I was gonna post this under the hello thread but thought it meritted its own thread all together.
every morning, and every evening, I walk too and home from school.
On the way I'll encounter 10-15 ppl asking me for money, totalling 20-30 ppl a day who want a free handout for doing nothing. Not counting the ppl with signs who dont approach me but take the more discreet route. Who total around 15, taking that number up to 35-45 ppl a day asking me for money(usually those ppl are still there on the way home, so ill have 60 experiences a day of someone trying to get money from me). At first I fely pity for ppl in this situation in life. A year later I have a disgust and abhorance for these ppl, as I witness there highs and lows there sincere moments and there strung out moments. There moments where they have recieved nothing all day and will spit out death threats cause they cant buy a joint. Yet everyday I see the same ppl doing nothing to better themselves but hanging out in front of 7/11. Everyday I now think to myself someone must be giving them money cause they are still there, infesting my streets. Who are these ppl, who feel pity on these ppl as to give them money directly so they can buy drugs, and not giving money to food banks so they can eat. Cause when they are hungry that is where they go. They don't need our money to eat or drink. If your one of those ppl, stop it. If you wanna help give it to a charity that helps.
Originally posted by pawnfondlerI used to work and go to school in the city for years. My first day at college I walked by a woman with a child and some other folks and balled my eyes out on the way home. I did get tougher. I was never disgusted with homeless people. I had a few that I "knew" a bit and would stop and talk to (this went over big with other students or co-workers, let me say, so I tried to do it when I was alone) and give a buck or two or coffee or something to eat. I still give money when I go to the city but not alot. I think there are plenty of them who are just deadbeats, yeah. So I do understand the frustration one has with the thugs and annoying drunks. Homelessness to me represents the result of mental illness, misfortune or drug/alcohol addiction or some other issue and I cannot help but feel compassion. I've known plenty of people with those problems, family and friends, so the faces I see must be loved by someone. At least, I think.
I was gonna post this under the hello thread but thought it meritted its own thread all together.
every morning, and every evening, I walk too and home from school.
On the way I'll encounter 10-15 ppl asking me for money, totalling 20-30 ppl a day who want a free handout for doing nothing. Not counting the ppl with signs who dont approach me but take t ...[text shortened]... r drink. If your one of those ppl, stop it. If you wanna help give it to a charity that helps.
Originally posted by Sunburnti hear you on that, I come from a family whre there is a lot of mental illness. At the same time they arent on the street uttering death threats to ppl who wont give them money. Last nite I was coming from an animation festival and a guy said to me after i politley denied him 95 cents, said how about i just stab you in the throat then. Which sadly was the third time someone has uttered threats over change and it gets to the point(for me) where you dont see the illness anymore.
I used to work and go to school in the city for years. My first day at college I walked by a woman with a child and some other folks and balled my eyes out on the way home. I did get tougher. I was never disgusted with homeless people. I had a few that I "knew" a bit and would stop and talk to (this went over big with other students or co-workers, let me s ...[text shortened]... problems, family and friends, so the faces I see must be loved by someone. At least, I think.
Originally posted by NordlysSure, you give me your personal bank account number, and I will be sure to send you some money! 😀
Could someone give me some money, please? I can't get home because I lost my bus card, and I don't have any money with me. :'( At least I found a public computer with free internet access, so now I have some hope again! Please help!!! 😳:'(
These people are not attractive. Their clothes are worn and dirty. They often smell because they don't wash enough. They can sometimes be scary with their loud talk and aggression. They are often under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Yet the Christ tells us that they should be just as important to us as he is. And that is a tall order.
People who stand on the street and beg for coins aren't getting rich. Yes, much of what you give them goes directly for dope/alcohol. Combine their addicitions with often mental problems, homelessness, and untreated disease and you have people who are at the bottom of the barrel as far as their life goes. Try it for just 72 hours, something as simple as finding a place to go to the toilet. Sleeplessness confuses a mind that may already be overloaded with problems. Violence is a constant danger as the videos that show beggers being kicked to death demonstrates.
I don't know the best solution for the problem. In San Antonio there is a plan for downtown centers that will have help for the multitude of problems listed above, all under one roof. Addicition treatment, mental health help, even something as simple as getting a haircut, all available at one location. Maybe that is a start.
Originally posted by pawnfondlerThat would scare the crap out of me. I haven't seen that in Boston anywhere. I didn't realize you meant that people are actually that threatening. Those are criminals.
i hear you on that, I come from a family whre there is a lot of mental illness. At the same time they arent on the street uttering death threats to ppl who wont give them money. Last nite I was coming from an animation festival and a guy said to me after i politley denied him 95 cents, said how about i just stab you in the throat then. Which sadly was th ...[text shortened]... red threats over change and it gets to the point(for me) where you dont see the illness anymore.
Once this credit crunch is finally over, some of you (I have already done the homeless bit myself), will have enjoyed the taste of complete desperation and rejection from another perspective.
I was not a junky or an alcoholic, my cards just fell differently.
Life has a good way of making you eat your own words.
Enjoy.