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ItWasMe · 04-23-2007, 11:43 PM

I don't often give them money, but I'm not often asked. But I've never turned down anyone who asked for food. Even if it's just snacks that I already have with me. My dad taught me that, and I am teaching my kids that.

I have heard that many homeless/panhandlers prefer that way of life. Although it may be true for some, I believe that it isn't the case for many.

I knew a person who did fundraisers for a well known charity for homeless, but I can't remember the charity name off the top of my head now. He explained once that one big problem with homelessness is that many of them have mental problems and can't hold down a job. That our state mental hospitals used to keep them, but now they won't unless they are a direct threat to themselves or to others. They just evaluate them, then send the non-threatening ones out the door to fend for themselves. The ones who don't have family, or who don't have family who know about their dilemma, end up sleeping on park benches, etc.

There could be more to the story, and it does not apply to all homeless. But this is what he explained.

04-23-2007, 11:43 PM	#26 (permalink)
ItWasMe But You'll Never Prove It. Location: under your bed	I don't often give them money, but I'm not often asked. But I've never turned down anyone who asked for food. Even if it's just snacks that I already have with me. My dad taught me that, and I am teaching my kids that. I have heard that many homeless/panhandlers prefer that way of life. Although it may be true for some, I believe that it isn't the case for many. I knew a person who did fundraisers for a well known charity for homeless, but I can't remember the charity name off the top of my head now. He explained once that one big problem with homelessness is that many of them have mental problems and can't hold down a job. That our state mental hospitals used to keep them, but now they won't unless they are a direct threat to themselves or to others. They just evaluate them, then send the non-threatening ones out the door to fend for themselves. The ones who don't have family, or who don't have family who know about their dilemma, end up sleeping on park benches, etc. There could be more to the story, and it does not apply to all homeless. But this is what he explained. __________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Ok, no more truth-or-dare until somebody returns my underwear" ~ George Lopez I bake cookies just so I can lick the bowl. ~ ItWasMe