Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Question About Homeless People at Walmart (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/question-about-homeless-people-walmart-324522/)

Rwirish 09-26-2021 06:33 AM

No ones business if one donates or not.

RMHisle 09-26-2021 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdulej (Post 2009218)
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 09-26-2021 06:40 AM

All I can say is get a job!

4557Spahr 09-26-2021 06:42 AM

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

Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com 09-26-2021 06:54 AM

Easy fix to this
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by RMHisle (Post 2009246)
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 09-26-2021 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009052)
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 09-26-2021 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009052)
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 09-26-2021 06:57 AM

Easy fix to this
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by RMHisle (Post 2009246)
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 09-26-2021 07:00 AM

Scam
 
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 09-26-2021 07:01 AM

Tax free income, now some serious money.

Dana1963 09-26-2021 07:02 AM

I drive right by without giving a second look.

Nucky 09-26-2021 07:04 AM

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 09-26-2021 07:08 AM

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

kimmerlie 09-26-2021 07:20 AM

Homeless people or anyone looking for work
 
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 09-26-2021 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonnevie (Post 2009097)
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 09-26-2021 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by La lamy (Post 2009111)
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 09-26-2021 07:53 AM

True Story
 
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 09-26-2021 07:54 AM

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

kendi 09-26-2021 07:58 AM

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 09-26-2021 08:09 AM

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

Marine1974 09-26-2021 08:20 AM

Free handouts from government
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009052)
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 09-26-2021 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MandoMan (Post 2009208)
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 09-26-2021 08:25 AM

Beggers
 
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 09-26-2021 08:25 AM

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 09-26-2021 08:27 AM

Absolutely Not!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009052)
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 09-26-2021 08:41 AM

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 09-26-2021 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcwood4d (Post 2009345)
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 09-26-2021 08:56 AM

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 09-26-2021 08:59 AM

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 09-26-2021 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe (Post 2009374)
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 09-26-2021 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charbo8@att.net (Post 2009355)
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. 09-26-2021 09:27 AM

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 09-26-2021 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 2009159)
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 09-26-2021 09:38 AM

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 09-26-2021 09:43 AM

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

butlerism 09-26-2021 09:44 AM

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 09-26-2021 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luggage (Post 2009229)
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 09-26-2021 10:00 AM

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 09-26-2021 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MandoMan (Post 2009208)
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 09-26-2021 10:05 AM

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.


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