Are you noticing more panhandling and homelessness in Austin? (live, bars)

[inthecut]

Austin always got more than their fair share of it, per its sunbelt location and reputation for generosity, along with the word-of-mouth that local police are pretty lenient........but now I do see a lot more of it........I used to see it primarily in off-areas, median strip islands on major streets, and under overpasses, but now seems like there is far more of it DT.......I'm seeing them walk into fast food/retail now, which I haven't seen outside of Chicago/New York.....and there are motherloads of beggers all over SXSW this week-end........Have you guys noticed more of it recently, in more places?

Interesting and sad article here....sign of the times...

States cope with rising homelessness

[love roses]

There was a little blurb on the news this past week about it, saying they've handed out more citations for aggressive panhandling this year than they have in the past.

[jcorfry]

you seem very negative

[CATXTransplant]

There are definitely more here than anywhere else I've lived. I usually keep some bags in my car for the ones who truly look needy. I go to Sams and get individual packs of peanuts, granola bars, socks, etc... We let the kids decorate the bags so they get to start learning about giving.

[TexasHorseLady]

We used to do that every Christmas - make up a bunch of bags with food (everything from cookies to cans of tuna - now they have those great little tuna lunches with cookies and fruit, should make it easier) and hand them out to panhandlers at intersections instead of money. You're right - it does teach the little ones about giving.

[Danbo1957]

There are increases in panhandling and homelessness in most Southern cities during difficult financial times.

[inthecut]

Originally Posted by jcorfry

you seem very negative

I can't say its negative, though I hope it doesn't come across as such..I actually think its a very important problem, and one in many of our faces and lives everyday...honestly, my heart stops a bit each time I see some pour soul with a made-up sign, just hanging in there, regardless of what personal probs or addictions he/she has.......I always see a little piece of myself in those souls....I was there myself many years ago, but at least I had my car, and enough money for gas to heat the car up every so often at night......read that article ........ words can't describe what's happening to so many people around this country......this is beyond words, let alone beyond negative..........and give a little bit, even change, if you see some pour bloke or gal begging.......you'll feel better, and might get some good karma coming back again your way as well!

[inthecut]

Originally Posted by CATXTransplant

There are definitely more here than anywhere else I've lived. I usually keep some bags in my car for the ones who truly look needy. I go to Sams and get individual packs of peanuts, granola bars, socks, etc... We let the kids decorate the bags so they get to start learning about giving.

CATX......very cool of you to do that.......you will definitely find blessings and good things come back big time to you for that.....and THL as well!

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by inthecut

Austin always got more than their fair share of it, per its sunbelt location and reputation for generosity, along with the word-of-mouth that local police are pretty lenient........but now I do see a lot more of it........I used to see it primarily in off-areas, median strip islands on major streets, and under overpasses, but now seems like there is far more of it DT.......I'm seeing them walk into fast food/retail now, which I haven't seen outside of Chicago/New York.....and there are motherloads of beggers all over SXSW this week-end........Have you guys noticed more of it recently, in more places?

Interesting and sad article here....sign of the times...

States cope with rising homelessness

Honestly? No, I haven't noticed an increase. When I lived here back in the late nineties I noticed lots of homeless and when I moved back here a couple of months ago I noticed lots of homeless people.