Homelessness In America

CAVSTARR313

I will always give somebody food,a cigarette, or clothing.. but never money.. Just because I can not control what they spend it on (usually drugs or booze).. I have actually had people beg, claiming they were starving. and when I return 5 minutes later with a sandwich, they get pissed that I wouldn't just give them the money.. WTF??

petejm043

No one sets out to be homeless. Most individuals end up this way because alcohol, drugs, mental issues, etc..The most important thing to remember is that they are human beings just like us. No one says to give them money, but donating clothing or volunteering at an organization will be a great benefit. Also, there lots of families in America that are now homeless because the loss of a job. Many of these families have children who are also suffering. This time of year children look forward to see what gifts they receive. Many homeless children will wake up that day with nothing. How about trying to give those kids and their families something to look forward to.

_

Cavstarr313 wrote:

I will always give somebody food,a cigarette, or clothing.. but never money.. Just because I can not control what they spend it on (usually drugs or booze).. I have actually had people beg, claiming they were starving. and when I return 5 minutes later with a sandwich, they get pissed that I wouldn't just give them the money.. WTF??

You'll give them a cigarette but don't want them to buy alcohol?

I used to worry that the people I gave money to would spend it on alcohol, but then one day I realized: If I were homeless, I'd sure need a drink! If I, as a non-homeless person, have had a shit day and am broke, I can usually count on someone to buy me a drink. Now I give my money freely without worrying about - and sometimes I just take homeless people to bars and buy them a few rounds.

CAVSTARR313

_ wrote:

Cavstarr313 wrote:

I will always give somebody food,a cigarette, or clothing.. but never money.. Just because I can not control what they spend it on (usually drugs or booze).. I have actually had people beg, claiming they were starving. and when I return 5 minutes later with a sandwich, they get pissed that I wouldn't just give them the money.. WTF??

You'll give them a cigarette but don't want them to buy alcohol?

I used to worry that the people I gave money to would spend it on alcohol, but then one day I realized: If I were homeless, I'd sure need a drink! If I, as a non-homeless person, have had a shit day and am broke, I can usually count on someone to buy me a drink. Now I give my money freely without worrying about - and sometimes I just take homeless people to bars and buy them a few rounds.

being addicted to cigarettes has probably never forced someone into poverty.. alcoholism most certainly has...

I am not rich, but I do OK for myself.. and if a have a surplus of food, clothing, or tobacco I will gladly give it..

I don't believe a cigarette will further fuel there situation..

7RayZ

Average age of a homeless person is 9 in America. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it. The stereotypes of homeless persons is incorrect.

CAVSTARR313

7RayZ wrote:

Average age of a homeless person is 9 in America. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it. The stereotypes of homeless persons is incorrect.

Oh really? when I go downtown for a concert or a Tiger's game I have never been approached by a 9 year old asking for money.. that would certainly make me bend my policy, but it has never happened..
Its always an older man or woman, some of whom are recognizable from season to season, and make you wonder what they are actually doing to better their situation.. stereotypes..

petejm043

Cavstarr313 wrote:

7RayZ wrote:

Average age of a homeless person is 9 in America. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it. The stereotypes of homeless persons is incorrect.

Oh really? when I go downtown for a concert or a Tiger's game I have never been approached by a 9 year old asking for money.. that would certainly make me bend my policy, but it has never happened..
Its always an older man or woman, some of whom are recognizable from season to season, and make you wonder what they are actually doing to better their situation.. stereotypes..

The average age of 9 came from a report released by the Coalition for the Homeless a few years ago. There are approximately 16 million childern in the United States living in poverty and many of these children are homeless.

7RayZ

Thank you. Children are the faceless and voiceless victims of the crime called poverty.

usamamasan1

photogirlliz wrote:

usamamasan1 wrote:

btw, the "homeless guy" with the dog on la cienega and la tiera has a fucking cell phone

There are actually several assistance programs that help low-income people (including the homeless) get cell phones. For many, these phones are they only viable way they can reach out to potential employers in order to secure jobs that allow them to turn their situation around. While we lump all homeless people under the umbrella category of 'homeless,' (although we do try to create subcategories between sheltered homeless, unsheltered homeless, doubled-up homeless, etc...) we need to realize that there isn't just one story or explanation as to why they are homeless or how they got there. Homelessness is the result of larger societal issues (i.e.: domestic violence, lack of jobs and economic security, deinstitutionalization, fraying of family units, etc...). That being said, we shouldn't be so quick to judge when we know so little about the individual and their specific situation.

Well, I know this guy has been on the same fucking stoop for at least 7 years and it must be a profitable stoop! I know this because I go to work and for the last 7 years at this job he has the same begging station. So, for those of you on this thread that say I shouldn't or can't judge, back up and recognize that yes I can.

YES WE CAN!

"they have a cell phone to get a job"

Sweet jeebus. Seriously? I am talking about career beggars. Read my posts. I got no problem helping people that want to help themselves.

I would like to also point out that many people that are homeless are dumb and lazy. Not most. But that goes to my point on all my posts in THIS thread.

Give charity with care and don't be blind...

Byrnzie

usamamasan1 wrote:

I would like to also point out that many people that are homeless are dumb and lazy.

There are also many wealthy people who are dumb and lazy.

George W Bush is dumb and lazy. In his first year in office he was on vacation for 42% of the time. And his month-long stay at his ranch in Crawford in 2001 was the longest presidential vacation in 32 years. All in all, he spent a third of his two terms as President on vacation.

Good job he had the backing of his rich criminal Daddy to help him through life.

Luck and circumstance really do deserve to be admired. :roll:

Cosmo

Remember when I told you about people who embrace the poor and needy only during Christmas? The ones that are called bums or whores the rest of the year... but, come Christmas time, they are transformed into 'Those In Need'?
...
Well... case in point is demonstrated in this thread.
...
I believe that Charity is for the ones who need it... not, to make those whom give feel better about themselves.

pandora

I don't find fault for why or when or how often one gives
the important part is they give.

If one loses their sister to cancer and gives because of that experience,
the horrible memory of loss that doesn't leave, and it eases the pain, it is
a selfish need to give ... so be it.

Or if someone hits the Salvation Army bucket on the way into the store during holiday time
cause it makes then feel connected, good and better about themselves
thats fine, that is good, giving feels good. If only to give to feel good...
it's all good.

Lets not judge, the outcome is the same. Someone somewhere is receiving help
and giving is good! And if the giver feels great cause of it...
awesome! imo

Cosmo

usamamasan1 wrote:

Well, I know this guy has been on the same fucking stoop for at least 7 years and it must be a profitable stoop! I know this because I go to work and for the last 7 years at this job he has the same begging station. So, for those of you on this thread that say I shouldn't or can't judge, back up and recognize that yes I can.
YES WE CAN!
"they have a cell phone to get a job"
Sweet jeebus. Seriously? I am talking about career beggars. Read my posts. I got no problem helping people that want to help themselves.
I would like to also point out that many people that are homeless are dumb and lazy. Not most. But that goes to my point on all my posts in THIS thread.
Give charity with care and don't be blind...

...
Seven Years, you say... Really?
Because, that sounds like a steady career to me... as a 'Homeless person impersonator'. Especially, if you say he can earn upwards to 30K a year... tax free. That may mean, he actually has a place to live.
Wouldn't that make him a 'Not Homeless Guy'?

7RayZ

Some people are transient, have a temporary roof over their head but are not stable. They are still considered homeless.

7RayZ

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162- ... eless-man/

Lovely human beings on this planet, huh?

cincybearcat

7RayZ wrote:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57345535-504083/two-arrested-over-youtube-video-of-alleged-beating-stealing-from-homeless-man/

Lovely human beings on this planet, huh?

Disgusting.

chadwick

usamamasan1 wrote:

brianlux wrote:

P.S. I hate getting mad and I rarely do. I'm giving myself a time out. Fuck it.

Good idea.

Not sure why you got so bent. I just gave personal experience living in LA. Tell you what, I could probably make $30k +/year begging at certain intersections. Shit, maybe 60k if I brought my toddler and infant with me.
This is why I brought the dog comment up and the guy with the cell phone. It's real. So is the beggar at the intersection of LaBrea and Edgewood, he has a fucking cell phone.Your comment about giving to churches and the fish place makes sense. They can probably help people who aren't scamming. Settle down. I am all for helping people down on their luck. I just think when the government gets involved it gets taken advantage of and the people who really need it get FUCKED because people scam.

So, all I say is give back but do so with caution and direction.

Like wavecamecrashin

you can have a cell phone for free if you're disabled and low income. anyone who is disabled and broke as fuck in the united states is entitled to a cell phone. this phone is not super-fancy but it works and the user gets about 8 minutes a day free air time. and that is w/out texts. that's what, 240 minutes a month for free?

i guess this cell (?emergency?) phone holder/homeless person begging for money is a scam-artist?

7RayZ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZrgxHvN ... creen&NR=1

Charles Dickens fantastic writer of a timeless messages of the social ills of the world and those who endure.

Tis the season' and this memorable scene bah humbug:

First Collector: At this festive time of year, Mr. Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute.
Ebenezer: Are there no prisons?
First Collector: Plenty of prisons.
Ebenezer: And the union workhouses - are they still in operation?
First Collector: They are. I wish I could say they were not.
Ebenezer: Oh, from what you said at first I was afraid that something had happened to stop them in their useful course. I'm very glad to hear it.
First Collector: I don't think you quite understand us, sir. A few of us are endeavoring to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth.
Ebenezer: Why?
First Collector: Because it is at Christmastime that want is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoices. Now what can I put you down for?
Ebenezer: Huh! Nothing!
Second Collector: You wish to be anonymous?
Ebenezer: [firmly, but calmly] I wish to be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish sir, that is my answer. I help to support the establishments I have named; those who are badly off must go there.
First Collector: Many can't go there.
Second Collector: And some would rather die.
Ebenezer: If they would rather die, they'd better do it, and decrease the surplus population.



Sound familiar? Like Malthus, Darwin, Capitalism and the GOP all in one.

Hello cruel world *waves hand*

7RayZ

cincybearcat wrote:

7RayZ wrote:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57345535-504083/two-arrested-over-youtube-video-of-alleged-beating-stealing-from-homeless-man/

Lovely human beings on this planet, huh?

Disgusting.

Isnt it?

7RayZ

People Ive met who are homeless are in dire need. People who have lost their homes to foreclosure. People who were once living check to check losing their jobs. Yes, also the social problems connected drug and alcohol abuse. Lack of medical care for those whom are mentally ill or disabled become homeless.

Once Again.

Generalizations by the spotlighted few bad apples (maybe) forms a public opinion which is completely untrue.