In my area, there was some investigating on the many stoplight panhandlers, and some of them were seen on camera taking the money they were given and immediately going to play the slots…
Got approached by a guy in the Winco parking lot after he saw my USAA sticker. Whined about VA not covering his meds (probably nicotine and alcohol). Told him I’ve worked for every penny I have and there was no way he was a Vietnam vet. As I started walking to the store, he was giving someone else (fish sticker) a song and dance about jebus helping him with his alcohol problem.
Any thing you finance you get more of. Unemployment is at record lows. Most of these “curb ambassadors” aren’t homeless. They are street people by choice.
Our local PD asks us not to give them anything because it can disrupt traffic and there are places they can go for food, etc. Our monetary donations can go to these places.
You know, for a little while, one of them was doing a juggling act and was entertaining while waiting for the endless light at the Mill Plain Blvd exit. I don’t normally carry cash, but noticed the four drivers ahead gave him some. Felt kinda bad actually, he entertained us and yet we did not enumerate him.
So made it a point to leave a US $5 in the car-but have not seen the mystery juggler since. Just the endless “need money for motel room” and “Vietnam vet forced from home.” Yet we have a well funded housing program for the homeless that is funded through a 1% property tax—which is 1/3 the budget we provide for C-Tran (our local transit agency). So those I drive past and never have a pang for.
sue hurley Premium Member almost 5 years ago
You do not HAVE to give anything. The more you give them, the more of them that show up to get in on it….
Say What Now‽ Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Bub will be standing in the middle of the road asking for change just so he can give change to those asking for change.
Kendall BoomSmith almost 5 years ago
I just ignore them… I have been suckered too many times by people with “hard luck” stories that turned out to be scams.
TheBigPickle almost 5 years ago
In my area, there was some investigating on the many stoplight panhandlers, and some of them were seen on camera taking the money they were given and immediately going to play the slots…
david_42 almost 5 years ago
Got approached by a guy in the Winco parking lot after he saw my USAA sticker. Whined about VA not covering his meds (probably nicotine and alcohol). Told him I’ve worked for every penny I have and there was no way he was a Vietnam vet. As I started walking to the store, he was giving someone else (fish sticker) a song and dance about jebus helping him with his alcohol problem.
mourdac Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Contribute to organizations which provide support to the homeless.
Teto85 Premium Member almost 5 years ago
“The Man with the Twisted Lip”
Ukko wilko almost 5 years ago
Any thing you finance you get more of. Unemployment is at record lows. Most of these “curb ambassadors” aren’t homeless. They are street people by choice.
Joy B Adams Custer almost 5 years ago
Our local PD asks us not to give them anything because it can disrupt traffic and there are places they can go for food, etc. Our monetary donations can go to these places.
baraktorvan almost 5 years ago
You know, for a little while, one of them was doing a juggling act and was entertaining while waiting for the endless light at the Mill Plain Blvd exit. I don’t normally carry cash, but noticed the four drivers ahead gave him some. Felt kinda bad actually, he entertained us and yet we did not enumerate him.
So made it a point to leave a US $5 in the car-but have not seen the mystery juggler since. Just the endless “need money for motel room” and “Vietnam vet forced from home.” Yet we have a well funded housing program for the homeless that is funded through a 1% property tax—which is 1/3 the budget we provide for C-Tran (our local transit agency). So those I drive past and never have a pang for.
But to the juggler—-I have now $10 for you.