Begging is now legal in Sequim? (Port Angeles, Republic: low income, camps, income)

[rantiquity]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

I don't know of any cities where panhandling has been made illegal on public property. Even aggressive panhandling that could be considered harassment is not likely to be stopped by the police in the current political environment. With relatives in Sequim, I have seen a few of them there for many years, just not as visibly as now. I also don't carry cash, but even if I did I would never give any to them. You don't have any way to tell if they are truly needy and hungry or are just taking advantage of the opportunity to have tax-free income with little effort.

A few years ago I heard about a panhandler school in Seattle. They claimed clients could earn about the same income as a working person if not more which would include working(?) shorter hours.

[CalWorth]

Originally Posted by rantiquity

A few years ago I heard about a panhandler school in Seattle. They claimed clients could earn about the same income as a working person if not more which would include working(?) shorter hours.

Dear g-d.

[leastprime]

Whether legal or illegal,
What is the worst thing that can happen to a begger?
The second thing that can happen?

What is the best thing?
What is the second best?
YBMV

it's pretty simple. Rational. That's why people do it.

[pnwguy2]

Originally Posted by rantiquity

A few years ago I heard about a panhandler school in Seattle. They claimed clients could earn about the same income as a working person if not more which would include working(?) shorter hours.

I have no idea if some fake homelessness as a way to make money. I am guessing there may be some but my instincts say most do not. I think many may have a place to stay, but few ways to work in a job. This is the sad part of the equation. As I mentioned earlier mental illness and drug addiction are big factors. Really tough problems to face. And so many never wanted this life, but circumstances and the following addictions brought them there. As I get older I tend to be more understanding of folks in need. I thought they were just “bums” in my teens and 20’s. Today I have a completely different outlook. Real people who need help, whether they accept it or not.

[MechAndy]

Many years ago we were with friends in down town San Francisco and their son asked me about the seemingly pleasant homeless guy close to us.
I tried explaining how things were tough for him and bla bla bla.
So I gave the kid some money to give the guy.
That was one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made.
The guy started freaking out and went off on this poor kid and I caused it all.
I had to jump in and stop it and it was ugly.
These people need more help than a simple handful of money can give them.

I will never ever trust or help one of them again.
These people are not stable and there is no telling what will set them off or when they might go off.
They are not safe to be around.

I know I sound like a meany.
Would you trust them near your kids or maybe let your kids play where they hang out?
I doubt it, but hey it’s a new world so who knows?

[rkcarguy]

Originally Posted by CalWorth

No matter what word is assigned to sound more socially acceptable, begging is begging.

I don't appreciate having to be on high alert with my head on a 360° swivel when I purchase groceries or gas; when I go to the pharmacy; when I have a medical appointment. I lived that way before & it was a relief to be able to relax from that for awhile.

When this behavior is accepted or even just tolerated, the next level of behavior is not far behind.

The homeless/druggies are the new protected class in WA. Up here in Bellingham, some have 80+ priors and 8+ felonies, and are still out on the street. The "next level" is already happening, maybe it's just been too long since they've smoked meth so they attack someone who refuses to give them money or they are out with a crowbar helping themselves as soon as its dark. $35 for a scanner, tune in on the local police frequency (until you get sick of it).

[pnwguy2]

Originally Posted by rkcarguy

The homeless/druggies are the new protected class in WA. Up here in Bellingham, some have 80+ priors and 8+ felonies, and are still out on the street. The "next level" is already happening, maybe it's just been too long since they've smoked meth so they attack someone who refuses to give them money or they are out with a crowbar helping themselves as soon as its dark. $35 for a scanner, tune in on the local police frequency (until you get sick of it).

Perhaps I am lucky but I have never ever witnessed what you describe. And I am no spring chicken.

[CalWorth]

Originally Posted by pnwguy2

Perhaps I am lucky but I have never ever witnessed what you describe. And I am no spring chicken.

I had to go to Swedish First Hill in Seattle for medical tests several times during this summer. What I saw in the surrounding neighborhood there is apparently accepted now as *normal*, and not something I want to experience close to where I live.

[rantiquity]

I wonder if the Jamestown clinic behind Costco will attract more homeless addicts to Sequim

[CalWorth]

Originally Posted by rantiquity

I wonder if the Jamestown clinic behind Costco will attract more homeless addicts to Sequim

IMO it has already happened.