Why are there so many panhandlers in San Antonio? (San Diego: big house, unemployment)

[scuba steve]

What would I do? Go on unemployment while spending my time trying to find a job rather than stand around outside with a sign!

[the_dimwit]

That's all well and good, but if you don't have a home, it makes it difficult to find a job. Unemployment only lasts for so long...

I've talked with plenty of homeless people in DC and, believe me, it is easier to end up "on the street" than you think. This is especially true when you consider the fact that quite a few folks are just a paycheck or two from bankruptcy. Not everyone you see on the street is a con artist--some of them really need help.

Certainly, just about anyone can work in some way or another. However, many companies won't hire a known homeless person (for various reasons), and those that do don't often pay enough to feed a family.

Just my two cents...being jaded and cynical is cool in some cases, but being human is also just as cool.

--Dim

[sapphire]

No, in this day and age it's only cool and acceptable to think of yourself. That is apparent in practically every situation you find yourself in--at the store, at work, driving, even in our own homes (hence the ridiculously high divorce rate) really anywhere there are 2 or more gathered.

I take a lot of bashing for not bashing panhandlers, and that's OK. With the economy the way it is, some of the bashers may find themselves with their hands out, and I'll toss them a buck or two.

And I would never support one that tries to jack you at the corner. That's not a panhandler, that's a car thief.

[carlitasway]

Yes I think some of these people scam the money out of others but many of these homeless people are real homeless people and many have mental problems we can't understand. Others are drug/alcohol users that have hit bottom and don't have a way to get back up. I give money if I have it on me and food. If that makes me dumb or contributing to the problem then so be it.

[the_dimwit]

Thank you both for showing some level of compassion. It's becoming a lost "art" these days.

--Dim

[SanAntoQT]

Originally Posted by carlitasway

Yes I think some of these people scam the money out of others but many of these homeless people are real homeless people and many have mental problems we can't understand. Others are drug/alcohol users that have hit bottom and don't have a way to get back up. I give money if I have it on me and food. If that makes me dumb or contributing to the problem then so be it.

Yep...this is my thinking also.

[chisco34]

You're right, I do give to other organizations including Generation Alive, the SPCA and my church to name a few. But if I lost my job, lost my car and my house, there are MANY places I would turn before I turned to the street. My point is what is the likelihood that there were three or more stranded families within in a half mile of each other all who apparently had no money, but Adidas tennis shoes, spotless khakis shorts, polo shirts and clean shaven faces? It is irritating. And the saddest thing is that the people who are faking it are ruining it for the ones who are on the street because they really do need the money, because there are some honest hardworking people who hit rough a spot. Greed rears its ugly face again. Or maybe I should say laziness.

[the_dimwit]

I understand and respect your opinion, chisco. My suggestion is to pull over one day and actually talk to one of the people on the street. Get their story and then decide for yourself. If they become defensive or confrontational (or their story simply doesn't make sense), then perhaps your assumption would be correct.

--Dim

[chisco34]

Let me also add that I too have been a compassionate non pan handler bashing person, but let me share with you three instances that have happened to me that have changed my opinion:

#1. I saw a homeless man on a corner, it was on 410 close to the old Burger King. He was walking to cars asking for money. I was in the drive thru line so I ordered an extra meal. I drove by his corner and when he walked over I told him I had some extra food. He took it and walked straight to a nearby trash can and dumped it.
#2. One day my husband and I were at the corner of Evers and 410. A homeless man walked up, he was with a woman sitting on the curb. We gave him the change we had in the ash tray. He looked at it, then handed it to the woman on the curb. She then sifted through it and threw all of the pennies on the ground.
#3. My best friend and I were at the Academy at 410 and Vance Jackson. A woman walked up and said she needed some gas money and could use any spare change we had. My friend reached into her purse and got out some change, and I handed her a couple of dollars. Out of curiosity we watched her a while. She asked a few more people for money, and then walked towards the Taco Cabana. A car with a male driving drove up, she hopped in, they went through the TC drive thru, and then they jumped on the access road to 410, not towards the gas station.

I used to give to beggers ALL the time, but when things like this happen it makes you question the sincerity of most beggers. I will give money on occasion, but I know for the most part my money is going to better use by giving it to select organizations. This does not in any way mean I am not compassionate, so please don't make judgments on me.

[the_dimwit]

chisco,

Very good post. I completely understand your reluctance to give directly to those on the streets. I have witnessed similar events, but on the streets of DC and NYC. While it saddens me to see people exploiting the compassions of others, I take solace in the fact that plenty of those I've donated to really were "in need."

As you said, your money is "going to better use by giving it to select organizations." At least you do something--there are many who do nothing.

--Dim