Question About Homeless People at Walmart

[Michael G.]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

[Bogie Shooter]

It’s a scam.
Watch them some day at the end of their shift when they are picked up.

[Stu from NYC]

We used to on occasion now too many of them are scammers.

[bagboy]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

My opinion is they can walk over to the Car Wash with the Help Wanted sign out front.

[Altavia]

Interrupted one who got very aggressive with an older lady..

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

My opinion is they can walk over to the Car Wash with the Help Wanted sign out front.

I use to, but I gave them, soap, tooth paste, tooth brush, some clothing, towel... hair combs... but they were mad at me??? wanted $$$ instead. I even gave them some breakfast with it. I started to bother me, when they would stand under a "help wanted at McDonalds sign" . Or they would be in a wheel chair with Can't work... then they would get up later and walk away?? Also, was on a bowling league, a couple came in handing out note cards "I am "deaf" no one will hire pls give me $$". Well everyone was giving $$$, the guy came to me.. and I said to him "I have a deaf sister in law, and she has no trouble finding work" You are more than capable to work being deaf. I looked at him and said, I bet you can hear me just fine.. and did some sign language that I learned from my sister in law and I said to him, now tell me what I just "said in sign language" nope he couldn't. I also read an article years ago, that they make close to 300 - 400 a DAY.. So if I still give and on occasion I do, its not money, but, food, clothing etc.

[MrFlorida]

I refer them to the Help Wanted poster in the window.

[Bonnevie]

I had occasion to work where we would encounter some of these same type of people. they admitted they made a good amount of money which they spent on booze or drugs, not food or lodging. I particularly always looked at the women's hands....they were usually immaculately manicured. had a friend who tried to offer some of the groceries she just bought and was rudely rebuffed. so, I do not give anything.

[RICH1]

I usually drop off cookies that I get from the Open Houses! They get picked up in the evening by a white van... never followed the van but it's full... You will notice that as the weather cools down up north , we will be bombarded with snowbird bums... NC television exposed the scam, these people make approx 500-600 a Day...meth & Heroin is their drug of choice ... gotta love Television

[La lamy]

It can't be easy begging for money. I feel bad they haven't chosen, or figured out, how to earn a legit living. When I feel they are really hard up I'll give, but even then, I may be scammed.

[red tail]

I occasionally give a buck and it makes me feel kinda warm even though I know i'm being scammed.

[tophcfa]

Occasionally I will give if someone truly looks like they can’t work and need a meal. However, if someone is inked up with hundreds of dollars worth of tattoos and is smoking cigarettes, which are very expensive these days, and claim they need $$ for food, I am not biting.

[Michael G.]

Occasionally I will give if someone truly looks like they can’t work and need a meal. However, if someone is inked up with hundreds of dollars worth of tattoos and is smoking cigarettes, which are very expensive these days, and claim they need $$ for food,

And a cell phone :shocked::confused::oops:barf:shrug::sad::eek:

[Bjeanj]

I don’t give them $$ because 1) I don’t get a tax deductible receipt, and 2) I don’t have the training to know who needs it and who doesn’t.

There are social programs that can help people in need, if they need it. If they don’t qualify, I conclude that it is for a good reason.

[delima2000]

My daughter said look at their shoes they are wearing. Usually they are very nice. Sometimes I’d see them picked up in a better car than I’m driving. I do not give them anything. With all of the job openings now they can work but why should they since they make more money begging .(no taxes)

[Jim 9922]

I tell them to quit bothering us and go to California where they give away free tents, free food and free wash facilities and , it seems, a nice free spot on almost any street they wish to camp on; and they still don't have to even try to work!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I gave one guy my old pocket-umbrella because it was raining and he (obviously) didn't have one (or he'd have been using it). New condition, I never used umbrellas because I never stood out in the rain more than a minute or two.

A woman who I hadn't seen before had a nice message on her sign, said something like "Please smile and have a blessed day" or some other similar sentiment. I was first in line at the red light so I gave her a chit-chat, asked her if she had a cat for a pet - I would've given her one of the cans I'd just bought. She said she had a dog. After another minute of chatting while waiting for the light, I grabbed a handful of change from my car's change compartment and handed it to her. She had horrible teeth. I'd never hire someone like that as a "public face" for my company, because her front teeth were black and pitted, one was missing. Her skin was clear, her hands were clean (because even homeless people know how to use a rest room).

Homeless people have trouble getting a job because most jobs require that they have a permanent address. When you fill out an INS form, you need proof of residence. Without that, you can't get a legal job in this country.

No permanent residence = no proof of residence = no legal job - even if you had good teeth.

I don't normally ever give money. That one woman though was very personable, obviously intelligent, polite and articulate? My guess is that she was bulimic at some point in her life (long-term bulimia causes the enamel to strip off your teeth and then they turn grey, and then they start to rot). I really hope some dentist sees her some day and volunteers to give her a new smile.

[Penglobal]

Yes, some scam the system and yes, some have issues with drug abuse, but there are many poor insecure and legitimately hungry people roaming every street in America. Many of these folks have criminal and psychiatric histories and most have no family support, formal education nor the ability to hold down a job. For those who suggest that these folks just put down their homeless signs and walk across the street and work at McDonalds' have obviously never been in their situation. Many of these people are not hirable due to their chronic conditions that places them in an never ending circle of homelessness. Have a heart, step outside your Villages bubble and help your fellow man.

[Velvet]

I stay away from that Walmart. Don’t like to be demanded for charity, in any way. I believe in organization that directly help the needy and that is what I support.

[GrumpyOldMan]

It is certainly easier to paint everyone with a single brush. I wonder how many here I ever actually been homeless... I have for almost a year.

Yes, there are crazies, and yes there are "scammers", and yes there are lazy people. But, it is easy to judge without having lived and walked in their shoes. I can assure you, the system is stacked against you if you are homeless. You know you can not get food stamps if you don't have a phone and address? Ask me how I know. You know how hard a "real" job is to get with out a phone or address?

Anyway, just curious how many here dis'ing these people trying to get some kind of work, by standing in the heat on a corner waiting for a pickup to come along and ask they if they want a couple hours work.

[Velvet]

Forgive me Grumpy, we have different experiences. My mom used to do as you suggest. She’d ask the homeless youth to come to her house, half a block away, to do some work for money. She needed home help, such as rake the leaves etc. She never had a taker, not once.

[Topspinmo]

My opinion is they can walk over to the Car Wash with the Help Wanted sign out front.


Clap 👏. You know what the say though, money won is twice as sweet as money earned.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Forgive me Grumpy, we have different experiences. My mom used to do as you suggest. She’d ask the homeless youth to come to her house, half a block away, to do some work for money. She needed home help, such as rake the leaves etc. She never had a taker, not once.

Excuse me Velvet, where in my mini-rant did I mention ANYTHING about what anyone here should do?

I was referring to those here that talk about "the homeless".

[GrumpyOldMan]

Forgive me Grumpy, we have different experiences. My mom used to do as you suggest. She’d ask the homeless youth to come to her house, half a block away, to do some work for money. She needed home help, such as rake the leaves etc. She never had a taker, not once.

Oh, and to the second part, I would not have accepted that either. I can assure you that would NOT have help me or anyone else get out be being homeless. I did it, I am here now, I know what it takes and it is NOT handouts. It is hard work at a good job. Raking leaves is NOT a good job. Sorry.

[Velvet]

Excuse me Velvet, where in my mini-rant did I mention ANYTHING about what anyone here should do?

I was referring to those here that talk about "the homeless".

Well, I may have read something into it unjustifiably. Mother Theresa is one of my role models. Half of me is debating with my other half.

[Garywt]

I never do as I feel the money is not for food etc. some make out well and they always have their Dunkins coffee. Unfortunately if the are truly homeless, no one will hire them without an address so they are unable to get hired.

[Calisport]

Why I never give a handout unless the person is performing a Broadway musical and sings well.

[jswirs]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?
Simple, if they can stand there for hours on end, which I have noted they do, they can get a job and work for a living, instead of begging.

[Catalina36]

These people are scammers making hundreds of dollars a day tax free. I also see this up north by shopping centers and grocery stores. They are sitting on a milk box smoking cigarettes and drinking a 7-11 beverage. They don't want bagels or burgers they want your hard earned dollars. A majority of the time it's woman who are rolling down their window and giving money. Maybe next time they will grab your hand and take your rings or bracelets. Be smart and ignore these unsightly organized scammers.

[NotGolfer]

Live here long enough and the stories will be told. Some folks have spoken with them and they say they can make more $$$ panhandling than working. As another poster said, park some place near-by and watch them when they leave their spots. Many go over to a nice, expensive vehicle and drive away. Why is it you might see some, talking on a cell-phone. Where do they get $$$ for those?? Starting now and going til Spring the Roma folks come down and do their thing. Some drive by homes and offer to fix roofs or driveways. If they work at all, it's shoddy and then they leave. Talk to Seniors Against Crime about these people. Panhandlers often work for pimp-like people and have to make a quota each day. They might give a sob-story or their car broke down and a relative is dying and they NEED to get "there". Offer other alternatives and they'll get angry. IF you want to donate $$$$ give to a shelter for battered women, a pregnacy help center or the Salvation Army. Those panhandlers could be asking at such agencies if they truly needed help.

[Priebehouse]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

These folks work in shifts. They arrive driving a red later model SUV and pick each other up after "work". They have better cell phones than I do. The one lady sometimes brings her dog with her to add to her act. There is also a kid in his early 20's that sits on the sidewalk outside the Circle K store with a visibly fake pathetic look on his face. I have told him to apply inside and he looks at me like I'm nuts.

Interviews from media tell that they make quite a good living at this and it's all TAX FREE! There are many threads in TOTV that discuss this. The answer is NO, save your money for you.

[MandoMan]

I use to, but I gave them, soap, tooth paste, tooth brush, some clothing, towel... hair combs... but they were mad at me??? wanted $$$ instead. I even gave them some breakfast with it. I started to bother me, when they would stand under a "help wanted at McDonalds sign" . Or they would be in a wheel chair with Can't work... then they would get up later and walk away?? Also, was on a bowling league, a couple came in handing out note cards "I am "deaf" no one will hire pls give me $$". Well everyone was giving $$$, the guy came to me.. and I said to him "I have a deaf sister in law, and she has no trouble finding work" You are more than capable to work being deaf. I looked at him and said, I bet you can hear me just fine.. and did some sign language that I learned from my sister in law and I said to him, now tell me what I just "said in sign language" nope he couldn't. I also read an article years ago, that they make close to 300 - 400 a DAY.. So if I still give and on occasion I do, its not money, but, food, clothing etc.

For 25 years, my dad volunteered as a chaplain for the Denver Police Department and was in fact the head chaplain and carried a lieutenant’s shield. He often walked along the Platte River on the path and would sit on park benches and chat with whoever was sitting there. Often that was a homeless person, and often he asked the question asked by the original poster. The answer was similar to yours. He several times parked his personal car near where a “homeless” person was begging, then followed the person to his or her car and followed the person home or watched the “homeless” person get picked up by a car full of similar people and driven home, just so he would know for sure.

The “homeless” people my dad talked to generally said something like “If you want to give a liar money for drinks or drugs, go ahead. If you want to help, donate to homeless shelters. Some of these people are real homeless people in need, but most of those are already cared for by the city or county and will be back on their feet again soon.”

I don’t know if this is true or not. There’s a long history of restless men (nearly always men) who for various reasons have to keep moving and ride the rails or whatever. During the 1920s and especially the 1930s, there were thousands who were honestly seeking a days hard work in exchange for a bed and a couple meals or a place as a hired man on a farm. These days, if you don’t want to work, it’s easier to survive in the cities.

I would favor renting land for homeless camps on American Indian reservations, setting up hundreds of nice 9x12’ cabins at each site, and group showers, restrooms, and mess halls, then paying the Indians to guard them and keep them safe. And there. Then make services available only there and forbid panhandling and vagrancy in cities. This would be much cheaper and more efficient and kinder than the current situation. Certainly much cheaper than jail time.

[jdulej]

For 25 years, my dad volunteered as a chaplain for the Denver Police Department and was in fact the head chaplain and carried a lieutenant’s shield. He often walked along the Platte River on the path and would sit on park benches and chat with whoever was sitting there. Often that was a homeless person, and often he asked the question asked by the original poster. The answer was similar to yours. He several times parked his personal car near where a “homeless” person was begging, then followed the person to his or her car and followed the person home or watched the “homeless” person get picked up by a car full of similar people and driven home, just so he would know for sure.

The “homeless” people my dad talked to generally said something like “If you want to give a liar money for drinks or drugs, go ahead. If you want to help, donate to homeless shelters. Some of these people are real homeless people in need, but most of those are already cared for by the city or county and will be back on their feet again soon.”

I don’t know if this is true or not. There’s a long history of restless men (nearly always men) who for various reasons have to keep moving and ride the rails or whatever. During the 1920s and especially the 1930s, there were thousands who were honestly seeking a days hard work in exchange for a bed and a couple meals or a place as a hired man on a farm. These days, if you don’t want to work, it’s easier to survive in the cities.

I would favor renting land for homeless camps on American Indian reservations, setting up hundreds of nice 9x12’ cabins at each site, and group showers, restrooms, and mess halls, then paying the Indians to guard them and keep them safe. And there. Then make services available only there and forbid panhandling and vagrancy in cities. This would be much cheaper and more efficient and kinder than the current situation. Certainly much cheaper than jail time.

I don't think anything will be done to actually fix the problem, if the homeless are hidden away somewhere. One of my neighbors was commenting about how few homeless there are here compared to big cities, completely unaware of the fact that the Ocala National Forest is home to who knows how many homeless families.
So, the question is - do you want to address and fix the problem or just hide it somewhere, so it's easier to ignore?

[thevillages2013]

Oh, and to the second part, I would not have accepted that either. I can assure you that would NOT have help me or anyone else get out be being homeless. I did it, I am here now, I know what it takes and it is NOT handouts. It is hard work at a good job. Raking leaves is NOT a good job. Sorry.

But raking leaves and earning money for that could change the way a young person thinks about life and even give them a sense of worth. There are many paths to the same goal and that goal is being self sufficient. I don’t give to charities or give handouts to the homeless but I will give double the standard tip to someone who is working, take care of my yard service people at Christmas, same for the sanitation guys at Christmas, give the guy who changes my oil(not the shop he works for) a tip, but most importantly be there for family when and if they need anything so they don’t end up on the street

[Luggage]

I often said that for 1% of our tax revenue we could put up tens of thousands of RV homes on public Forest land and create offices for medical and mental help as well as job training. But the politicians can't get any payback that way

[Luggage]

So I come out of McDonald's with my bag of food and there's a guy sitting in the median with his German Shepherd.
I gave him my bag as I can easily go around again to reorder and I see him taking the hamburger out and giving it to his dog. I guess he wasn't a hungry but the dog was

[Luggage]

Another simple scam that you will see a lot is an older person or a younger person and a gas station with or without a car saying that their wallet was stolen or they have no money and they have to get to take your choice the hospital, philadelphia, or some such nonsense place and they need some gas money.

There are times over the years we're giving people money where it's really sounds truthful like they truly lost their wallet and they're trying to get out of a parking lot that requires payment or they're at a storage facility and they just realized that they didn't bring their wallet with them and I have to get some gas to go back home.

[Luggage]

The reality is in life, you don't really know the story behind the person asking for a few dollars, The simple solution is always to take 5 or 10 bucks out of your pocket or whatever you have and be generous, we are all retired here and I presume most of us have decent money in the Bank and there is always somebody who could use it. Even if half the time someone is scamming you you can be generous and charitable. The saying simply goes for not the grace of God you can be that person in that position. So have some real feelings and take a few bucks that help someone out whether they really need it or not it's not going to kill you to be charitable. Don't be a grouch!!!

[Bay Kid]

It is a shame to see them, but there are so many questions. This will get worse as soon as the illegals figure out how to do this.
Don't be a slave to free things.

[dewilson58]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

Same as all over the USA.............some are needy, some are not.

[Rwirish]

No ones business if one donates or not.

[RMHisle]

I don't think anything will be done to actually fix the problem, if the homeless are hidden away somewhere. One of my neighbors was commenting about how few homeless there are here compared to big cities, completely unaware of the fact that the Ocala National Forest is home to who knows how many homeless families.
So, the question is - do you want to address and fix the problem or just hide it somewhere, so it's easier to ignore?

No easy fix for ignorance and apathy.

[Black Beauty]

All I can say is get a job!

[4557Spahr]

There are a lot of places for them to go to for help. Please donate your money through legit charities.

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

No easy fix for ignorance and apathy.

We quit shopping at the WalMart on 441, now shop at the WalMart on 466 (Wedgewood Lane) no panhandlers there, also much cleaner store, larger selection, actually friendly people and more cashiers, the one on 441 is a pigsty in comparison, by the way I travel an additional 5 miles to shop at the one on 466, love it

[DaleDivine]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

Nope, never...
:ohdear::pray:

[coconutmama]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

No. We give regularly to The Salvation Army & let them decide who really needs it

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

No easy fix for ignorance and apathy.

We quit shopping at the WalMart on 441, now shop at the WalMart on 466 (Wedgewood Lane) no panhandlers there, also much cleaner store, larger selection, actually friendly people and more cashiers, the one on 441 is a pigsty in comparison, by the way I travel an additional 5 miles to shop at the one on 466, love it. If more people did that, WalMart would take care of the problem by not allowing panhandling in their property.

[daca55]

I used to give to them but not anymore. Once a woman was outside a Walmart begging for money. I gave her a couple bucks because she look so down and out. I did my shopping and when I came back out I saw her standing and she was talking on a cell phone. If she is so down and out where does she get the money for a cell phone payment every month? After that experience I don’t give to them anymore.

[Andyb]

Tax free income, now some serious money.

[Dana1963]

I drive right by without giving a second look.

[Nucky]

It depends on who is sitting in the parking lot in a new car. If there is any sign or feeling that they are connected then it’s a no go on any money.

If I feel like it’s legit, why wouldn’t I help out someone who is jammed up?

My father died when I was a youngin and people took a interest in helping me. I feel that I owe. I want to help. I remember being hungry, but I had a car, smoked cigarettes and drank like a fish and still people helped me. I guess I just don’t want to be taken advantage of anywhere, giving a hand is much different.

[Cassieb]

Stop giving them money or food. There are plenty of jobs out there.

[kimmerlie]

Michells Cuisine is a small restaurant just south of Walmart on 441. Their menu is great and the food is even better. They do a lot of takeout and are very busy. They have been trying to hire some, much needed, help. If you or if you know anyone looking for work call 352-753-38889.

[dshoberg]

I had occasion to work where we would encounter some of these same type of people. they admitted they made a good amount of money which they spent on booze or drugs, not food or lodging. I particularly always looked at the women's hands....they were usually immaculately manicured. had a friend who tried to offer some of the groceries she just bought and was rudely rebuffed. so, I do not give anything.
Yes, we noticed how good one young girls hair looked. There is no way she was homeless. Also noticed that someone picks them up throughout the day and moves them to a different corner.

[b0bd0herty]

It can't be easy begging for money. I feel bad they haven't chosen, or figured out, how to earn a legit living. When I feel they are really hard up I'll give, but even then, I may be scammed.

If one has no standards, morals or self respect it is MUCH easier than flipping burgers, cutting lawns or painting, all of which are in much demand, instead.

[Boomer]

Nope. Never. Ever. I am suspicious of all panhandlers. There are well run organizations and churches to donate to so they can help those truly in need.

Well. . .

There was this one time I was about to give money to strangers at a store. But it was not a panhandling situation. . .

Picture it:

A Walgreen's checkout counter. . .

A teenage couple. . .

He was digging through his pockets to find change. . .

She was counting it out with him. . .

Quarters. Dimes. Nickels. . .

Trying to buy a package of condoms. . .

I waited. . .

They finally found the money they needed and checked out. . .

Had they not had enough quarters, dimes, and nickels, you can bet your sweet bippy that I would have made up the difference without saying a word--no lectures--no point.

Realistic Boomer

[jfkilduff]

Not a chance most if not all of them have more money than you do

[kendi]

Where I come from up North we are told not to give. Our city is known as a generous one so more and more would come from across the river. There were homeless shelters and free stores to direct them to which was mostly the job of law enforcement to direct them to.

Not sure if this is accurate, but a police officer told me the ones who are least aggressive are the most needy.

[Petersweeney]

Only if they have a dog and then I give dog food….

[Marine1974]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

I suggest everyone who got a handout from our government recently and won’t give a handout to poor people and make excuses why are full of themselves
sadly . Who’s scamming who ? So many nice people get it and give to the needy . God knows your heart ❤️ and he also knows the non givers as well .

[Velvet]

For 25 years, my dad volunteered as a chaplain for the Denver Police Department and was in fact the head chaplain and carried a lieutenant’s shield. He often walked along the Platte River on the path and would sit on park benches and chat with whoever was sitting there. Often that was a homeless person, and often he asked the question asked by the original poster. The answer was similar to yours. He several times parked his personal car near where a “homeless” person was begging, then followed the person to his or her car and followed the person home or watched the “homeless” person get picked up by a car full of similar people and driven home, just so he would know for sure.

The “homeless” people my dad talked to generally said something like “If you want to give a liar money for drinks or drugs, go ahead. If you want to help, donate to homeless shelters. Some of these people are real homeless people in need, but most of those are already cared for by the city or county and will be back on their feet again soon.”

I don’t know if this is true or not. There’s a long history of restless men (nearly always men) who for various reasons have to keep moving and ride the rails or whatever. During the 1920s and especially the 1930s, there were thousands who were honestly seeking a days hard work in exchange for a bed and a couple meals or a place as a hired man on a farm. These days, if you don’t want to work, it’s easier to survive in the cities.

I would favor renting land for homeless camps on American Indian reservations, setting up hundreds of nice 9x12’ cabins at each site, and group showers, restrooms, and mess halls, then paying the Indians to guard them and keep them safe. And there. Then make services available only there and forbid panhandling and vagrancy in cities. This would be much cheaper and more efficient and kinder than the current situation. Certainly much cheaper than jail time.

Your dad sounds like a wise person who thought out how to approach this problem. Some churches teach that you should not encourage this behavior. They have organizations devoted to helping such people.

[goodwillie]

I have seen the tall thin woman pull an IPhone out of her pocket and use it. Wonder how she pays for that. If she is homeless like her sign says, I don't think she would be able to purchase a phone with out and address.
They should not be allowed to be on that little curbing by
Sonic, you know if they fell off and got hit, the driver would be sued.
They need to get out and get a job

[mcwood4d]

My philosophy is "don't feed the bears" 🤣. I know some are struggling but there's a LOT of work to be had. You can get up to $20/hr PLUS BENEFITS for working a drive thru window.

[lpkruege1]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

We have the same issue in Milwaukee. It only promotes their bad behavior. Drugs, Booze, or being a scammer. Donate to a homeless shelter instead. A church that has an outreach program. Hand out the name of the shelter, they can get a hot meal, a bed, and cleaned up. You'd do more good by helping them with that.

[Charbo8@att.net]

The homeless is now a for profit organization. During the shifts the handlers collect the money. At the end of the shift the scammer gets his %. I do not understand why The Villages would allow a for profit organization beg in their community. Sad to hear this

[GrumpyOldMan]

My philosophy is "don't feed the bears" 🤣. I know some are struggling but there's a LOT of work to be had. You can get up to $20/hr PLUS BENEFITS for working a drive thru window.

Have you ever done it? Live homelessly and worked one of those jobs? Just asking.

[ElDiabloJoe]

All these ideas of setting up tent cities, etc. are wonderful. You are forgetting the key element: They have to agree to certain rules (no drugs/alcohol/fighting/etc.) and MANY do not want to do so. That's why many prefer to be on the street than the rescue mission.

Don't want homeless around? They are like pigeons. Ever see a skinny pigeon? Don't feed them and they will go somewhere else where they can get food. They will not die, or suffer needlessly, or be very inconvenienced. They will simply pick up and go somewhere else.

Don't feed the pigeons.

[OhioBuckeye]

I see to many standing on corners using cell phones, where do they get money to pay this kind of luxury, but they still look pretty bad or you’ll see a young boy or girl in their 20’s holding signs that say “Will work for Food”, the word work hits a touchy spot with me. Minimum wages are $15. an hr. & I’m seeing a lot of store window signs that say, “Now Hiring”. Then they stand on street corners asking for work or want money. Really! If anybody wants to see how homeless lives go to Houston, TX. San Antonio, TX. is the worst. In TV is a bad example of homeless people, I’m sure some are pretty bad off but others are making it tough for the real homeless!

[jdulej]

All these ideas of setting up tent cities, etc. are wonderful. You are forgetting the key element: They have to agree to certain rules (no drugs/alcohol/fighting/etc.) and MANY do not want to do so. That's why many prefer to be on the street than the rescue mission.

Don't want homeless around? They are like pigeons. Ever see a skinny pigeon? Don't feed them and they will go somewhere else where they can get food. They will not die, or suffer needlessly, or be very inconvenienced. They will simply pick up and go somewhere else.

Don't feed the pigeons.

The problem with this approach, as I see it, is that you have just pushed the problem from you and your area to someone/somewhere else. Nothing changed, nothing solved. I know that in California, when RR killed off the state's mental health support system, the homeless problem exploded. And, of course, no money was saved, which was the original goal. It just moved to increased law enforcement. We see well that has worked.

[Bogie Shooter]

The homeless is now a for profit organization. During the shifts the handlers collect the money. At the end of the shift the scammer gets his %. I do not understand why The Villages would allow a for profit organization beg in their community. Sad to hear this

Why The Villages! That’s a public street not owned by TV.

[Michael G.]

There is also more homelessness in the warmer climates which is a 12 month problem in Florida.
Similar to demonstrators up north in the winter.
Ever notice when the temps are in the teens and windy, their all stay home.

Also, I see these people standing out there for hours that proofs only one thing, "Time is Money".

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Well, I may have read something into it unjustifiably. Mother Theresa is one of my role models. Half of me is debating with my other half.

Mother Theresa never debated with herself on whether or not she should help people who needed help. She just did it.

[Art cov]

30 years ago, I was visiting a pastor friend who lived very close to 275 and mlk blvd in Tampa. While on the preachers porch he said “look over there” a one legged man was sitting on a blanket asking for help at the light on the exit ramp. Of course the scene was pitiful. My friend said look up under the over pass, where 275 goes over mlk. A bicycle was just under 275. He told me the man was very nice and he makes a great living of $90,000 a year doing this and through the day he receives more food then he can eat. The man was not on dope or had any substance abuse but this was his gig that supplied his family with a great life. Nice home and car. At 6 pm the one leg man (he camouflaged himself with the blanket to appear to have one leg) he would get up and walked up underneath the overpass and get his bike to ride home. I couldn’t believe it but was true. Today in many towns and cities when these homeless move in crime, drug use, and criminal activity increases. The only way to stop this in our streets is to quit giving to them. Give to the street missions to help them help the people in need after you learn how they spend and what they are doing for the community. (Just a suggestion). I understand in some places the homeless will fight each other over the best areas to do their begging. Most of these people are not wonderful people. They are killing them selves with substance abuse. Which we the givers are helping them kill their selves. Yes I did go through drive thru’s and attempt to give meals but surprisingly they refused and snarled at me. Not all but too many. Some areas they are sent out by a leader to cover areas of a town, possibly begging on percentage. Many can work but why should they, if they support their habits with your money! If they don’t get cash, they flee to another town! This problem will get worse and worse

[Terrylpyle]

Absolutely not. With all the short staffed businesses they can definitely get a job.

[butlerism]

Vagrants. Drug Addicts, mentally affected.

First note.... I offer them mental help and give them a business card (not my card). I grab a bunch at the hospital.

NOW ...... we are talking getting them ****ed off.


Second..... that area in front of Walmart is not a pedestrian walk way.


Third.... look for their bag and report it to the police saying you found a suspicious object.
Odds are they have a record and will never go near the police.


Four .... I stopped going to that store, too many low life-s inside and out.

Walmart on 441 is very dangerous.
I am seen too much to tell. Typically colors fighting colors.
Disgusting



Use the Walmart Neighborhood Grocery on Heald or the new Walmart in Fenney.

Why?, these people are poor and will not drive to the far side.

;)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I often said that for 1% of our tax revenue we could put up tens of thousands of RV homes on public Forest land and create offices for medical and mental help as well as job training. But the politicians can't get any payback that way

The general sentiment of Floridians is that they don't WANT to pay more taxes. They're not willing to pay a penny more than they have to, especially if that penny goes to "those people."

So we have a lot of unemployable people in this state, who aren't in the "unemployed" category because they're not collecting unemployment and not actively seeking employment, because they've given up trying since they know no one will hire them.

Those are the truly homeless, the people who live in the Ocala National Forest. There are also a bunch there who are intentionally "off the grid" for whatever reason - but those folks don't go out begging. They are primarily self-sufficient and rely on bartering to get goods and services that they can't make or grow on their own.

A 1% surtax on services won't do any good, since we already have so many "handyman" grebbers who do all kinds of work here, and take cash or checks only, so they don't have to pay any tax or get insurance or be licensed.

And there are plenty of Villagers who are happy to get that discount and the convenience of immediate availability, in exchange for the risk of shoddy work or outright burglary.

We got suckered into that mentality our first year here. So when it came time to take the dead trees down because they shouldn't have simply been badly pruned by a couple of dolts with chainsaws, we went with the guys with the actual license, insurance, new equipment, and a truck with the painted logo rather than the crappy magnetic one they could slap on any personal vehicle to make themselves look legit.

We paid extra because of it but we had the peace of mind. And we don't mind paying taxes for services, if it means getting that peace of mind and an actual guarantee of professional service.

[johnboy]

Gave to a young mother near Publix at Mulberry, and then saw her in Publix buying shrimp, prime rib and better meats than what I was getting.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I would favor renting land for homeless camps on American Indian reservations, setting up hundreds of nice 9x12’ cabins at each site, and group showers, restrooms, and mess halls, then paying the Indians to guard them and keep them safe. And there. Then make services available only there and forbid panhandling and vagrancy in cities. This would be much cheaper and more efficient and kinder than the current situation. Certainly much cheaper than jail time.

...because forcing Native Americans to give up their own land and live on reservations wasn't bad enough, now you want to take even more away from them and force them to share with homeless people? And then dictate to the people living on this reservation who they may and may not offer services to, and who is and is not allowed to do what on their property?

That's such a christian thing to do, I suppose, coming from a pastor's family member, right?

Maybe you might benefit from learning about what a Native American reservation IS, before you offer an opinion on what to do with one.

[butlerism]

Now a days,
all stores need to check ID and record at the door going in and out .
Then you can go thru the potato masher, again in and out.

Simple.
Looting will go away.
If you want to fly.... ID
Want to go to walmart.... ID

Time to take back this country or simply learn mandarin.
In china all the protesting and burning, most would be in jail for a no return, or dead.... think about it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I used to give to them but not anymore. Once a woman was outside a Walmart begging for money. I gave her a couple bucks because she look so down and out. I did my shopping and when I came back out I saw her standing and she was talking on a cell phone. If she is so down and out where does she get the money for a cell phone payment every month? After that experience I don’t give to them anymore.

If you qualify for medicaid (low income health care) and food stamps in Florida, you also qualify for reduced-price and free phone service. You get the modern equivalent of a flip-phone (except it's a smart phone) for $100. And you get something like 300 minutes per month phone service, and unlimited texting at no additional cost. There's no data plan. It's just phone and texting. If you're in a wifi hotspot you can use apps, but data options are otherwise not available on these phones.

You can BUY similar with a Tracfone or an AT&T gophone (and others like them) for something like $20/month total.

People need to be able to communicate with each other. You don't want them on street corners. You wouldn't hire them to work for you. You wouldn't patronize a store that had one of them working for them. You want them to hide away in a homeless camp somewhere far away from you. You don't want them even shopping in your stores. But you're not willing to provide them with the opportunity or means to help themselves (like a phone).

The human race sometimes disgusts me.

[Malsua]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

If you want more of something, subsidize it.

[Penglobal]

While driving last night, I witnessed for the first time, a lady begging and claiming to be homeless walking on Morse near SR 44 and near The Villages softball field entrance. I'm all for supporting the homeless, but this lady was obviously not homeless (hair and nails trim, appeared clean, appeared healthy and wearing new expensive Air-Jordan sneakers). She was carrying the typical homeless carboard sign and begging on Villages property to all the stopped vehicles that were passing through.

Since she was obviously not homeless, I hope that no one supports her and soon she will go away.

[shirleyjerez]

They make 400.00 a day. If anything get MacDonald gift coupons. If they need to eat . No no cash

[Westie Man]

Forgive me Grumpy, we have different experiences. My mom used to do as you suggest. She’d ask the homeless youth to come to her house, half a block away, to do some work for money. She needed home help, such as rake the leaves etc. She never had a taker, not once.

to your home for any reason

[dougjb]

I am sure this thread will mention how the homeless are always begging money for drugs, alcohol and don't forget the lobsters (although that type of nonsense is generally attributed to those on food stamps).

Reading the same tripe whenever homeless or food stamp people are involved shows me how cold hearted many Villagers are. You don't have to give them anything. You certainly do not need to comment on your "expert" knowledge about who these people are or what they do with the money you may be giving them. So, in my opinion, give or not give, that is your option. But, don't show off your idiocy by claiming any knowledge about them. You simply do not know!

[PurePeach]

It can't be easy begging for money. I feel bad they haven't chosen, or figured out, how to earn a legit living. When I feel they are really hard up I'll give, but even then, I may be scammed.

You are getting suckered. They love people like you.

[Sherry8bal]

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!! I've seen too many run over to CVS and purchase cases of beer after begging. Right behind them are We're Hiring signs for McDonalds, Jimmy John's plus Walmart is hiring and just down the street Aldi is hiring. They just don't want to work and I do not believe they are homeless at all.

[jimjamuser]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?
That is a tough social problem and dilemma that falls into each person's lap that walks by. On one hand - you would like to be charitable. On the other hand....are they buying food, alcohol, or illegal drugs with your money - no way to know. Except you could just give them a can of food. That is what I would probably do?
If you give them money, they are more likely to be in the same place the next day. Eventually, the TV Land Police will find and DO SOMETHING about them. I am not sure if they will be gentle and charitable about dealing with them.
.......And, the way I understand it, EVICTIONS are up all over the US. If I were living up north and became homeless - I would probably hitchhike to Florida to spend the winter. Maybe find a job as a night watchman from midnight to 8 in some Fl beach town like Daytona. Catch some sleep there and then go to the beach and nap on a towel. The security guard job would give me some money for food. It would be SURVIVING only, but it beats being arrested and getting a record. And it would be honest, at least. That's what I would do!
It seems to me that US society and government are showing zero empathy and sympathy for this homeless situation. And I see more problems pouring into the US at its Southern BORDER and by plane or boat! How can THAT be a GOOD thing when the US can NOT solve its OWN overpopulation problems. I would be curious to know what other countries like Sweden, Finland, and Australia do about their homeless problem?

[ahlecat]

I met a gentleman near family dollar in Leesburg… really homeless, crutches and one leg amputated… I gave him money. The ones that I see by Walmart 441 seem young. With all the help wanted signs…. Go get a job!!

[RuthA]

Our television station back home did a show on this. One guy who made probably $500 a day would go get in a Cadillac and drive to a beautiful home. If you offered them a job they would say they couldn't work, even though their sign said "Will Work For Food". Almost always a scam.

[jimjamuser]

The general sentiment of Floridians is that they don't WANT to pay more taxes. They're not willing to pay a penny more than they have to, especially if that penny goes to "those people."

So we have a lot of unemployable people in this state, who aren't in the "unemployed" category because they're not collecting unemployment and not actively seeking employment, because they've given up trying since they know no one will hire them.

Those are the truly homeless, the people who live in the Ocala National Forest. There are also a bunch there who are intentionally "off the grid" for whatever reason - but those folks don't go out begging. They are primarily self-sufficient and rely on bartering to get goods and services that they can't make or grow on their own.

A 1% surtax on services won't do any good, since we already have so many "handyman" grebbers who do all kinds of work here, and take cash or checks only, so they don't have to pay any tax or get insurance or be licensed.

And there are plenty of Villagers who are happy to get that discount and the convenience of immediate availability, in exchange for the risk of shoddy work or outright burglary.

We got suckered into that mentality our first year here. So when it came time to take the dead trees down because they shouldn't have simply been badly pruned by a couple of dolts with chainsaws, we went with the guys with the actual license, insurance, new equipment, and a truck with the painted logo rather than the crappy magnetic one they could slap on any personal vehicle to make themselves look legit.

We paid extra because of it but we had the peace of mind. And we don't mind paying taxes for services, if it means getting that peace of mind and an actual guarantee of professional service.
I agree with Warren Buffet's statement, "I want to be taxed more" - by the income bracket method. Sales tax is a flat tax that disadvantages the poor and lower-middle-class. Same with a 1% local tax - it IS not a PROGRESSIVE tax - it IS REGRESSIVE! That's why Florida relies on Sales tax - it helps out the wealthy class. It does have the benefit of hitting the tourist harder than the resident. And tourists from abroad and the north make bigger wages and salaries so they can afford it better than retired seniors.

[Velvet]

Mother Theresa never debated with herself on whether or not she should help people who needed help. She just did it.

And part of me wishes I would have her strengths regarding everything she has done…. I wonder if she would have used organized help if it was available to her, did she not start an organization herself? It is not a question to me that the homeless need help, it is a question of how. I do not feel my individual help trumps a group’s dedicate to this purpose. At this time I prefer to assist the group.

[Heytubes]

When you give money, you are enabling them. ABC did a series where it shows they make 60 to 80 k a year tax free and also are getting government handouts. Stop giving and they disappear.

[davem4616]

I used to give to the guys holding signs "Please Help"....but too many of them see begging as a vocation

now I give generously to The Salvation Army...they seem to take the least amount of money off the top

[jimjamuser]

I usually drop off cookies that I get from the Open Houses! They get picked up in the evening by a white van... never followed the van but it's full... You will notice that as the weather cools down up north , we will be bombarded with snowbird bums... NC television exposed the scam, these people make approx 500-600 a Day...meth & Heroin is their drug of choice ... gotta love Television
$600 per day times-5 days per week (say as an average)-times 52 weeks gives $ 156,000. That will buy a lot of drugs! At 156,000 per year, all of us-ALL ought to take up that "occupation" and drive them out of business.
I wonder if you and I know about this "White Van" that picks them up - why don't the Police?????? Just asking?

[jimjamuser]

I don’t give them $$ because 1) I don’t get a tax deductible receipt, and 2) I don’t have the training to know who needs it and who doesn’t.

There are social programs that can help people in need, if they need it. If they don’t qualify, I conclude that it is for a good reason.
I agree with the contents of this post.

[Nanny32162]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?
Jesus told us not to judge, so I don’t have an opinion. If people are outside a store which carries food, I will buy nutritional food and water to give to them. When I eat out, I will have food I’ve not touched boxed with a to-go water, and find someone who is hungry. When we help one of the less fortunate, we are helping Jesus.

[jimjamuser]

It is certainly easier to paint everyone with a single brush. I wonder how many here I ever actually been homeless... I have for almost a year.

Yes, there are crazies, and yes there are "scammers", and yes there are lazy people. But, it is easy to judge without having lived and walked in their shoes. I can assure you, the system is stacked against you if you are homeless. You know you can not get food stamps if you don't have a phone and address? Ask me how I know. You know how hard a "real" job is to get with out a phone or address?

Anyway, just curious how many here dis'ing these people trying to get some kind of work, by standing in the heat on a corner waiting for a pickup to come along and ask they if they want a couple hours work.
It was about 1965 when I was age 24 and living in Omaha Nebraska, I would "hang out" with "street people" on the VERY low end of the economic totem pole. Some might (?) call that "slumming", but I had time on my hands. Many on the street were surprisingly interesting and NOT real dumb or "vegetables". There were some strange, memorable, and some sad and even dangerous ones (to themselves and others). Several I remember went like this......I drove a cheap convertible sports car with a "rapid fill" gas cap behind the heads of driver and passenger (s). I picked up 2 young street ladies (amateurs) - that made a pretty crowded front seat. We stopped in a park and one of the "seemingly normal" young ladies started sniffing deeply my gas tank. She said that she wanted to get "high". I said, "don't do that, it will destroy your lungs! I had to physically pull her back from that gas cap. That was NOT my FINEST hour!
Another experience was even stranger. I was walking, late at night, in downtown Omaha when I saw a crowd gathering - I went over. And I saw 2 adult men fighting - they were NOT your usual adults. It WAS a SAD scene. If only we had cell phones back, then we could have called the Police. They were both handicapped with no legs. They both were kneeling down on boards with small metal wheels on them. They must not have been able to afford a wheelchair. One man was getting the better of the other in the fight. He kept rubbing the sleeve of his winter coat across the eyes of his opponent - perhaps to blind him - as if they BOTH did not have enough problems! There was a crowd of about 15 normal, upright, church-going men AND women standing, watching, and being FROZEN into inaction about the event before them.
I thought about kicking the man that was winning, but I had 2nd thoughts about getting involved with a police report and it getting back to my job. So, I got myself frozen into inaction - I thought that maybe they were putting on a show for money because the winner might leave, and then the loser asks for money, and then they split up those gifts of sympathy. I debated and debated myself - then finally walked away. I was pretty much a coward that day. I still think about it.

So, speak about homelessness and man's inhumanity towards fellow man! I saw the most that I ever experienced that night in Omaha. That was NOT my finest hour and I still am not proud of myself that night. Sorry for the true confessions, but it does put a microscope on an example of sad and homeless people. That was 1965 and today, I hope, that society has improved? NOT sure though?

[jimjamuser]

Oh, and to the second part, I would not have accepted that either. I can assure you that would NOT have help me or anyone else get out be being homeless. I did it, I am here now, I know what it takes and it is NOT handouts. It is hard work at a good job. Raking leaves is NOT a good job. Sorry.
Thank you for revealing your soul and hard times. That IS the real American can-do spirit! Some great street philosopher once said. "What does NOT kill you makes you STRONGER". It seems like you lived that idea. Some weight lifters say, "no pain, no gain". Not sure if I ever believed that, but it has SOME truth. A person NEEDS the level of STRESS that motivates (not overcomes) them.

[jimjamuser]

Live here long enough and the stories will be told. Some folks have spoken with them and they say they can make more $$$ panhandling than working. As another poster said, park some place near-by and watch them when they leave their spots. Many go over to a nice, expensive vehicle and drive away. Why is it you might see some, talking on a cell-phone. Where do they get $$$ for those?? Starting now and going til Spring the Roma folks come down and do their thing. Some drive by homes and offer to fix roofs or driveways. If they work at all, it's shoddy and then they leave. Talk to Seniors Against Crime about these people. Panhandlers often work for pimp-like people and have to make a quota each day. They might give a sob-story or their car broke down and a relative is dying and they NEED to get "there". Offer other alternatives and they'll get angry. IF you want to donate $$$$ give to a shelter for battered women, a pregnacy help center or the Salvation Army. Those panhandlers could be asking at such agencies if they truly needed help.
I have heard the "broken down car" story at rest stops.

[joelfmi]

Give them the money( entitlements)that is being used for these people(illegals) to the homeless so they can exist and take care of themselves. America First is what needs to be done.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

When you give money, you are enabling them. ABC did a series where it shows they make 60 to 80 k a year tax free and also are getting government handouts. Stop giving and they disappear.

The scammers will just go somewhere else and scam other people. They don't disappear. Do you think human beings just disintegrate or something? Get real. That doesn't happen.

The legitimately homeless and unemployable will not disappear. They'll just be homeless and unemployable and hungrier than they were yesterday. They'll end up relying on public services more than they did yesterday. They'll get sicker more often than they did yesterday, because they'll be more underfed, under-housed, underclothed than they were yesterday, and end up taking up more space at hospitals and clinics than they did yesterday.

And then people will whine about how there's no space left for themselves, how there are more homeless people living in tents in the forest, more sick people spreading disease, more thieves stealing clothing off clotheslines, more burglaries, more robberies, more petty theft.

It's a horrible cycle that begins with a streak of bad luck, and combined with people who say "THOSE people aren't human, and don't even deserve to be treated like dogs."

People feed stray cats and dogs, but they won't feed a hungry human being.

I find that particularly insulting, as an actual human being.

[Rsenholzi]

I keep water in my car and will give them water. Sometimes if I have a snack I will give them that . However, the homeless are usually dirty and clothes are tattered.
This past week I passed 2 by because one had a brand new bike and the other had a designer haircut. If they can afford those they don’t need my water.

[jedalton]

The scammers will just go somewhere else and scam other people. They don't disappear. Do you think human beings just disintegrate or something? Get real. That doesn't happen.

The legitimately homeless and unemployable will not disappear. They'll just be homeless and unemployable and hungrier than they were yesterday. They'll end up relying on public services more than they did yesterday. They'll get sicker more often than they did yesterday, because they'll be more underfed, under-housed, underclothed than they were yesterday, and end up taking up more space at hospitals and clinics than they did yesterday.

And then people will whine about how there's no space left for themselves, how there are more homeless people living in tents in the forest, more sick people spreading disease, more thieves stealing clothing off clotheslines, more burglaries, more robberies, more petty theft.

It's a horrible cycle that begins with a streak of bad luck, and combined with people who say "THOSE people aren't human, and don't even deserve to be treated like dogs."

People feed stray cats and dogs, but they won't feed a hungry human being.

I find that particularly insulting, as an actual human being.
because human beings will go buy alcohol and or cigarettes with it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

$600 per day times-5 days per week (say as an average)-times 52 weeks gives $ 156,000. That will buy a lot of drugs! At 156,000 per year, all of us-ALL ought to take up that "occupation" and drive them out of business.
I wonder if you and I know about this "White Van" that picks them up - why don't the Police?????? Just asking?

Probably because it's not a thing.

There's one guy who rides his bicycle to the spot, and chains it up a few aisles down in the parking lot. There's a woman in a wheelchair, she has another person with a van, but I think they actually live in that van.

There are a few people who live in vans and pickup trucks and one guy with a small camper-van in the Walmart parking lot, they move around a bit. One time I got some sanitizer wipes from the Freeosk machine inside and gave the package to one of the women who lives in her pickup truck.

As long as they are respectful and don't try knocking on my window or stopping traffic when the light turns green, I have no problem with them being there. Mostly I'm grateful they're not like the "window washers" off the highway in NYC. They're nasty.

[Michael G.]

What does the state of Florida say about panhandling on public streets?
Probably like going to restaurants and grocery stores with dogs, nothing.

[Art cov]

We know this but Jesus himself healed n helped some and others didn’t receive him or the blessings. I’m not giving to someone for crack cocaine or any drugs or booze. If they don’t want the food I try to give, then I’m out. Many can work and if those that are capable won’t work then they should not eat! I’m not blessing laziness. By the way, they do get all the free healthcare. They get more food then they can eat. Be not deceived. I don’t wake in the morning with the thought of blessing people with illegal drugs or to help people get drunk and being a nuisance in our neighborhoods.

[Michael G.]

We know this but Jesus himself healed n helped some and others didn’t receive him or the blessings. I’m not giving to someone for crack cocaine or any drugs or booze.

Why not give someone money for crack, cocaine, drugs, or booze?
Maybe your Jesus would??

[Bogie Shooter]

What does the state of Florida say about panhandling on public streets?
Probably like going to restaurants and grocery stores with dogs, nothing.

Here is a start on the laws. Enjoy!
The Many Laws of Florida’s Panhandling - Homeless Voice (https://homelessvoice.org/the-many-laws-of-floridas-panhandling/)

[dave from deland]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?With all the help wanted signs on just about every business, they can get a job. I say give them nothing.

[Tblue]

I enjoy reading how some deal with the panhandling public. About 1993 I was in Alaska and the wife and I were leaving the grocery store parking lot. We were behind a pick up truck waiting to exit onto the main highway. Right under the stop sign there was 2 younger fellows, maybe mid 20s sitting holding a sign that said “FOOD WANTED”. For a second I thought how clever hitting people up as they leave the parking lot of the grocery store. The guy in the pick up ahead of us opens his door and hops out and climbs into the bed of his truck. He opens a very large cooler and pulled out 2 fresh salmon, maybe 10 to 15 pounds each. He yells at the two sitting beside the stop sign and threw them the fish. Got back in his truck and drove off. Surprised or confused is the look on the two guys faces as they are sitting there with a sign that says FOOD WANTED and each holding a large fresh fish.

[xcaligirl]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?
I've been seeing the same "homeless people" there for the past 7 years. Definitely a scam, just like others say, just watch them during and after their "shift".

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

What does the state of Florida say about panhandling on public streets?
Probably like going to restaurants and grocery stores with dogs, nothing.

They're not doing it on public streets, they're doing it at the edge of the parking lot of Walmart's (thus the title of the thread). That's private property. The property owner has the right to kick them off, OR call the police and have them charged with trespassing. But thus far, that doesn't seem to have ever happened.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

With all the help wanted signs on just about every business, they can get a job. I say give them nothing.

Homeless people don't have permanent addresses, and can't get a legal job without one. And many places won't hire them even if they are willing to skirt the law, because homeless people are not reliable. They don't have reliable transportation, they don't have reliable hygiene, they don't have reliable access to clean clothing. They're a poor risk, and generally not employable.

[jimjamuser]

The scammers will just go somewhere else and scam other people. They don't disappear. Do you think human beings just disintegrate or something? Get real. That doesn't happen.

The legitimately homeless and unemployable will not disappear. They'll just be homeless and unemployable and hungrier than they were yesterday. They'll end up relying on public services more than they did yesterday. They'll get sicker more often than they did yesterday, because they'll be more underfed, under-housed, underclothed than they were yesterday, and end up taking up more space at hospitals and clinics than they did yesterday.

And then people will whine about how there's no space left for themselves, how there are more homeless people living in tents in the forest, more sick people spreading disease, more thieves stealing clothing off clotheslines, more burglaries, more robberies, more petty theft.

It's a horrible cycle that begins with a streak of bad luck, and combined with people who say "THOSE people aren't human, and don't even deserve to be treated like dogs."

People feed stray cats and dogs, but they won't feed a hungry human being.

I find that particularly insulting, as an actual human being.
I choose not to feed stray dogs or cats because it might help the individual animal but does not help a more refined dog breed or at least a cat that is wanted by humans. I think it is more humane to neuter them. I am guilty of feeding a goose mama with little gooselings, but I never feed them bread, which hurts their digestive tracks - I go with ground corn. I know that I should NOT feed the geese because they become habituated to humans and end up getting hit by cars.......my bad!

[Janet1946]

This thread has been so sad. . Once you are evicted it is almost impossible to rent another apartment. You can’t get a job unless you have a phone and an address. In many states you can’t even qualify for food stamps or Medicaid without an address. If you have been convicted of a felony, you are entitled to no benefits, even long after you have served your sentence (and just try to find a decent job with a felony on their record). If you live in the Los Angeles area, two adults earning minimum wage jobs do not qualify for ANY apartment in the area. Many of the tents around Union Station (in LA) are occupied by 2 adults who each have full time jobs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same is true in Florida. TBH, it seems like begging might get you a better lifestyle.

[GrumpyOldMan]

This thread has been so sad. . Once you are evicted it is almost impossible to rent another apartment. You can’t get a job unless you have a phone and an address. In many states you can’t even qualify for food stamps or Medicaid without an address. If you have been convicted of a felony, you are entitled to no benefits, even long after you have served your sentence (and just try to find a decent job with a felony on their record). If you live in the Los Angeles area, two adults earning minimum wage jobs do not qualify for ANY apartment in the area. Many of the tents around Union Station (in LA) are occupied by 2 adults who each have full time jobs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same is true in Florida. TBH, it seems like begging might get you a better lifestyle.

Truth, but the "I've got mine, screw you (them)" crowd don't care.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I choose not to feed stray dogs or cats because it might help the individual animal but does not help a more refined dog breed or at least a cat that is wanted by humans. I think it is more humane to neuter them. I am guilty of feeding a goose mama with little gooselings, but I never feed them bread, which hurts their digestive tracks - I go with ground corn. I know that I should NOT feed the geese because they become habituated to humans and end up getting hit by cars.......my bad!

Corn is almost as bad. Geese eat mostly seeds, plant roots, berries, whole raw fresh grains (grasses) and stems, and insects.

No need to give homeless people money, but sometimes it's a good thing to offer a kindness - simply because you're a human being connecting with another human being. If you bought a case of water, give them a bottle of it. If you bought a box of protein bars, give them a bar. If you bought a 12-pack of Ivory soap, give them a bar. If you bought a box of tampons, offer the young woman a few. When you get free sanitizing wipes from the Freeosk booth, give it to the person out there. Maybe if there's a BOGO on cheap toothbrushes, get them - and give one to one of those people out there.

Up north we had deposits on cans and plastic bottles - some folks - when they're parking downtown for whatever reason, would gather whatever empties they tossed in the back seat, into a plastic bag, and just give the whole bag to a random homeless person sitting in the park. We get rid of our empties, and they have to actually work for their dollar. Win-win for everyone.

There was also a program downtown that many restaurants participated in. Customers could buy credits, that would be given to homeless people in exchange for a bite to eat (a cup of hearty soup and bread, or a small salad) or a cold/hot drink.

[jagdl]

I would often give money during the Pandemic. I have since quit. Sam St. John's cannot find dishwashers (low skills needed) Every fast food and restaurants have help wanted signs. If a person can stand in the sun and hold a sign they can wash dishes, help in the kitchen, get a job they can work up to better positions. When there were no jobs we gave. Now there are jobs and people don't wan them. I have decided with the Walmart and Mcdonald's sign holders I am part of the problem so I no longer hand out money. It is sad because that is not who I am but I choose to channel my giving to extra tips for the workers. When you want to give, give a $5.00 tip on a $4.00 breakfast. The smiles are worth it!!!!

[PugMom]

in my experience, the people who are truly homeless do not tend to beg. they're the ones you see sitting quietly in a parking lot somewhere, with a cart or bicycle, minding their own business. those hit me the hardest. there's this one 'kid', probably in his 20's, in Leesburg who sits outside a building near DQ. he reads, (no phone) and looks pretty downtrodden. i will openly give to him, buy a meal, or whatever because i know what it's like to be down on your luck & just trying to get by. someone like him will never turn down goods, some food or even a friendly smile, & ive never seen him ask for $$.

[clwahlstrom]

Yes I donate. I am from California and this is nothing. Every street corner is covered with people holding cardboard signs. I pretty much assume they wouldn’t be there unless they really needed it. But that’s just me.

[VApeople]

I choose to channel my giving to extra tips for the workers.

Yeah, I have become the same way.

Early in the pandemic, Trump gave us $2400 (I think) for sitting on our butts, so I decided to give more to the people who are actually working, and I have kept doing that.

[rmd2]

I gave one guy my old pocket-umbrella because it was raining and he (obviously) didn't have one (or he'd have been using it). New condition, I never used umbrellas because I never stood out in the rain more than a minute or two.

A woman who I hadn't seen before had a nice message on her sign, said something like "Please smile and have a blessed day" or some other similar sentiment. I was first in line at the red light so I gave her a chit-chat, asked her if she had a cat for a pet - I would've given her one of the cans I'd just bought. She said she had a dog. After another minute of chatting while waiting for the light, I grabbed a handful of change from my car's change compartment and handed it to her. She had horrible teeth. I'd never hire someone like that as a "public face" for my company, because her front teeth were black and pitted, one was missing. Her skin was clear, her hands were clean (because even homeless people know how to use a rest room).

Homeless people have trouble getting a job because most jobs require that they have a permanent address. When you fill out an INS form, you need proof of residence. Without that, you can't get a legal job in this country.

No permanent residence = no proof of residence = no legal job - even if you had good teeth.

I don't normally ever give money. That one woman though was very personable, obviously intelligent, polite and articulate? My guess is that she was bulimic at some point in her life (long-term bulimia causes the enamel to strip off your teeth and then they turn grey, and then they start to rot). I really hope some dentist sees her some day and volunteers to give her a new smile.

Teeth - not bulimic. It's METH.

[rmd2]

Yes I donate. I am from California and this is nothing. Every street corner is covered with people holding cardboard signs. I pretty much assume they wouldn’t be there unless they really needed it. But that’s just me.

Yep, let's turn Florida into California. Way to go!

[OhioBuckeye]

The problem with this approach, as I see it, is that you have just pushed the problem from you and your area to someone/somewhere else. Nothing changed, nothing solved. I know that in California, when RR killed off the state's mental health support system, the homeless problem exploded. And, of course, no money was saved, which was the original goal. It just moved to increased law enforcement. We see well that has worked.

You’re exactly right that’s why California has been in the RED for as long as I can remember. To many stuffing their pockets!

[Opengineer150]

They tell you not to fed the animals because they will become dependent on hand outs the same goes for the homeless ..

[1couple]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there? never it keeps them coming back and most isn’t homeless at the end of the day you can follow most of them home

[Bilyclub]

I don't normally ever give money. That one woman though was very personable, obviously intelligent, polite and articulate? My guess is that she was bulimic at some point in her life (long-term bulimia causes the enamel to strip off your teeth and then they turn grey, and then they start to rot). I really hope some dentist sees her some day and volunteers to give her a new smile.


Meth is a great destroyer of teeth too and there is a connection between meth addiction and bulimia.

[miharris]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

I never do, instead I donate to well run charities that make sure the money is used to actually help people in need, and not for booze and drugs.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Teeth - not bulimic. It's METH.

Meth also causes some kind of weird itch on the face, resulting in people scratching til they bleed. It's been described as the sensation of spiders crawling all over your skin. That's why meth addicts have pockmarks and sores and zits all over their faces.

As I specified - this girl's face was clear. Only her teeth were bad. Bulimia can cause that.

[spd2918]

Giving money directly to "homeless" people keeps them poor and dependant and handouts. Instead give to charities that work to end the reasons they are destitute.

Of course most beggars are not homeless.

[BlackhawksFan]

When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

At least this one I photographed was honest.

Copyright 2011. Depth of Field Photo

[Velvet]

And I need a billion bucks, should I start a gofundme campaign? I’m honest too.

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes I donate. I am from California and this is nothing. Every street corner is covered with people holding cardboard signs. I pretty much assume they wouldn’t be there unless they really needed it. But that’s just me.

Would you be interested in buying a bridge? I may be able to find one for you……..

[jimjamuser]

because human beings will go buy alcohol and or cigarettes with it.
I would imagine that those people that are using people's charitable impulses to con the money to buy cigarettes - started smoking long ago. And I wonder how many residents of TV Land or anywhere that PAY other people to cut THEIR grass - would be willing to tell the owner of the grass cutting service that NO smokers MAY ever cut THEIR grass. And say THAT to all workers that they have come to do anything on their property. So, basically, if you are NOT part of the solution, then you are PART of the problem!
.......Or they could (?) move to a home where there is no grass like maybe an apartment or an island of all rock surrounded by water - or a houseboat. Put your $ where your pie-hole is!

[jimjamuser]

Probably because it's not a thing.

There's one guy who rides his bicycle to the spot, and chains it up a few aisles down in the parking lot. There's a woman in a wheelchair, she has another person with a van, but I think they actually live in that van.

There are a few people who live in vans and pickup trucks and one guy with a small camper-van in the Walmart parking lot, they move around a bit. One time I got some sanitizer wipes from the Freeosk machine inside and gave the package to one of the women who lives in her pickup truck.

As long as they are respectful and don't try knocking on my window or stopping traffic when the light turns green, I have no problem with them being there. Mostly I'm grateful they're not like the "window washers" off the highway in NYC. They're nasty.
Window washers ARE really nasty - I have seen them in every large or medium-sized city that I have been to.
......I am very glad that you have had GOOD experiences with homeless people. Some are wonderful and if I were homeless, and could afford an RV, I would stay at Walmarts or other mall areas. In point of fact, I do stay in my compact car when I treat myself to motorized vacations to explore the US 1st hand and up close and personal. I also take naps on blankets in a public park during daylight hours - I only have to watch out for those male dogs that lift their legs.
.......As I wrote on Pg 7 # 99 - I have had a mixed bag of early adult experiences with homeless people. But, strangely enough, I have had MUCH worse luck dealing with people that attend church regularly, which may be a compensation thing, as the psychologists believe. Compared to them - the homeless are angels.

[jimjamuser]

What does the state of Florida say about panhandling on public streets?
Probably like going to restaurants and grocery stores with dogs, nothing.
Welcome to Florida - like Alaska, it is a frontier state - only more red necks.

[John_W]

Someone posted that the Walmart beggers are picked up by a white van at the end of the day. That reminds of the young kids who arrive in a white van and go door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions. In the 70's and 80's I've had them at my door. Probably the same people, magazine sales are down, so they just got a new angle.

[jdulej]

You’re exactly right that’s why California has been in the RED for as long as I can remember. To many stuffing their pockets!

California is running a surplus. They are figuring out how to give people money back. But that is beside the point. If any state just pushes their homeless off to another state or ignores them they are shirking their responsibility - period. And shame on them for doing it

[jimjamuser]

Why not give someone money for crack, cocaine, drugs, or booze?
Maybe your Jesus would??
AAHHHH do believe that he would like to have pot legalized by Federal Law. He / She is trying to nudge the TRUE believers, not the PRETENDERS, in that more WHOLESOME direction. Why golly me, that would even put the NARCO TRAFFICKERS out of business. I dddddoooo believe that would be what is called a win /win !!!!!!!!
.............I can hear the jingle in my head......Pot, its a win / win NOT a sin / sin... Hee, he ...hee, he.......That's all folks!

[Sherry8bal]

It can't be easy begging for money. I feel bad they haven't chosen, or figured out, how to earn a legit living. When I feel they are really hard up I'll give, but even then, I may be scammed.

If you are that naive, you should invite them into your home, give them a place to live and feed them and then watch them rob you blind.

[jimjamuser]

I enjoy reading how some deal with the panhandling public. About 1993 I was in Alaska and the wife and I were leaving the grocery store parking lot. We were behind a pick up truck waiting to exit onto the main highway. Right under the stop sign there was 2 younger fellows, maybe mid 20s sitting holding a sign that said “FOOD WANTED”. For a second I thought how clever hitting people up as they leave the parking lot of the grocery store. The guy in the pick up ahead of us opens his door and hops out and climbs into the bed of his truck. He opens a very large cooler and pulled out 2 fresh salmon, maybe 10 to 15 pounds each. He yells at the two sitting beside the stop sign and threw them the fish. Got back in his truck and drove off. Surprised or confused is the look on the two guys faces as they are sitting there with a sign that says FOOD WANTED and each holding a large fresh fish.
It would have been even funnier If the truck guy threw a recently trapped live wolverine at those 2. Not nice but funny! And then they put the video on Facebook (I hate) or Instagram (also hate) or some other way supposedly cool media sites.

[jimjamuser]

I've been seeing the same "homeless people" there for the past 7 years. Definitely a scam, just like others say, just watch them during and after their "shift".
The only way I would stay there long enough to note all of that would be if I were a Policeperson getting paid by the hour.

[GypsyRN]

Yes I donate. I am from California and this is nothing. Every street corner is covered with people holding cardboard signs. I pretty much assume they wouldn’t be there unless they really needed it. But that’s just me.

Thank you for importing that "skewed illogical mentality" to FL!!! :ohdear:

[MDLNB]

We quit shopping at the WalMart on 441, now shop at the WalMart on 466 (Wedgewood Lane) no panhandlers there, also much cleaner store, larger selection, actually friendly people and more cashiers, the one on 441 is a pigsty in comparison, by the way I travel an additional 5 miles to shop at the one on 466, love it


You are quite right about the condition of the Walmart on Rt441. As a matter of fact, there are scammers and crooks working inside the store also. Not the employees, but the supposed customers that will work you in a heartbeat. I've been there once in the past 8 years and even then, I ended up leaving without purchasing anything.
I know what it is like to be broke, but I have never begged or taken welfare, even though I qualified for it. Once you become addicted to handouts, you will start to expect them. You can work three part-time jobs to pay you way until you get a decent full-time job. If you are single, it's easy but if you have a family it is desperate. You do not have time to beg. You HAVE to find some work and you will take whatever is offered. Even cleaning toilets, raking leaves, or performing anything for a few bucks.

No, as guilty as it makes me feel, I do not give money out to anyone hanging out by the stores where I have to shop. If someone says they are hungry, I will buy them a meal. But, I do not give them money.

[jimjamuser]

This thread has been so sad. . Once you are evicted it is almost impossible to rent another apartment. You can’t get a job unless you have a phone and an address. In many states you can’t even qualify for food stamps or Medicaid without an address. If you have been convicted of a felony, you are entitled to no benefits, even long after you have served your sentence (and just try to find a decent job with a felony on their record). If you live in the Los Angeles area, two adults earning minimum wage jobs do not qualify for ANY apartment in the area. Many of the tents around Union Station (in LA) are occupied by 2 adults who each have full time jobs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same is true in Florida. TBH, it seems like begging might get you a better lifestyle.
Instead of ignoring the problem (actually 2 - homelessness and drug usage) and having people themselves find solutions or CON men / women arising and taking advantage of a situation - maybe we need to petition our State and Federal Governments to DO the RIGHT thing and the thing, for which, we pay taxes - and ACTUALLY SOLVE the problem.

Even little me has a suggestion, or 2 or more.........start a JOBS program like back in the real old days of Democracy giving all the willing a place to work and make money - even if you have to bend the minimum wage laws.
......Stop the STUPID**** ZONING LAWS that favor the wealth disparity, racism, and homelessness. I don't say,"let them eat cake" BUT I DO say:" let them live in tents".
.......Put the Drug Cartel KILLERS of their addicted customers and coyotes that are caught into Japanese-style prisons for long terms. Attempt to rehab the addicted customers.
........Make POT legal and ALL others (except maybe for Native American ceremonies) and study peyote to see if it has bad side effects.
.....Control the legal pharmacy DRUG overuse and "pill mills" and greedy and lazy Doctors that overprescribe.
.......I think that would be a good START! And also worry about 2024. The future needs to be so bright that I will need shades!

[jdulej]

Instead of ignoring the problem (actually 2 - homelessness and drug usage) and having people themselves find solutions or CON men / women arising and taking advantage of a situation - maybe we need to petition our State and Federal Governments to DO the RIGHT thing and the thing, for which, we pay taxes - and ACTUALLY SOLVE the problem.

Even little me has a suggestion, or 2 or more.........start a JOBS program like back in the real old days of Democracy giving all the willing a place to work and make money - even if you have to bend the minimum wage laws.
......Stop the STUPID**** ZONING LAWS that favor the wealth disparity, racism, and homelessness. I don't say,"let them eat cake" BUT I DO say:" let them live in tents".
.......Put the Drug Cartel KILLERS of their addicted customers and coyotes that are caught into Japanese-style prisons for long terms. Attempt to rehab the addicted customers.
........Make POT legal and ALL others (except maybe for Native American ceremonies) and study peyote to see if it has bad side effects.
.....Control the legal pharmacy DRUG overuse and "pill mills" and greedy and lazy Doctors that overprescribe.
.......I think that would be a good START! And also worry about 2024. The future needs to be so bright that I will need shades!

Wow, a sensible post. What a shock on this forum. I would add to those jailed the American drug families (Oxycontin anyone!) who are currently getting a slap on the wrist

[jimjamuser]

Corn is almost as bad. Geese eat mostly seeds, plant roots, berries, whole raw fresh grains (grasses) and stems, and insects.

No need to give homeless people money, but sometimes it's a good thing to offer a kindness - simply because you're a human being connecting with another human being. If you bought a case of water, give them a bottle of it. If you bought a box of protein bars, give them a bar. If you bought a 12-pack of Ivory soap, give them a bar. If you bought a box of tampons, offer the young woman a few. When you get free sanitizing wipes from the Freeosk booth, give it to the person out there. Maybe if there's a BOGO on cheap toothbrushes, get them - and give one to one of those people out there.

Up north we had deposits on cans and plastic bottles - some folks - when they're parking downtown for whatever reason, would gather whatever empties they tossed in the back seat, into a plastic bag, and just give the whole bag to a random homeless person sitting in the park. We get rid of our empties, and they have to actually work for their dollar. Win-win for everyone.

There was also a program downtown that many restaurants participated in. Customers could buy credits, that would be given to homeless people in exchange for a bite to eat (a cup of hearty soup and bread, or a small salad) or a cold/hot drink.
Kernels of corn are seeds designed to be eaten by deer and some birds like Geese. Geese hunters in Nebraska often hide in a blind in a cornfield or milo and wait for both Geese and pheasants, if the seasons overlap.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you are that naive, you should invite them into your home, give them a place to live and feed them and then watch them rob you blind.

It's time to repeat the story of my college days. I was living in Boston, in a studio at the foot of Beacon Hill (the uber-wealthy section of the city, where the governor's mansion is located). School (Emerson College) was down the street a few blocks, and I walked or took the T everywhere. I had two part-time jobs, plus I was a busker. A street musician. Subway performer - not a beggar, not poor - but accepted by the "underground culture" of Harvard Square, Cambridge MA. Most of them were homeless, but there were a few folks who shared apartments, one guy lived with his parents, and a few had their own places because they had good jobs or their parents paid for it.

At the end of one particular day, some of the homeless people invited me to THEIR home - the cemetery two blocks away. I went, and they shared the food they had bought with what they'd acquired through panhandling, and we passed around a couple quarts of Miller (blech but it's the thought that counts), and I slept in a beat up sleeping bag next to a wino who had his own blanket and pillow. We were up past midnight talking about life, experiences. A couple of the folks were drug addicts and one was having an unpleasant experience with drugs that night, but they gave him his space and he zoned out without incident.

I can't say I'd ever want to be homeless, and I'm not sure I'd want to make a vacation out of sleeping in graveyards. But it opened my eyes to the experience, and gave me some empathy I hadn't had prior to that.

Perhaps because I actually DID "walk in their shoes" for a day, I'm able to be a little less judgmental about the concept of homelessness. For those "christians" who choose to judge - remember your catechism or bible lessons or whatever you folks get when you're kids.

Does this make me naive? Nope. In fact, it makes me a little more experienced and "enlightened" than you. It gives me the "street cred" that you apparently lack. I know when I see an addict, and I can tell when someone actually needs money to survive and is down on his luck, and when someone is doing just fine and is trying to scam me out of my money.

As for the guy eating the McDonald's burger - I actually watched an Sonic Employee hand out bags of food to each of the three people with signs - one at the Walmart driveway corner, one near the Dollar store, and one at the driveway across the street where McDonald's is. Seems minimum wage employees are more generous than wealthy old people. Not surprised. A little disgusted, but not surprised.

[jimjamuser]

Corn is almost as bad. Geese eat mostly seeds, plant roots, berries, whole raw fresh grains (grasses) and stems, and insects.

No need to give homeless people money, but sometimes it's a good thing to offer a kindness - simply because you're a human being connecting with another human being. If you bought a case of water, give them a bottle of it. If you bought a box of protein bars, give them a bar. If you bought a 12-pack of Ivory soap, give them a bar. If you bought a box of tampons, offer the young woman a few. When you get free sanitizing wipes from the Freeosk booth, give it to the person out there. Maybe if there's a BOGO on cheap toothbrushes, get them - and give one to one of those people out there.

Up north we had deposits on cans and plastic bottles - some folks - when they're parking downtown for whatever reason, would gather whatever empties they tossed in the back seat, into a plastic bag, and just give the whole bag to a random homeless person sitting in the park. We get rid of our empties, and they have to actually work for their dollar. Win-win for everyone.

There was also a program downtown that many restaurants participated in. Customers could buy credits, that would be given to homeless people in exchange for a bite to eat (a cup of hearty soup and bread, or a small salad) or a cold/hot drink.
IMO I concur with the last 2 paragraphs. No one (at least not me) is questioning the "goodness" of being properly (?) charitable. The question REALLY debated here IS what is the "PROPER" way to be charitable. For example, I feel GREAT and charitable when I give an item to a THRIFT store. I see that the good of that OUTWEIGHS any possible downside at about a 95% to 5% rate. The 5% is JUST a POSSIBILITY that a particular thrift store is connected to some church character like in the Elmer Gantry movie that is sucking money out of people just for personal greed.
....the point of that IS that each person makes a RISK calculation when they give money (not food or water) to a homeless person - or even money to a national charity. How much is the money you give do you (the giver) think goes to good, or waste, or even greed and bad (that is the RISK CALCULATION)?
.....Many a TRULY good person IS so GOOD or NAIVE that they don't bother to look for any unintended consequences of their action (the giving). I am NOT TRULY good and I tend to be suspicious snd look for the unintended results of mine and other people's actions - even US leaders!

[jimjamuser]

I would often give money during the Pandemic. I have since quit. Sam St. John's cannot find dishwashers (low skills needed) Every fast food and restaurants have help wanted signs. If a person can stand in the sun and hold a sign they can wash dishes, help in the kitchen, get a job they can work up to better positions. When there were no jobs we gave. Now there are jobs and people don't wan them. I have decided with the Walmart and Mcdonald's sign holders I am part of the problem so I no longer hand out money. It is sad because that is not who I am but I choose to channel my giving to extra tips for the workers. When you want to give, give a $5.00 tip on a $4.00 breakfast. The smiles are worth it!!!!
I agree with the contents of this post.

[jimjamuser]

Teeth - not bulimic. It's METH.
I agree with the contents of this post.

[jimjamuser]

Yep, let's turn Florida into California. Way to go!
That would be less humidity....Yeah!
But it would be more traffic and smoke.........double Boo!

[jimjamuser]

At least this one I photographed was honest.

Copyright 2011. Depth of Field Photo
Need beer AND better tattoos!

[jimjamuser]

California is running a surplus. They are figuring out how to give people money back. But that is beside the point. If any state just pushes their homeless off to another state or ignores them they are shirking their responsibility - period. And shame on them for doing it
I agree with the contents of this post.

[jimjamuser]

If you are that naive, you should invite them into your home, give them a place to live and feed them and then watch them rob you blind.
She doth come from the land of all TRUE goodness and light and a little coldness.....I am talking about o....Canada.

[jimjamuser]

It's time to repeat the story of my college days. I was living in Boston, in a studio at the foot of Beacon Hill (the uber-wealthy section of the city, where the governor's mansion is located). School (Emerson College) was down the street a few blocks, and I walked or took the T everywhere. I had two part-time jobs, plus I was a busker. A street musician. Subway performer - not a beggar, not poor - but accepted by the "underground culture" of Harvard Square, Cambridge MA. Most of them were homeless, but there were a few folks who shared apartments, one guy lived with his parents, and a few had their own places because they had good jobs or their parents paid for it.

At the end of one particular day, some of the homeless people invited me to THEIR home - the cemetery two blocks away. I went, and they shared the food they had bought with what they'd acquired through panhandling, and we passed around a couple quarts of Miller (blech but it's the thought that counts), and I slept in a beat up sleeping bag next to a wino who had his own blanket and pillow. We were up past midnight talking about life, experiences. A couple of the folks were drug addicts and one was having an unpleasant experience with drugs that night, but they gave him his space and he zoned out without incident.

I can't say I'd ever want to be homeless, and I'm not sure I'd want to make a vacation out of sleeping in graveyards. But it opened my eyes to the experience, and gave me some empathy I hadn't had prior to that.

Perhaps because I actually DID "walk in their shoes" for a day, I'm able to be a little less judgmental about the concept of homelessness. For those "christians" who choose to judge - remember your catechism or bible lessons or whatever you folks get when you're kids.

Does this make me naive? Nope. In fact, it makes me a little more experienced and "enlightened" than you. It gives me the "street cred" that you apparently lack. I know when I see an addict, and I can tell when someone actually needs money to survive and is down on his luck, and when someone is doing just fine and is trying to scam me out of my money.

As for the guy eating the McDonald's burger - I actually watched an Sonic Employee hand out bags of food to each of the three people with signs - one at the Walmart driveway corner, one near the Dollar store, and one at the driveway across the street where McDonald's is. Seems minimum wage employees are more generous than wealthy old people. Not surprised. A little disgusted, but not surprised.
Statistically speaking, the poor and middle class of America give more to charity than the upper class. Go figure????

[jdulej]

Statistically speaking, the poor and middle class of America give more to charity than the upper class. Go figure????

Not sure what you mean by "statistically speaking" but in terms of a percentage of income or of net worth, the 1%ers give about as close to nothing as you can get and still say you are doing something. I remember Walmart bragging about giving 200-ish million dollars to charity. Then someone pointed out that that was like 1/10th of 1% of their income for that year. Sure, 200 mil is nice, it's not buying their way into the promised land.

[Opengineer150]

90974

[jdulej]

90974

Don't worry. Florida is beyond help. BTW, The saying is Don't Californicate --fill in the state---. First time I saw it was in Idaho. Just remember, almost everything that originates in California ends up everywhere else in 10 years or so.

[goodwillie]

NO, it is a scam. They are brought in in several differnt cars and trucks. One day one of them will fall off that little meridian and get hit by a car and then the driver will be the one that gets sued.
This should be stopped by the Marion police, I can believe it is legal.

[Janet1946]

Don't worry. Florida is beyond help. BTW, The saying is Don't Californicate --fill in the state---. First time I saw it was in Idaho. Just remember, almost everything that originates in California ends up everywhere else in 10 years or so.

First time I saw it was in Colorado. And your last sentence is so very true.

[MDLNB]

Should have "No Loitering" laws. If they do, then they need to enforce them. Walmart Rt.441 is a magnet for criminal activity.

[Bay Kid]

Don't be a slave to free things.

[Michael G.]

I never do, instead I donate to well run charities that make sure the money is used to actually help people in need, and not for booze and drugs.
Are you sure your $$$$$ goes to well run charities?
Check sometime and how much organizers of these charities make annually.

[jimjamuser]

It's time to repeat the story of my college days. I was living in Boston, in a studio at the foot of Beacon Hill (the uber-wealthy section of the city, where the governor's mansion is located). School (Emerson College) was down the street a few blocks, and I walked or took the T everywhere. I had two part-time jobs, plus I was a busker. A street musician. Subway performer - not a beggar, not poor - but accepted by the "underground culture" of Harvard Square, Cambridge MA. Most of them were homeless, but there were a few folks who shared apartments, one guy lived with his parents, and a few had their own places because they had good jobs or their parents paid for it.

At the end of one particular day, some of the homeless people invited me to THEIR home - the cemetery two blocks away. I went, and they shared the food they had bought with what they'd acquired through panhandling, and we passed around a couple quarts of Miller (blech but it's the thought that counts), and I slept in a beat up sleeping bag next to a wino who had his own blanket and pillow. We were up past midnight talking about life, experiences. A couple of the folks were drug addicts and one was having an unpleasant experience with drugs that night, but they gave him his space and he zoned out without incident.

I can't say I'd ever want to be homeless, and I'm not sure I'd want to make a vacation out of sleeping in graveyards. But it opened my eyes to the experience, and gave me some empathy I hadn't had prior to that.

Perhaps because I actually DID "walk in their shoes" for a day, I'm able to be a little less judgmental about the concept of homelessness. For those "christians" who choose to judge - remember your catechism or bible lessons or whatever you folks get when you're kids.

Does this make me naive? Nope. In fact, it makes me a little more experienced and "enlightened" than you. It gives me the "street cred" that you apparently lack. I know when I see an addict, and I can tell when someone actually needs money to survive and is down on his luck, and when someone is doing just fine and is trying to scam me out of my money.

As for the guy eating the McDonald's burger - I actually watched an Sonic Employee hand out bags of food to each of the three people with signs - one at the Walmart driveway corner, one near the Dollar store, and one at the driveway across the street where McDonald's is. Seems minimum wage employees are more generous than wealthy old people. Not surprised. A little disgusted, but not surprised.
Everybody knows (at least the enlightened ones know) that the BEST vacations are spent just walking the earth and sleeping in graveyards. They were my favorite vacations from age 25 to about 50 - just hitchhike to a state far away or take a greyhound and then walk or bike back. See the earth up close, baby!

[jimjamuser]

Not sure what you mean by "statistically speaking" but in terms of a percentage of income or of net worth, the 1%ers give about as close to nothing as you can get and still say you are doing something. I remember Walmart bragging about giving 200-ish million dollars to charity. Then someone pointed out that that was like 1/10th of 1% of their income for that year. Sure, 200 mil is nice, it's not buying their way into the promised land.
That is exactly what I meant. Good translation!

[jimjamuser]

90974
Oh, h*ll yes! That IS JUST WHAT America NEEDS - more division into WARING camps. I guess that Jan 6th was not VIOLENT enough for some people. Russia likes to split counties (even tried it in France) into chaotic warring groups - that is their secret weapon, and it is cheaper than missiles and nuclear subs. Can you say, Robert Kagen, sure you can, and he deserves a national security medal for his bravery!
.......Californication or Floridavacation....left of center or right of center. Ask yourself which state has more EMPATHY towards its citizens? Which would vote for or allow a despot to institute military law in it. Which state, in general, would treat homeless people better. If you have working-age relatives, and A.I. and robotics make for 30% UNEMPLOYMENT, which state will provide better unemployment benefits for those you LOVE? AND I can answer those questions this way - it is NOT Florida!!!!!!
.....Let's take insurance and compare Florida with one of those commy-pinko Euro-countries like Finland. You-ALL know how hard it is to fight the Insurance Companies to pay out ANY money for ANYTHING - be it hospital bills, car accidents, storm damage, hurricanes, etc. In Florida, the Insurance Companies RULE your Doctor with an IRON fist. Not so in Finland where it is UNDERSTOOD that the Doctors take precedence over INSURANCE LOBBYISTS. Ask, where do the citizens have greater healthcare that is guaranteed? The answer again is NOT AT ALL in Florida.
.......So a person in Florida can laugh and knock California (like Finland) and laugh about homelessness. But, let that same Floridaman lose their RETIREMENT or wages and become EVICTED - and watch how they look envious at California, and soon after they pack that one suitcase and start hitchhiking WEST to the friendly, welcoming, empathetic arms of California. It could be a NEW carpetbagger ERA MOVING west!

[jdulej]

Oh, h*ll yes! That IS JUST WHAT America NEEDS - more division into WARING camps. I guess that Jan 6th was not VIOLENT enough for some people. Russia likes to split counties (even tried it in France) into chaotic warring groups - that is their secret weapon, and it is cheaper than missiles and nuclear subs. Can you say, Robert Kagen, sure you can, and he deserves a national security medal for his bravery!
.......Californication or Floridavacation....left of center or right of center. Ask yourself which state has more EMPATHY towards its citizens? Which would vote for or allow a despot to institute military law in it. Which state, in general, would treat homeless people better. If you have working-age relatives, and A.I. and robotics make for 30% UNEMPLOYMENT, which state will provide better unemployment benefits for those you LOVE? AND I can answer those questions this way - it is NOT Florida!!!!!!
.....Let's take insurance and compare Florida with one of those commy-pinko Euro-countries like Finland. You-ALL know how hard it is to fight the Insurance Companies to pay out ANY money for ANYTHING - be it hospital bills, car accidents, storm damage, hurricanes, etc. In Florida, the Insurance Companies RULE your Doctor with an IRON fist. Not so in Finland where it is UNDERSTOOD that the Doctors take precedence over INSURANCE LOBBYISTS. Ask, where do the citizens have greater healthcare that is guaranteed? The answer again is NOT AT ALL in Florida.
.......So a person in Florida can laugh and knock California (like Finland) and laugh about homelessness. But, let that same Floridaman lose their RETIREMENT or wages and become EVICTED - and watch how they look envious at California, and soon after they pack that one suitcase and start hitchhiking WEST to the friendly, welcoming, empathetic arms of California. It could be a NEW carpetbagger ERA MOVING west!

Well said. Florida is a great place if you have money (and not much of a conscience). It is a terrible place if you are poor

[jimjamuser]

Wow, a sensible post. What a shock on this forum. I would add to those jailed the American drug families (Oxycontin anyone!) who are currently getting a slap on the wrist
Yes!. The infamous Purdue family.