you gave me clothes. I was homeless and you gave me a place to stay". You just never know.
Its one thing to give food/clothes, but money could be for anything for these people. You could be contributing to a fix or a person with a serious alcohol problem. If you really want to help the panhandlers just donate food/clothes and your time to the shelters.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51736

When I made this thread everybody laughed at me, but some homeless people make around 700-1000 dollars a day.

You are so full of shit. $700-$1000 a day... let's see, even if they sit there 12 hours, which is highly unlikely, that's about $60-80/hour consistently for every hour. Utter fucking horseshit.

One more general note - the utter lack of compassion shown by some people in this thread for people living on the streets is disturbing. I'm not saying that you should give anyone your money or anything like that, but shit, spare a moment to realise that a lot of these people have had terribly unfortunate lives (mental/physical/sexual abuse, mental illness, PTSD, you name it) and have no way to climb out of the hole they are in. You think the vast majority of these people live on the streets for fun, or by choice? They have none of the things you and I take for granted - a roof, a shower, a bed, food, warmth, safety. Mocking them for the misfortune is just MEAN.

As for the OP, sure, there area few frauds out there, but one of the things that struck me during all of my travels in America was the ubiquitous homeless people. They are EVERYWHERE. You just don't see that in a lot of other developed countries, and certainly not in Australia. We have a homeless problem, but it is nowhere near the scale of what you see in the US.

Someone suggested that it was a joke that homeless people should be given some form of housing. WTF? You'd rather have them all over the streets? That I just don't get. These are people like you and me whose lives took a bad turn somewhere along the way... it wasn't always their fault, and they are not all bludgers. Give them a stable housing situation, and some training, and they may be able to join society again. Have a freakin heart.

[Sunshine]

You are so full of shit. $700-$1000 a day... let's see, even if they sit there 12 hours, which is highly unlikely, that's about $60-80/hour consistently for every hour. Utter fucking horseshit.

One more general note - the utter lack of compassion shown by some people in this thread for people living on the streets is disturbing. I'm not saying that you should give anyone your money or anything like that, but shit, spare a moment to realise that a lot of these people have had terribly unfortunate lives (mental/physical/sexual abuse, mental illness, PTSD, you name it) and have no way to climb out of the hole they are in. You think the vast majority of these people live on the streets for fun, or by choice? They have none of the things you and I take for granted - a roof, a shower, a bed, food, warmth, safety. Mocking them for the misfortune is just MEAN.

As for the OP, sure, there area few frauds out there, but one of the things that struck me during all of my travels in America was the ubiquitous homeless people. They are EVERYWHERE. You just don't see that in a lot of other developed countries, and certainly not in Australia. We have a homeless problem, but it is nowhere near the scale of what you see in the US.

Someone suggested that it was a joke that homeless people should be given some form of housing. WTF? You'd rather have them all over the streets? That I just don't get. These are people like you and me whose lives took a bad turn somewhere along the way... it wasn't always their fault, and they are not all bludgers. Give them a stable housing situation, and some training, and they may be able to join society again. Have a freakin heart.

Some of us (Americans) may have become "immune" to the panhandlers because in some cities, they are literally EVERYWHERE. But a lot of the callous comments you saw were, IMO, directed toward panhandlers, not homeless people. Not all the panhandlers that are encountered are homeless. They live in homes, apartments etc and CHOOSE to stand on the street and beg for money.

The problem with the shelters that are set up for homeless is that the majority of the people who NEED to be there won't avail themselves because it means strict limitations such as no alcohol, no fighting, no drugs etc. and a lot of the homeless people are alcoholics and druggies. They offer job training and job placement but it means getting up early and going to training and following rules etc. that they just aren't willing to do.

In a perfect world, there would be no homelessness or need to beg for money or food. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world.

[PM5K]

RuffNReady has obviously never been homeless, which is great, but it obviously means you have no idea what really goes on.

[Mr. Peabody]

I went and ate at Pico De Gallo this morning for breakfast to kill some time. When I arrived, there was this guy sitting out front telling me how hungry he was and how he didn't have enough money to eat. I guess to prove it, he held out thirty-six cents (a quarter, a dime and a penny). I had just been paid by a client and I was feeling generous, so I gave him a ten and went inside to eat breakfast.

When I finished breakfast forty-five minutes later, I went outside to leave and that same guy was there. He once again approached me and told me about how hungry he was and how he didn't have enough money to eat. And to prove it, he held out his hand and he had the same thirty-six cents from earlier. I looked at him and said "Umm. I gave you a ten earlier, remember?" The guy just looked at me and said "Oh yeah, thanks a lot" and walked away.

[jcrod]

I admit I give some $$ to those in need, who am I to judge, because I always remember "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was naked and you gave me clothes. I was homeless and you gave me a place to stay". You just never know.

The same here. I don't always give, mainly if i have change or dollars, but i know some are homeless.

I've also bought food and they've graciously accepted.

I've talked to a couple who i know for sure where homeless and both had great careers at one point, but just lost it mentally.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

............ we don't live in a perfect world.
apparently australia is :rolleyes

[Nbadan]

You are so full of shit. $700-$1000 a day... let's see, even if they sit there 12 hours, which is highly unlikely, that's about $60-80/hour consistently for every hour. Utter fucking horseshit.

One more general note - the utter lack of compassion shown by some people in this thread for people living on the streets is disturbing. I'm not saying that you should give anyone your money or anything like that, but shit, spare a moment to realise that a lot of these people have had terribly unfortunate lives (mental/physical/sexual abuse, mental illness, PTSD, you name it) and have no way to climb out of the hole they are in. You think the vast majority of these people live on the streets for fun, or by choice? They have none of the things you and I take for granted - a roof, a shower, a bed, food, warmth, safety. Mocking them for the misfortune is just MEAN.

As for the OP, sure, there area few frauds out there, but one of the things that struck me during all of my travels in America was the ubiquitous homeless people. They are EVERYWHERE. You just don't see that in a lot of other developed countries, and certainly not in Australia. We have a homeless problem, but it is nowhere near the scale of what you see in the US.

Someone suggested that it was a joke that homeless people should be given some form of housing. WTF? You'd rather have them all over the streets? That I just don't get. These are people like you and me whose lives took a bad turn somewhere along the way... it wasn't always their fault, and they are not all bludgers. Give them a stable housing situation, and some training, and they may be able to join society again. Have a freakin heart.

Peace..


-ZJB_49yEmU

[E20]

You are so full of shit. $700-$1000 a day... let's see, even if they sit there 12 hours, which is highly unlikely, that's about $60-80/hour consistently for every hour. Utter fucking horseshit.

One more general note - the utter lack of compassion shown by some people in this thread for people living on the streets is disturbing. I'm not saying that you should give anyone your money or anything like that, but shit, spare a moment to realise that a lot of these people have had terribly unfortunate lives (mental/physical/sexual abuse, mental illness, PTSD, you name it) and have no way to climb out of the hole they are in. You think the vast majority of these people live on the streets for fun, or by choice? They have none of the things you and I take for granted - a roof, a shower, a bed, food, warmth, safety. Mocking them for the misfortune is just MEAN.

As for the OP, sure, there area few frauds out there, but one of the things that struck me during all of my travels in America was the ubiquitous homeless people. They are EVERYWHERE. You just don't see that in a lot of other developed countries, and certainly not in Australia. We have a homeless problem, but it is nowhere near the scale of what you see in the US.

Someone suggested that it was a joke that homeless people should be given some form of housing. WTF? You'd rather have them all over the streets? That I just don't get. These are people like you and me whose lives took a bad turn somewhere along the way... it wasn't always their fault, and they are not all bludgers. Give them a stable housing situation, and some training, and they may be able to join society again. Have a freakin heart.

Fucking Dateline/ABC did an expose on the homeless and they said some NOT ALL but a small amount of homeless make bank in major cities in huge metropolitan areas. So you fucking failed.

[Nbadan]

Fucking Dateline/ABC did an expose on the homeless and they said some NOT ALL but a small amount of homeless make bank in major cities in huge metropolitan areas. So you fucking failed.

Your too young to be filled with such cynicism

I've seen your future it is murder...


P5yOlArnSd0

[J.T.]

I panhandled for about 20 minutes the other day, true fucking story, and made $6. I ran out of gas about 25 miles away from my apartment in San Marcos on the way home from work in San Antonio and had no cash whatsoever on me. I had a bunch of dirty clothes in the back of my Trailblazer so I changed into something that looked and smelled awful and I had a poster in there too so I wrote "STRANDED & NEED MONEY FOR GAS" cuz I figured I didn't look homeless enough, and I'm not thin enough to put need money for food.

I mean its not like I lied or anything. I needed money for gas and I spent it on gas. But god damn if you can make $6 per 20 minutes that's a $18 an hour job.

I guess the moral of the story is don't roll the dice on how far you can go when the low fuel light comes on cuz you will lose. 2nd time that shit has happened to me this year.

[J.T.]

While we're on the subject, what about when the fire/police department has a collection drive (you know when the guys are out there with the boots or whatever)? I always try to donate when those guys are out there. Or if there are kids raising money for a trip or something. I've seen that a lot. I usually buy the daily newspaper from the guys on the street corners too, just cuz I'm gonna get it anyway I may as well help them get their quotas. Those are a little more legit than pandhandling and I don't have a problem donating or buying the paper on the street.

What about people who post up around an ATM and try to catch you before you roll up the window as you're about to drive off? This shit happens to me constantly and I'm about to start banking at a different institution because of it. I've got these fuckers coming up to me trying to sell off stolen TVs and stereos...and you know they post up at the ATM cuz the people driving away just pulled out money. I usually just say yeah I'll check out what you got, and then speed off.

Or what about people that prowl parking lots at like, Wal Mart or the mall and shit with fliers or CDs from their church. I'd make a donation to a church any day of the week if I had the money to spare, but not if that church is sending shady people to hunt me down in the parking lot and wait until I'm in my god damned car before they even come up to me. There may be a side to this I don't know, but no church I ever went to told me to go try and get people to give me money in a parking lot as a requirement for membership.

[Extra Stout]

Yeah ... I'm sure the majority of the inhabitants of tent city are legit. There may be a few student protesters mixed in, but I'm sure they're mostly really homeless.

I still don't give them $$, though. Not only are they likely to blow it anyway, but I have my doubts that giving it is the truly charitable thing to do. Such was the thesis in "Ministries of Mercy," (I forget the author), that taught that the church needs a more comprehensive approach to mercy ministries, and not something that revolves around soup kitchens and clothing drives (though those are okay).

The author correctly pointed out that while generally homelessness is the result of bad decisions made (poor $$ skills, drug addiction, committing adultery, criminal history), sometimes it results from things outside of one's control (a storm, maybe a husband threw the wife out, medical or mental problems).
About half of the homeless people I've worked with are mentally ill. Another third are people who've been down on their luck. Maybe one-fifth to one-sixth are the incorrigible drug addicts and criminals.

You'd be surprised how many of the homeless are Christians around Houston. So many of them have good hearts but their brains are just too fractured to get their lives together.

There is an outfit down here that feeds the homeless and does worship services daily at the places where homeless congregate. What's interesting about it is that just about everybody involved except the "pastor" are themselves homeless people. They'll go around to the foodservice companies gathering up their excess food for the day that would otherwise be thrown away, or to grocers, etc., get other homeless in contact with social services, work odd jobs on the weekends to raise a little money for the group, etc. I suppose they've got it together enough to find housing if they wanted, but they don't want to leave their people.

The established churches (in this case, evangelicals and Catholics) swoop in and provide hot meals and more workers on the weekends. When things started several years ago, there might have been a thousand people getting fed at least once a week. Those numbers have gone down significantly since then; the ministry has made some good contacts with the city and gotten several hundred people into housing and work programs. Most of the regulars I see now are the mentally ill. The crooks disappear into the shadows when the trailers start showing up.

There are a few young people from megachurch Second Baptist who come and help now and then. They'd like their church to take it more seriously, but the staff was trained at Southern Baptist seminaries where they were taught that ministries like this couldn't possibly be doing any good.

[marini martini]

About half of the homeless people I've worked with are mentally ill. Another third are people who've been down on their luck. Maybe one-fifth to one-sixth are the incorrigible drug addicts and criminals.

See, that's the deal, they usually bond, like family & look out for each other. They don't want to hurt anyone, and they don't want or need the resposibily of a place to live, or a job.

[ashbeeigh]

One more general note - the utter lack of compassion shown by some people in this thread for people living on the streets is disturbing. I'm not saying that you should give anyone your money or anything like that, but shit, spare a moment to realise that a lot of these people have had terribly unfortunate lives (mental/physical/sexual abuse, mental illness, PTSD, you name it) and have no way to climb out of the hole they are in. You think the vast majority of these people live on the streets for fun, or by choice? They have none of the things you and I take for granted - a roof, a shower, a bed, food, warmth, safety. Mocking them for the misfortune is just MEAN.



I know this comment was never directed towards me, but I just had something to add....


Whenever I see a panhandler/homeless person I do what a lot of people here do. Give them some food instead of money. I also send them towards my church, which is known to help people who are in need. If people are in need, and are ready for help they can recieve it. Just like so many of us have quoted previously, "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in..." Matthew 25:35. I know from previous threads you aren't very "religious," but more a spiritual kind of a guy, but still. I think a lot of us have been going back to this type of thought then just giving panhandlers/homeless what they're asking for directly.

Anyway.


Misfortunes are misfortunes, I am never one to flaunt my "riches" like B2B would say, and I try to give back in any way to all groups that I come in contact with, that's probably why I work on the westside for a non-profit. There are places where these people can go, there are shelters. San Antonio may be lagging in that area, but we're trying to catch up. Like the Haven for Hope that is going to open in spring 2009. I met the organizer of the center a few weeks ago that is going to be located just a little ways away from downtown. It's not only a shelter, it also includes educational faculties, social services, etc. Some people in the area may feel that "not in my backyard" feeling, but whatever it takes to help the people who are "misfortunate" as you say is a step forward.

[JoeChalupa]

Its one thing to give food/clothes, but money could be for anything for these people. You could be contributing to a fix or a person with a serious alcohol problem. If you really want to help the panhandlers just donate food/clothes and your time to the shelters.

I give food to the food bank and clothes to the shelters about once a month. It is just my way I guess.

[Don Quixote]

There are a few young people from megachurch Second Baptist who come and help now and then. They'd like their church to take it more seriously, but the staff was trained at Southern Baptist seminaries where they were taught that ministries like this couldn't possibly be doing any good.

Good post ... except I should take issue about the SBC seminaries. My training in this particular area (mercy ministry) was actually conducted at SWBTS in Ft. Worth, and NOBTS is likewise very much supportive of these endeavors. If there is resistance, it is from the churches in the field, not so much the seminaries.

[Don Quixote]

Whenever I see a panhandler/homeless person I do what a lot of people here do. Give them some food instead of money. I also send them towards my church, which is known to help people who are in need. If people are in need, and are ready for help they can recieve it. Just like so many of us have quoted previously, "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in..." Matthew 25:35.

Yes .... that's exactly it. I think Jesus was teaching something more involved, and risky, than merely giving the homeless person a little $$. As God as given his children a home (read 1 Peter again), we are to extend our charity and "homes" to the homeless. Yes, it is difficult and cuts against our nature. But it is actually worse to throw a little $$ at them and tell them to go away. Also, I did not know you were a Christian:wow. I'm happy that you have some compassion for these people.

[AlamoSpursFan]

I got slapped down for my "mental illness" remarks. Mentally ill people are perfectly capable of getting jobs, so there!


I didn't slap you down...I just pointed out that I was kidding. And then you edited your post to make me look like a retard. WTF?

[ashbeeigh]

People concerned about Christianity and homelessness should read The Irresistable Revolution by Shane Claiborne. I'm not done with it yet, I'm ont a big reader, but it's good so far.

[Don Quixote]

Okay, I will look for it. And I would recommend "Ministries of Mercy."

We actually have a pretty fair mercy ministry going on in New Orleans.

[Extra Stout]

Good post ... except I should take issue about the SBC seminaries. My training in this particular area (mercy ministry) was actually conducted at SWBTS in Ft. Worth, and NOBTS is likewise very much supportive of these endeavors. If there is resistance, it is from the churches in the field, not so much the seminaries.
That was a swipe against your post earlier. It struck a nerve, and my response was snide and unfair. I do get tired of these megachurches, frequently Baptist but not always, who quote some guy who has statistics saying these homeless people are just lazy, and that it's better for churches to just sit on their hands until they come up with a more thorough "plan," when everyone knows they have no intention of ever doing anything. Their bathrooms do have silver toilets, however (and bonus points if you know which church father I'm alluding to there).

[ashbeeigh]

Yes .... that's exactly it. I think Jesus was teaching something more involved, and risky, than merely giving the homeless person a little $$. As God as given his children a home (read 1 Peter again), we are to extend our charity and "homes" to the homeless. Yes, it is difficult and cuts against our nature. But it is actually worse to throw a little $$ at them and tell them to go away. Also, I did not know you were a Christian:wow. I'm happy that you have some compassion for these people.

You should have seen me last year at this time. :lol all I talked about was Christianity. People wanted to beat me up.

The way I see it, and it's very cliche, is from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " It may make people unhappy to hear the answer is just a bottle of water or some Wendy's or 36 cents, but it's what is in their plan. It may seem that things are pretty darn crappy, and they are, but there is a reason for it. It may be touching the soul of the person who gave you water, or it could be someone who they share a meal with every couple of weeks. It just all depends on what the plan is. There is no way for us to know, only God knows, and that is what prayer is for.

[Extra Stout]

You should have seen me last year at this time. :lol all I talked about was Christianity. People wanted to beat me up.

The way I see it, and it's very cliche, is from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " It may make people unhappy to hear the answer is just a bottle of water or some Wendy's or 36 cents, but it's what is in their plan. It may seem that things are pretty darn crappy, and they are, but there is a reason for it. It may be touching the soul of the person who gave you water, or it could be someone who they share a meal with every couple of weeks. It just all depends on what the plan is. There is no way for us to know, only God knows, and that is what prayer is for.
That verse is misused. He's not saying that he has a plan for YOU singular, ashbeeigh, he's saying he has a plan for YOU plural, Israel, his people.

[ashbeeigh]

That verse is misused. He's not saying that he has a plan for YOU singular, ashbeeigh, he's saying he has a plan for YOU plural, Israel, his people.

In context, of course. But let's not turn this into a biblical argument.

[Extra Stout]

In context, of course. But let's not turn this into a biblical argument.
Sorry, that's what I do.

[Don Quixote]

That was a swipe against your post earlier. It struck a nerve, and my response was snide and unfair. I do get tired of these megachurches, frequently Baptist but not always, who quote some guy who has statistics saying these homeless people are just lazy, and that it's better for churches to just sit on their hands until they come up with a more thorough "plan," when everyone knows they have no intention of ever doing anything. Their bathrooms do have silver toilets, however (and bonus points if you know which church father I'm alluding to there).

That's okay. I get alot of "snide and unfair" stuff all the time, but I have a ton of respect for you and I'm sure you didn't mean it. As for your post, it may be true that alot of the homeless are indeed lazy (or have some mental or medical problem that the church can't directly deal with), but we can't use that as an excuse to not try and reach out to people.

On the other hand, it's easier for the larger churches to actually do something with the problem. First New Orleans (who gutted my house after Katrina) has done alot of great work, as have Metairie, Vieux Carre, and Edgewater (which took 6' of water). It's actually the smaller churches who have more problems with doing anything new or innovative. At least in my experience.

And ... silver toilets ... (without Googling) ... Tertullian.

[Don Quixote]

You should have seen me last year at this time. :lol all I talked about was Christianity. People wanted to beat me up.


Well, remember that the Lord wants faithfulness from you, not so much someone who is "on fire." But we're here to help. :toast

[Extra Stout]

And ... silver toilets ... (without Googling) ... Tertullian.
Chrysostom.

[E20]

Your too young to be filled with such cynicism

I've seen your future it is murder...


P5yOlArnSd0

Are you saying I'm gonan go berserk and kill a bunch of people, because I'm not homeless and can't panhandle?

[Sunshine]

I didn't slap you down...I just pointed out that I was kidding. And then you edited your post to make me look like a retard. WTF?

Exactly. You made a joke out of mental illness.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Fucking Dateline/ABC did an expose on the homeless and they said some NOT ALL but a small amount of homeless make bank in major cities in huge metropolitan areas. So you fucking failed.


I believe that is probably true.



A reporter in my town, which is not a "richer" city by any stretch of the imagination, stood on a freeway offramp one friday holding a sign and averaged about $25/hour in donations received.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Some of us (Americans) may have become "immune" to the panhandlers because in some cities, they are literally EVERYWHERE. But a lot of the callous comments you saw were, IMO, directed toward panhandlers, not homeless people. Not all the panhandlers that are encountered are homeless. They live in homes, apartments etc and CHOOSE to stand on the street and beg for money.

The problem with the shelters that are set up for homeless is that the majority of the people who NEED to be there won't avail themselves because it means strict limitations such as no alcohol, no fighting, no drugs etc. and a lot of the homeless people are alcoholics and druggies. They offer job training and job placement but it means getting up early and going to training and following rules etc. that they just aren't willing to do.

In a perfect world, there would be no homelessness or need to beg for money or food. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world.

Sure, fair response.

Viva - STFU. If you'd bothered to actually read what I wrote you'd see that I said Australia has a homeless problem, but it is orders of magnitude lower than what the States has. I have traveled extensively in the US and everywhere I went there were homeless people living in boxes or out of shopping carts. You just don't see anything like that here.

ashbeigh - I think buying food for someone who says they are hungry is the right response. I do the same thing.

E20 - no, not epic fail. Do you honestly believe that shit? C'mon pal, $100/hour for 10 hours. No fucking way.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I believe that is probably true.



A reporter in my town, which is not a "richer" city by any stretch of the imagination, stood on a freeway offramp one friday holding a sign and averaged about $25/hour in donations received.

Ed, his original post said "some make $700-1000 a day".

To make $700 in a day at $25/hr, you'd need to work a 28 hour day.

I can believe $25/hr for an 8 hour day, which is $200 - big difference between that and $700-1000.

[E20]

Ed, his original post said "some make $700-1000 a day".

To make $700 in a day at $25/hr, you'd need to work a 28 hour day.

I can believe $25/hr for an 8 hour day, which is $200 - big difference between that and $700-1000.

Homeless people not person, it is like a syndicate of homelss people working together.