dseag2
Dallas, TX
- Location
- Dallas, TX
First of all, I look forward to hearing your viewpoints.
I was at the dry cleaners last week and the woman working there pointed out a homeless woman who was sitting outside their store on the curb. She said she was always there and she felt so sorry for her. As I was leaving, I gave the woman a $10 bill and told her that even though she didn't ask I wanted to help her. Her voice sounded so sweet when she thanked me. I just felt so sorry for this poor soul because I'm comfortable and one never knows why someone is on the street.
I was back at the dry cleaners today and the manager was there. We were talking about the gentrification of the neighborhood, and she mentioned the homeless woman. I mentioned I gave her $10 last time I was there. She proceeded to tell me about how she is ruining the sidewalk because she is peeing on herself and sitting in it. (Sorry to be so graphic.) She said someone called the police and said she was drunk, even though she wasn't. The police told the manager there are many facilities for the homeless but some still prefer to live on the street. Then she said, "and that's what I think about that". I almost felt embarrassed that I mentioned I gave her money.
I was later talking to my hubby about this. He works for an organization that has shelters for victims of domestic abuse. He confirmed that there ARE options for the homeless but they have regulations like specific hours, no alcohol, etc. so perhaps she just chose not to follow the rules. He also mentioned that it could make the patrons of the store uncomfortable. I do get that. They are running a business.
I still don't regret what I did. I read another thread about how many seniors are now homeless, and it is just so sad. I think so many just consider the homeless a threat or a problem, and no one seems to have come up with a solution for this situation. I just think, "There but for the grace of god go I".
Again, I hope this makes for an interesting discussion.
I was at the dry cleaners last week and the woman working there pointed out a homeless woman who was sitting outside their store on the curb. She said she was always there and she felt so sorry for her. As I was leaving, I gave the woman a $10 bill and told her that even though she didn't ask I wanted to help her. Her voice sounded so sweet when she thanked me. I just felt so sorry for this poor soul because I'm comfortable and one never knows why someone is on the street.
I was back at the dry cleaners today and the manager was there. We were talking about the gentrification of the neighborhood, and she mentioned the homeless woman. I mentioned I gave her $10 last time I was there. She proceeded to tell me about how she is ruining the sidewalk because she is peeing on herself and sitting in it. (Sorry to be so graphic.) She said someone called the police and said she was drunk, even though she wasn't. The police told the manager there are many facilities for the homeless but some still prefer to live on the street. Then she said, "and that's what I think about that". I almost felt embarrassed that I mentioned I gave her money.
I was later talking to my hubby about this. He works for an organization that has shelters for victims of domestic abuse. He confirmed that there ARE options for the homeless but they have regulations like specific hours, no alcohol, etc. so perhaps she just chose not to follow the rules. He also mentioned that it could make the patrons of the store uncomfortable. I do get that. They are running a business.
I still don't regret what I did. I read another thread about how many seniors are now homeless, and it is just so sad. I think so many just consider the homeless a threat or a problem, and no one seems to have come up with a solution for this situation. I just think, "There but for the grace of god go I".
Again, I hope this makes for an interesting discussion.