Out of gas in Murray KY on way to AZ

It is a shame that we have all become so cynical including myself but the reality is that we are getting worse as a nation with more people dependent on gov't help as time goes by. Whether it was a scam or someone in genuine need only God knows. But I trust somehow you Gale and the others that helped will be blessed for the help you provided. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

rockhillmanor wrote:

IndyCamp wrote:
This is always a touchy subject.

It sounds like many of you live in the suburbs or rural areas, where you don't encounter "real" homeless people.

We spend a lot of time in a big city, and it is easy to see who is really homeless and who is just standing at an exit ramp with a sign.

Don't assume we don't know what a homeless person is.

I'm originally from Chicago. And in regards to the really homeless albeit almost all druggies, There are so many shelters that offer a warm, clean place to stay and food. YET because they don't want to abide by a few rules they 'choose' not to take advantage of what is offered. I have absolutely no sympathy for them.

The true homeless down on their luck for whatever economical reason DO take advantage of all what is offered by government agencies and the plethera of non profit shelters, churches etc EVERY town across the USA. These people are not standing in the Walmart parking lot 8 hours a day ripping people off.

The OP post is about 'panhandlers'. NOT for money to survive, money to TAKE money cause they can and not because they need it to survive.
I.E. panhandling for profit.

That said. I have never been south before and these type of scammers on the streets and in walmart parking lots are very prevalent down here.

Rock the OP wasn't about a panhandle!

Relocating transients is common. North in the summer and South in the winter. Some seek work but many don't.

Sorry for their children and the working folk that carry the load.

Not necessarily charitable, but does help to move them along. Good luck to the tax payers of Phoenix.

IndyCamp wrote:
This is always a touchy subject.

It sounds like many of you live in the suburbs or rural areas, where you don't encounter "real" homeless people.

We spend a lot of time in a big city, and it is easy to see who is really homeless and who is just standing at an exit ramp with a sign.

Don't assume we don't know what a homeless person is.

I'm originally from Chicago. And in regards to the really homeless albeit almost all druggies, There are so many shelters that offer a warm, clean place to stay and food. YET because they don't want to abide by a few rules they 'choose' not to take advantage of what is offered. I have absolutely no sympathy for them.

The true homeless down on their luck for whatever economical reason DO take advantage of all what is offered by government agencies and the plethera of non profit shelters, churches etc EVERY town across the USA. These people are not standing in the Walmart parking lot 8 hours a day ripping people off.

The OP post is about 'panhandlers'. NOT for money to survive, money to TAKE money cause they can and not because they need it to survive.
I.E. panhandling for profit.

That said. I have never been south before and these type of scammers on the streets and in walmart parking lots are very prevalent down here.

Bobbo wrote:
Not a homeless person on the street, but DD (now 34 years old) yesterday reminded me of an incident from when she was about 16. We were in WallyWorld at the customer service desk a few weeks before Christmas. A teenage mother came in to make a layaway payment on her child's Christmas present.

DD said I stepped up to the desk, handed my charge card to the clerk, and said to pay it off.

I don't remember that, but DD said it made a profound impression on her at the time.

Good for you! That makes better sense.

seaeagle2 wrote:
Here in the Seattle area, where panhandling is prolific, they actually have to work shifts at busy off ramps, there will be a group of 6 or 8 sitting out of sight, one holds the sign for a while then they spell each other. They did a study and found that sadly, you can't really tell an individuals circumstances. Some are scammers, making a fairly good income, some are battling drug and alcohol issues, some are mentally ill, some are just plain fringe individuals (drifters), but sadly in most all cases, just giving money doesn't really solve anything, it just enables them to continue.

Down in San Francisco can't remember the street name, but at every single block intersection divider there was a person sitting on a blue milk crate with the exact same hand written cardboard sign. This went on for about 8 blocks , on the 9th block the person was missing , but the sign was laying on the milk crate we joked and said he must be on his union break...

Yes there are truly the homeless and needy ,unfortunately like everything else there are the ones that abuse it !

Here in the Seattle area, where panhandling is prolific, they actually have to work shifts at busy off ramps, there will be a group of 6 or 8 sitting out of sight, one holds the sign for a while then they spell each other. They did a study and found that sadly, you can't really tell an individuals circumstances. Some are scammers, making a fairly good income, some are battling drug and alcohol issues, some are mentally ill, some are just plain fringe individuals (drifters), but sadly in most all cases, just giving money doesn't really solve anything, it just enables them to continue.

midnightsadie wrote:
guy on Tv said he makes over $60k a year begging.

And all tax free, too

Not a homeless person on the street, but DD (now 34 years old) yesterday reminded me of an incident from when she was about 16. We were in WallyWorld at the customer service desk a few weeks before Christmas. A teenage mother came in to make a layaway payment on her child's Christmas present.

DD said I stepped up to the desk, handed my charge card to the clerk, and said to pay it off.

I don't remember that, but DD said it made a profound impression on her at the time.

I look at the panhandlers as working their job. You don't have to give or participate in their lifestyle. Many work every day for a few bucks why hate on them??
I don't believe any of the stories of panhandlers driving new cars if it was true you know **** straight that it would be all over the internet. Every "story" of a panhandler going to their new Cadillac always was seen by a friend of a friend. The research shows that the average wage of the panhandler is about 20-30 dollars a day. Look it up.
If you don't agree with these folks don't give.

jesseannie