Community Chat

[gertrudecloset]

Why bother calling the police on a woman who is begging?  I don't think it was noted if she was an addict, drunken person, running after people or something of that nature.  I think it was stated that the woman was asking for help.  What have we come to that we call the police on an elderly person out in the elements asking for help?

The police only coral them around when those in the immediate area make a stink about their presence.  In my city they only bother the homeless people when it gets cold (case workers and outreach workers) try to get them to go to shelters.  

If a large encampment has been erected like a "community" of homeless people then that will be removed.  One lone elderely woman does not create a problem for anyone.

[gertrudecloset]

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@Tori3569 wrote:

Living in NYC I would not call 911 for an elderly (or any) person asking for help.  I give what I can when I can and spend no time worrying about whether it's a scam or not.  

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I agree wholeheartedly!  I too live in NY.  Same for me too with giving.  

[FiddleDeeDee]

I give to no one. I donate via purchasing what local organizations need because giving money often goes into the pockets of those in charge (usually the entire organization is successful due to volunteers with one paid person and well, I've seen too many money trails gone bad to donate funds).

For many whose career is that of working with the homeless, those in need, the frustration levels are often reached very quickly in that career. The turnover is extremely high and it's not surprising. I tell friends/co-workers that if they want to truly help, educate themselves on the issues surrounding homelessness/why there is so much need in their community. Then search out groups who are in the trenches to REALLY help these men, women and children. Do NOT give to anyone on a corner, in front of a store, in a parking lot; rarely are they legit. Instead, take your desire to assist your fellow person and help in a direct way. 

[SouthernBee]

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@gertrudecloset wrote:

Why bother calling the police on a woman who is begging?  I don't think it was noted if she was an addict, drunken person, running after people or something of that nature.  I think it was stated that the woman was asking for help.  What have we come to that we call the police on an elderly person out in the elements asking for help?

The police only coral them around when those in the immediate area make a stink about their presence.  In my city they only bother the homeless people when it gets cold (case workers and outreach workers) try to get them to go to shelters.  

If a large encampment has been erected like a "community" of homeless people then that will be removed.  One lone elderely woman does not create a problem for anyone.

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@gertrudecloset : I know so many elderly people that it is extremely difficult for them to admit they they need help and extremely difficult for them to ask for help because they were always the one that helped others.

[Tinkrbl44]

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@FancyPhillyshopper wrote:

@PhilaLady1 

@Tinkrbl44 

Well, I don't know about other big cities, but Philadelphia now offers behavioral health crisis response supports and services when one calls 911.

So yes, if you are really worried about the health, welfare and safety of an individual, it would be very appropriate to call for government services that perhaps could provide much more realistic assistance than any handout of a few dollars.

But sometimes those people asking for handouts just want a little cash and are not really interested in seeking supports or changing their lifestyles.  My father would always tell people who were begging for money for food that he would be happy to take them to a restaurant or a store so they could eat whatever they wanted.  Most of the time they really just wanted cash to buy alcohol.  Nowadays many people on the streets are, unfortunately, drug users.

All over large cities are homeless and people begging.  In Philly it occurs at busy intersections, in front of large stores, and on the downtown streets. It is not necessarily a healthy or safe situation to encourage this activity. A lot of the individuals are young and healthy, and could easily find jobs if they chose to pursue work, due to the many openings in our area.

I support several very responsive charities, and I know they have services available for those that need them--but they have to want them as well.

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@FancyPhillyshopper 

But they have to "want" services, as well .... really?   

I'm pretty sure that most homeless WANT help ....  but not everyone has the ability to whip out their smartphone and search the internet for services and paying jobs in their zip code.   

Not every homeless person sitting on a bench is able to apply for a job if they have nowhere safe to sleep or bathe and no phone ...  and no other clothes.  Nor are they all "young and healthy".   

A friend told me of a man he met a few years ago, trying to get some money for some alcohol ... yes, alcohol.  He hadn't been to a dentist in well over a decade and suffered from constant intense dental pain, only temporarily relieved by alcohol.   Can you just see a homeless person wandering into a dental building, trying to get the help of dentist to stop the pain?    

While I am sure your community has some good programs, they're not as accessable as it would seem to someone who has been on the streets for too long and doesn't understand the HOW of how to get help.  Many would feel too afraid, humiliated and too threatened to do so.  

[Rockycoast]

I don't give to beggars either. I donate to the organizations that help them, of which there are many.  Churches, Government, private organizations, food banks, are all set up to help. That is where the donations do the most good.

[reiki604]

I would rather err on the side of caring and the Golden Rule and be out a couple of bucks than close my heart and soul to those in need. There but for the grace of G-d go I or any of us. 

[gertrudecloset]

We should never ever forget the co-morbidities that many homeless people have either.  Of course, there are many homeless people who became homeless for lack of a particular resource during a time in their life that they had no control over.  An illness and inability to work for your paycheck will create a homeless population with the quick fast.  Living paycheck to paycheck and you miss one or two due to an illness and one day you're homeless.  There are some who have never been in trouble with the law.  There are some that have had short stays in and out.  Social capital.  The homeless need social capital.  I don't know if there are enough resources for the problem in my city.  There is some, but will it help all who need help?  Not likely.  

Many have family who don't want to be bothered with them.  Some have family who have done all they can for their family member, but whatever they do is not enough.  There are no blanket scenarios when it comes to the homeless situation in these United States.  There are many reasons why people are homeless.

[Stray]

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@Silver Lining wrote:

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@Sooner wrote:

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

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@PhilaLady1 wrote:

Maybe better to call 911 than to approach personally.

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@PhilaLady1 

Call 911 for what, exactly?   Someone was asking for help?  Really?

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@Tinkrbl44 Absolutely if they are impaired, aggressive, or high.  The police will take them somewhere to get help.  If it is a scam, they will move them along. 

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@Sooner,  I don't know about all cities nation wide. The ones I know of will take a 911 call and connect the caller to the police department. If the police officer goes to the scene and the person is aggressive, drunk, high, unwilling to cooperate, the police officer will take them to jail. 

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In my area, you can call 911 for a non emergency wellness call.   Often, they send a social worker who hooks people up with county agencies or the local food bank or free meals at a senior center or other services if need be.  Our town is small but by the GW bridge in N NJ.   I worked in NYC all of my professional career and I think there is a number but not 911. 

[Spurt]

@qvcaddition 

This is even worse....

A doctor was on a news show and said that some people that lived in more rural areas could not afford the gas to get to the hospital for their cancer or heart treatments, which in some cases could involve several visits in one week....

One woman said her grandson used to drive her and they would stop at Chick-Fil-A for a treat as "payment" but sadly she couldnt even afford to treat her grandson....

SO SAD!