Increasing spike in panhandlers in Kingman? (Phoenix, Bullhead City: insurance, employment, buy)

[Cyber Surfer]

I don't know how to word this without coming off as offensive, so I apologize. The past few weeks I've noticed a large amount of people with cardboard signs hanging out in some of the more populated areas in Kingman. On a Tuesday I went into a Circle K to get something to drink, one young heavyset man was crouched infront of the ice machine asking for change... seems a bit well dressed for someone down on their luck, and right around the corner a woman with a red face and stringy hair asked for the same thing.

Same thing at the Safeway, people sitting... young, outside the store asking for money. Now Walmart, the most populated place around the clock, last Saturday there was at least one by each exit (minus automotive), another roaming the parking lot asking random people, another at the corner just behind Del Taco, and one standing on the corner outside of Brake Masters where you turn away from Walmart to make a left.

There was also one lady sitting on the median when you pull in to the "Taco Bell/Petsmart" plaza... with a dog. And not too far from there by AM/PM two males were sitting on the curb with a sign.

While I understand we're in a recession and many people are falling on hard times, it's just surreal seeing this many people begging for money. Some of them didn't look like they're poor, maybe drugs are making a comeback or people in the Y generation are too cool to work (I've personally know a few who admitted this). It's sad to see this, I thought we had homeless shelters here. I'm aware Kingman isn't a very good place as far as employment opportunity is concerned, most entry level jobs are in fast food and retail, carwashing and cooks, because the town doesn't want to invite proper growth.

Just a shame.

[Packard fan]

Originally Posted by Crackpot

I don't know how to word this without coming off as offensive, so I apologize. The past few weeks I've noticed a large amount of people with cardboard signs hanging out in some of the more populated areas in Kingman. On a Tuesday I went into a Circle K to get something to drink, one young heavyset man was crouched infront of the ice machine asking for change... seems a bit well dressed for someone down on their luck, and right around the corner a woman with a red face and stringy hair asked for the same thing.

Same thing at the Safeway, people sitting... young, outside the store asking for money. Now Walmart, the most populated place around the clock, last Saturday there was at least one by each exit (minus automotive), another roaming the parking lot asking random people, another at the corner just behind Del Taco, and one standing on the corner outside of Brake Masters where you turn away from Walmart to make a left.

There was also one lady sitting on the median when you pull in to the "Taco Bell/Petsmart" plaza... with a dog. And not too far from there by AM/PM two males were sitting on the curb with a sign.

While I understand we're in a recession and many people are falling on hard times, it's just surreal seeing this many people begging for money. Some of them didn't look like they're poor, maybe drugs are making a comeback or people in the Y generation are too cool to work (I've personally know a few who admitted this). It's sad to see this, I thought we had homeless shelters here. I'm aware Kingman isn't a very good place as far as employment opportunity is concerned, most entry level jobs are in fast food and retail, carwashing and cooks, because the town doesn't want to invite proper growth.

Just a shame.

It's getting worse IMHO and I'm down the road from you in Bullhead City. I'm just glad to have a job.

[grmi66]

No matter where you see someone panhandling, do not give them money. Donate to your local homeless shelter, they can stretch a dollar better than most charities. If someone really needs help, give them a map to the closest shelter where they can get the care that they need.

[saffordpastor]

Look around for a "Hippy" bus...we have some that come through Safford occasionally and the panhandling goes up...then they head somewhere else until next time. Some are very colorful people to say the least.

[BuckeyeBoyDJ]

It's notoriously bad in the Phoenix area. I thank God I have a job but damn can I go to the gas station just one time without being hustled out of 50 cents Lord have mercy!

[notoriouskelly]

You can buy them drugs or Just Say No.

[Cyber Surfer]

Originally Posted by saffordpastor

Look around for a "Hippy" bus...we have some that come through Safford occasionally and the panhandling goes up...then they head somewhere else until next time. Some are very colorful people to say the least.

We're talking like an actual "bus" bus? I didn't realize it could be a group traveling from town to town. I've yet to see a bus decorated in 70's symbolism yet haha.

It's notoriously bad in the Phoenix area. I thank God I have a job but damn can I go to the gas station just one time without being hustled out of 50 cents Lord have mercy!

I lived in PX years ago, I remember a guy chasing my sister half a block begging before I stepped in. She said no twice and he still wouldn't take it. They used to hang all over the Mills area especially at night.

[azdr0710]

I've gotten a "we ran out of gas and my wife (blah, blah, blah)....." script a few times at the truck stops near I-40 on Andy Devine....it's often not true what they claim and is a common racket.....

as heartless as it seems, you have to say no.....

or maybe it's a test by an ABC "What Would You Do?" crew to see how many locals help out in Kingman, AZ!!

[wit-nit]

As the weather get's warmer the transients start to move out to cooler and higher climate areas.

[BuckeyeBoyDJ]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

I've gotten a "we ran out of gas and my wife (blah, blah, blah)....." script a few times at the truck stops near I-40 on Andy Devine....it's often not true what they claim and is a common racket.....

as heartless as it seems, you have to say no.....

or maybe it's a test by an ABC "What Would You Do?" crew to see how many locals help out in Kingman, AZ!!

Yea the "Ran out of gas" story seems to be a favorite script. If you have a car then don't you have a job to maintain the car (gas,insurance, etc)? Or do you depend on the others to fill up your tank every time it reaches empty? That's how you know they're full of crap.