Panhandlers in San Diego (balloon payment, mortgage, homes)

[moved]

I used to work as a security guard in a shopping center in Mission Valley. The transients told me that MV is a good place to make money holding up a sign, sometimes up to $500 per day. One of them made enough money to buy a car and live in it.

[Just1Lion]

Originally Posted by jksouthbay88

Never give money.Just Fish Tacos.There's a dude that stands at SA Blvd/Midway Drive/W.Point Loma Blvd intersection that has signs that say "Why Lie,I Need A Fish Taco".

But seriously don't give them money.

i would probably help that guy out. i saw a guy on my way to the holland tunnel in jersey city. he had a similiar sign that read: "why lie, i need a beer" their honesty probably gets them what they want from time to time.

[JakeDog]

Majority are drug addicts and/or people with serious criminal histories (hence no one will rent to them or hire them) or crazy. People who truly are in need do not pahnhandle, but seek the numerous services/food available.

[Kele]

And some people slip right through the cracks, just like the young lady who posted on the previous page. It's hard to obtain employment if you don't have an address. I know...I've been there. I finally found work at a restaurant whose management was kind enough to over look the fact that I was spending my nights in a homeless shelter. Working every day and hiding my cash in my underwear every night to keep from being robbed as I slept finally allowed me to save enough to share an apartment with a co-worker. But not all employers will give someone who is homeless the kind of break I was given.

[thepinksquid]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

We've had the same transients panhandling for years at Balboa and Gennesee. I would think in five years these able bodied transients could have gotten off the streets but obviously it pays pretty wll, more than a real job.

I get this. In fact, there's a lucid-seeming guy that stands on the corner of Friars & Northside in Mission Valley (by Costco) every single day, all day. He seems able-bodied. I agree that giving someone like that (or the people you've mentioned above) money isn't helping anything. He SHOULD be able to get a job. But perhaps he feels the government is going to come and kill him if he gives an employer his SS#, or maybe he's a meth addict that can't hold a job due to his addiction. You can't know.

I just think that something has to make someone "not right" to want to give up any sense of pride in themselves and stand on a street corner for money--or it's an act of sheer desperation. Since it's impossible to know each person's individual story and reason for doing so, I just feel that a certain degree of empathy is right (even if that doesn't lead to giving them money).

[thepinksquid]

Ho-ly crap.

So I'm going to leave up what I previously posted above, but I have to say that I searched online a bit... and apparently the dude I mentioned that panhandles in Mission Valley has a whole shtick going.

I found a friggen NEWS segment about him: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/busi...San_Diego.html

[ReverendConner]

Originally Posted by ubringliten

I would never give money to panhandlers. They don't deserve it. They look well and able-bodied to work. It's almost a joke to see them all the time in Mira Mesa. I even saw a lady that is decently well dressed with a black purse standing with a sign that says "My husband is an abuser". LOL. Usually the abused victim never expose the abuser. I saw a documentary on panhandlers one time exposing them that they were doing just to make extra bucks. They drove their cars/trucks to an area, parked, changed their clothes and walk to their spots.

I don't feel sorry for any of them. You can tell that when you gave them food, they don't even show appreciation.

Not all panhandlers are out to make a quick buck. When I was a panhandler it was really helpful what people gave. As a matter of fact if it wasn't for the help of others I wouldn't have the job that I have now. And I don't have a car. I use the trolley.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by ReverendConner

Not all panhandlers are out to make a quick buck. When I was a panhandler it was really helpful what people gave. As a matter of fact if it wasn't for the help of others I wouldn't have the job that I have now. And I don't have a car. I use the trolley.

Unfortunately there are ten abusing our good intentions for every one of you. God bless.

[RDA858]

Please people stop giving them anything. They have places to go and get help(like Father Joe's)if they really needed it.

[asitshouldbe]

Originally Posted by ReverendConner

Not all panhandlers are out to make a quick buck. When I was a panhandler it was really helpful what people gave. As a matter of fact if it wasn't for the help of others I wouldn't have the job that I have now. And I don't have a car. I use the trolley.

Exactly! Rarely do these people make a lot of money, many just need some food. I'll never stop helping when I can.