Beggars in San Jose / Bay area (Fremont, Sunnyvale: low income, high crime, credit)

[Heidi60]

Shame on them for their mental and physical illeness which they didn't ask for. I'm sure it is very inconvient for you to see their misery when you are so fortunate. Perhaps it would benefit us to donate some time at a shelter instead just throwing stones at those who cannot defend themselves. Putting a warm meal in the hands of a hungry person, without judgement, is a real blessing.

[easybay]

Shame on them for their mental and physical illeness which they didn't ask for. I'm sure it is very inconvient for you to see their misery when you are so fortunate. Perhaps it would benefit us to donate some time at a shelter instead just throwing stones at those who cannot defend themselves. Putting a warm meal in the hands of a hungry person, without judgement, is a real blessing.

Seriously? I was shocked moving to the Bay area by the constant barrage by beggers asking me on a daily basis for money. I will stick up for the OP too. I'm tired of being asked every day for money.

[jeremy_david]

Agreed with everyone else, I live in SF, the epicenter. It's absolutely ridiculous. I feel horrible for them but giving them money doesn't fix their situation and having to deal with them gets old. It's just really sad.

However, I lived in San Jose for quite a while and usually saw a beggar or two at the freeway offramp but never in my neighborhood or commute. The ones downtown are strangely quiet.

I say Santa Clara, Cupertino, Los Gatos, or the surrounding communities if you're really looking not to see ANY. They are all within easy commuting distances from San Jose. Pennisula communities I've noticed a few, but nothing major. South bay ain't too bad!

[easybay]

I live in San Jose - Westgate area. There are people with their "charity" boxes outside of Target, Trader Joes and CVS. I find them very assertive, and make a point of yelling God bless you if you don't give them money.

We also had a family of a certain nationality who were holding up signs out of Trader Joes - we managed to see their shift change behind in the alley. They were did not appear to be homeless based on the nice van they were driving. I just refuse to give any money, and prefer to donate to the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

[cityrune83]

Originally Posted by easybay

Seriously? I was shocked moving to the Bay area by the constant barrage by beggers asking me on a daily basis for money. I will stick up for the OP too. I'm tired of being asked every day for money.

I just want to live in a place where I don't have to feel guilty day in and day out for not being as generous as Mother Teresa.

[tijlover]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

Giving money to people who can't handle it is not compassionate. Most homeless people can't manage money and do not think further ahead than day to day.

And.....there are people with magnificant homes who can't manage money and can't think further ahead than day to day.

Living on credit!

[Heidi60]

Originally Posted by tijlover

And.....there are people with magnificant homes who can't manage money and can't think further ahead than day to day.

Living on credit!

A little compasion doesn't even require a credit card, just a human heart.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by Heidi60

A little compasion doesn't even require a credit card, just a human heart.

More than can be asked from most, these days.

[Heidi60]

There were some heros in Tucson who didn't put their own self interest first. I believe the American spirit isn't gone, just a little stressed in todays economic conditions. Most of the ones complaining on these posts seem to have jobs but what will they do when their jobs are exported?

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by Heidi60

Most of the ones complaining on these posts seem to have jobs but what will they do when their jobs are exported?

Blame the wrong people.