I'm tired of bums with cardboard signs

D

Denise1952

Well-known Member
these are not all Veterans that are on our streets. I'm beginning to wonder if any of them are?? I lived in 2 shelters since 2015, about March I think. My sister and I had an awful blow-up, and I moved out immediately, after staying with her since Aug. 2014. Then I lived in a shelter in Coos Bay OR, and that was for 2 months. I went camping for 3 weeks, then ended up going South toward "hopefully" Lakeport to get subsidized housing I had signed up for a year before.

Since there was still no availability, I stopped in Eureka CA, staying in a shelter for 5 weeks, until I found a room to rent (shared rooms that is) in a clean and sober house. It was the only rent I could afford, but they let me in even though I didn't have either addiction to alcohol or drugs.

So I was all over Eureka, walking, my fave, form of exercise. I met tons of people, both living with them, and seeing them on the street. Eureka had a huge residential area I walked in most of the time (99% of the time in fact) to stay away from the bums. I call them bums because they do not want to live in a shelter or a home because they want to beg money to buy drugs and alcohol. I am sorry they are addicted, but they don't want help because they want to do what they want to do, and don't want rules.

So now I am in Crescent City, nice, small town. And today is beautiful, but I have found in my walks, I have little area to avoid the same, kinds of people. I want to go out and enjoy the weather/area but these folks are here, and it is not just depressing, but I also feel anger towards them:( Just being honest here and I may get body-slammed. But if I go near Safeway, Walmart, Grocery Outlet they are there begging. Some scare me because just the way they look at me. Some I know steal, I've been stole from myself.

Doesn't our country have any laws against pan-handling, or staying in the woods around the perimeter of towns, I mean within 100 feet of the markets in small towns like this. How many of these people actually "need" help and how many won't take a shelter if offered. How many are trying to get out of the gutter?

I don't know, I was so happy to have my own place, but this homeless thing/street people are becoming epidemic. Feedback welcome, even if it's to tell me I have no heart. I do though, for folks that are trying to get out, and up on their feet. I met lots of them in the shelters. Denise
 

hossthehermit said:
Judgemental, ain't ya ? Maybe everyone should be required to take a test to see if they are good enough to live in YOUR world
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I lived in their world, and yes, I am judging them because there are some that are "stealing" because they don't want to follow the laws, and good folks are giving them money. Enabling them to remain bums.
 

hossthehermit said:
Judgemental, ain't ya ? Maybe everyone should be required to take a test to see if they are good enough to live in YOUR world
Click to expand...

Are you a hermit, and curmudgeon, or just fooling around with username "fun"? If you are, than may I ask why?
 
Are you getting your Social Security check Denise?? What would happen if it stopped? Yes.. I also find your post a bit judgmental... No one can know what another person's circumstances are..

Just to show you how it appears.. I went to college Denise... I have TWO degrees.. I am a Registered Nurse, have worked my way into management and my income is in the Six figures... I own two houses.... two brand new cars.... I have more than enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life.. If I could do all this... why didn't you??


See what I'm saying.. I would never say these things to anyone.. because I don't know what the other person has dealt with or what life has dealt them... Neither do you... I am not attacking you. Nor do I mean to be cruel... just showing you how your post sounds.
 
You know "bums" is a non-P.C. word these days, right?

I think a lot of them may be vets. And a lot of them are no doubt alcoholics / druggies. And a lot of them just can't catch a break.

There comes a point where you are so low that you cannot pull yourself up anymore, and you fall through the cracks of all the social systems. Should there be a law that they have to stay 1,000 feet away from "real" people because it's easier that way not to have to see them? Should they be required to ring a bell and yell "UNCLEAN!" whenever they're on the move?
 
I think that most of these people do not want to be helped, Denise.
I agree with you.
Most of the ones with signs do not really want to work, they just want people to give them money, and if you offer to take them to the shelter where they can get a free meal and a place to sleep , they will refuse you. We have offered to do this many times, and I have yet to have even one person actually want to go to a shelter and get food.
When I see one asking for food, I will usually give them something to eat when I can do that; but most of them only want money, and they will be walking around in new looking clothes and expensive tennis shoes, designer jeans, and often smoking a pack of cigarettes.
Cigarettes are pretty expensive, so it seems to me that if a person can afford to buy themselves a pack of cigarettes, then they should have been able to get something to eat instead.

While it is true that some of these people can't help where they are, and probably want to get out of that situation, most of them are content to live like they do , and go around begging for money.
I have seen where people are warning others about a person who was hanging out at some local store all day, asking for money, and then was picked up by their wife at night, driving a nice new car.
Some of these people make several hundred dollars each day from handouts; so it is easy to see why they would want to continue living that way.

I do not think that they are supposed to stand outside of stores or restaurants and stope customers; but they often do. The best thing that I have found, is to report it to the manager of the store and let them deal with the person.
It scares me ,too, when one of these guys is following me out to my car asking for money !
 
I tried to explain about the differences I saw in those less fortunate. I am talking about people that are purposely begging money and living outside the system so they do not have to follow the law.

I had no money QS, zero, I lived in those shelters during that time, and followed the rules, so I got to stay. I believe there is lots of help out there for folks that want to recover, find homes, be a productive member of this country. I don't think enabling is a healthy thing. I wasn't enabled, by anyone. I had to work at the shelters to earn my keep. Judgmental is sort of an "instant" word whenever someone disagrees with the way other folks might be living, or even cheating other folks.

It's not my job to judge anyone, but I do feel it is my right to question where the "help" is distributed.
 
But Denise, don't you see that you're comparing yourself to others?

You have more on the ball than them. You had more resources. Maybe Fate just decided to smile down on you.

You can't know all of their situations just by assumption. Mental illness can also be a driving factor for many of the homeless. They're paranoid, they're delusional, they fear having their stuff stolen in a shelter. Perhaps they were mugged / raped in a shelter.

You just never know.
 
I really find it hard to believe that anyone wants to live in the streets and beg for food...and thinks it's just a fine life. Now.. I'm not talking about the mentally ill.. that is an entire different matter. Most of these people are paranoid schizophrenics and don't trust anyone..
 
Happyflowerlady said:
I think that most of these people do not want to be helped, Denise.
I agree with you.
Most of the ones with signs do not really want to work, they just want people to give them money, and if you offer to take them to the shelter where they can get a free meal and a place to sleep , they will refuse you. We have offered to do this many times, and I have yet to have even one person actually want to go to a shelter and get food.
When I see one asking for food, I will usually give them something to eat when I can do that; but most of them only want money, and they will be walking around in new looking clothes and expensive tennis shoes, designer jeans, and often smoking a pack of cigarettes.
Cigarettes are pretty expensive, so it seems to me that if a person can afford to buy themselves a pack of cigarettes, then they should have been able to get something to eat instead.

While it is true that some of these people can't help where they are, and probably want to get out of that situation, most of them are content to live like they do , and go around begging for money.
I have seen where people are warning others about a person who was hanging out at some local store all day, asking for money, and then was picked up by their wife at night, driving a nice new car.
Some of these people make several hundred dollars each day from handouts; so it is easy to see why they would want to continue living that way.

I do not think that they are supposed to stand outside of stores or restaurants and stope customers; but they often do. The best thing that I have found, is to report it to the manager of the store and let them deal with the person.
It scares me ,too, when one of these guys is following me out to my car asking for money !
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Thanks Hfl, I am more frightened than judgmental I believe. I literally do not want to walk out there alone now, not here anyway. I just wanted to discuss it, and if I am proven wrong, and I am just a judgmental ole biddy, then I can clean up my act. I just don't feel I am. I love helping folks that truly want help, whenever I can. I see them too, doing low-paying jobs, trying. I don't know how some come to the point of "falling down" but here is just too much help out there if they want help.

I am sure there are some cases where yeah, something unfair was done to them, but it's not an excuse to stay "down" if they are physically, and mentally able to get back up. There are a lot of mentally ill on the streets. That is because there are not a lot of mental hospitals I guess. I think it is a horrible thing that some folks are left to wander by themselves, when they "can't" help themselves:( I'm talking about those that can.
 
While there are probably those who prefer "panhandling" to trying to get a job, I would imagine that many of the "homeless" are suffering from some sort of mental illness. Given the sorry state of mental health care in this nation, there is little help available for many of these people. The one's I would feel sorry for are the homeless vets. Some of these vets have probably been through Hell, and it has affected them mentally...and they are being cast off by our society.
 
I have a feeling this is exactly the attitude the top 1% uber rich have about the rest of us.. If we were smart enough or made better decisions.. we would be as rich as they are..
 
QuickSilver said:
I really find it hard to believe that anyone wants to live in the streets and beg for food...and thinks it's just a fine life. Now.. I'm not talking about the mentally ill.. that is an entire different matter. Most of these people are paranoid schizophrenics and don't trust anyone..
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I've met some QS, I don't know about most, but there are folks that do like it. The do not want to follow the law, it is way more beneficial (financially) to beg money. It is hard to believe, but it is true.
 
Meringue said:
I always think, " there but for the grace of God go I". :( And who am I to condemn the less fortunate.
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But are they less fortunate?? There ARE people out there enjoying their "chosen" lifestyle. They would not give up what they are making off those cardboard signs. Many have children and pets with them to get more from kind, giving folks that are not informed.
 
Don M. said:
While there are probably those who prefer "panhandling" to trying to get a job, I would imagine that many of the "homeless" are suffering from some sort of mental illness. Given the sorry state of mental health care in this nation, there is little help available for many of these people. The one's I would feel sorry for are the homeless vets. Some of these vets have probably been through Hell, and it has affected them mentally...and they are being cast off by our society.
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I would agree Don, but do the Veterans not have VA Hospitals they can go to? My Uncle worked in one for 30-40 years because he was unable to join the service. I knew a guy that was offered everything to help him get on with a decent life. He left after 2 weeks because he wanted to fly his sign. I know the mental illness must have played into that, or at least his desire to drink.
 
QuickSilver said:
I have a feeling this is exactly the attitude the top 1% uber rich have about the rest of us.. If we were smart enough or made better decisions.. we would be as rich as they are..
Click to expand...

I know some wealthy, or at least, well-off Republicans and/or christians that do NOT think this way at all. Of course there are people that think that, there are poor who are judging the other side of the coin as well. Humans, ALL humans are imperfect, and I admit I am human, surprise surprise. I will apologize though if I am wrong, and need to straighten up my attitude and ideas about others.
 
I believe that alot of these folks have mental health issues- many no doubt because of substance abuse. The powers-that-be have determined that it would be a violation of their

constitutional rights to put them in mental health care facilities....also alot cheaper to let them roam the asphalt jungles.

What to do? :shrug:
 
Judge not...etc.

Denise, here's how I feel on the subject of what appears to be another person's situation: I used to be a very, very large person. Actually, I was just plain fat. When I finally got to the point where I could no longer live with myself as I was, I went on a diet. It took a long time to lose more than 100 lbs, and after I did, every time I'd see a person who was overweight, I'd think to myself "if I could do it, anybody can do it" but that's not reality. There are people who just can't lose weight for whatever reason. They didn't all get that way by simply cramming food in with both hands.

I don't know when it occurred to me that I was being judgmental, but it did. I had no way of knowing what others' circumstances were, how or whether they had tried to lose weight, what caused them to gain weight in the first place. I was just grateful that I'd had the fortitude to lose my own extra pounds.

It's a case of there-but-for-the-grace-of-God-go-I.

Those folks are more to be pitied than censured.
 
QuickSilver said:
Are you getting your Social Security check Denise?? What would happen if it stopped? Yes.. I also find your post a bit judgmental... No one can know what another person's circumstances are..

Just to show you how it appears.. I went to college Denise... I have TWO degrees.. I am a Registered Nurse, have worked my way into management and my income is in the Six figures... I own two houses.... two brand new cars.... I have more than enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life.. If I could do all this... why didn't you??


See what I'm saying.. I would never say these things to anyone.. because I don't know what the other person has dealt with or what life has dealt them... Neither do you... I am not attacking you. Nor do I mean to be cruel... just showing you how your post sounds.
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It sounds that way to you, I understand. I had every opportunity you did QS, but I neglected to take advantage of it. That is why I am on low-income retirement money. I do not feel anyone in this country owes me a thing, I don't believe I am entitled. The one thing I earned, and feel entitled to is the money I paid in SS. If I was too sick to function, or incapable of caring for myself, I would hope for some kindness from others, but I never want to be enabled. Like I said, that is unhealthy for a person that can very well help themselves.

Another thing about me, I was hurt on a warehouse job. But I didn't file for workman's comp. It was my fault I was hurt. I kept on working when I knew I was injuring myself. Call me stupid, but why sue, or draw money from someone when I knew I did it to myself. I won't even take anything extra from a foodbank because I have enough to get the things I need, not just grab a bunch of food others need worse than I do.
 
GeorgiaXplant said:
Judge not...etc.

Denise, here's how I feel on the subject of what appears to be another person's situation: I used to be a very, very large person. Actually, I was just plain fat. When I finally got to the point where I could no longer live with myself as I was, I went on a diet. It took a long time to lose more than 100 lbs, and after I did, every time I'd see a person who was overweight, I'd think to myself "if I could do it, anybody can do it" but that's not reality. There are people who just can't lose weight for whatever reason. They didn't all get that way by simply cramming food in with both hands.

I don't know when it occurred to me that I was being judgmental, but it did. I had no way of knowing what others' circumstances were, how or whether they had tried to lose weight, what caused them to gain weight in the first place. I was just grateful that I'd had the fortitude to lose my own extra pounds.

It's a case of there-but-for-the-grace-of-God-go-I.

Those folks are more to be pitied than censured.
Click to expand...

So even if they choose to be beggars, instead of working they should keep on being enabled?

That's what I am getting from some of you. This is about people that would rather "milk" the system, than follow the laws, or try to help themselves. NOT ABOUT people that are truly less fortunate.
 
tnthomas said:
I believe that alot of these folks have mental health issues- many no doubt because of substance abuse. The powers-that-be have determined that it would be a violation of their

constitutional rights to put them in mental health care facilities....also alot cheaper to let them roam the asphalt jungles.

What to do? :shrug:
Click to expand...

I'm all for finding "what to do" Thomas, that's the whole thing. Otherwise, it is a growing epidemic out there, of folks that are milking the system, or people, and filling our cities with garbage in the parks areas. That's the thing to, camp out in the backyard of someplace like Walmart, and dump your garbage everywhere. They don't care, it's like they do not want to be a part of society unless it benefits them. But they don't want to benefit society.
 
I agree with you Denise so I guess that makes me a member of the Judgemental Club. I have personally stopped my car, parked it and then personally approached and talked to some of the BUMS that are carrying signs claiming to be VETS all to find out that they are not VETS. One of the local TV stations interviewd a guy that stands on a prominent street corner that actually bragged that he made over $80,000 pan handling in 2014.
 
Hey... That's capitalism.... I thought you were in favor of that..... He makes 80 grand doing nothing.. and not breaking the law.. He's an entrepreneur.. shouldn't you be patting him on the back? lol!!
 

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