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 p.1 #8 · Houseless, but not homeless | |
RustyBug wrote:
Well presented, Brent.
I keep a "stash" of $2 bills handy. We have panhandlers at lots of different intersections. After a while you get a feel for those who are scammers vs. legit. I go with my gut on who gets 'em. I also pass out my Bobo's and Belvita's or Pretzel packs (snacks I keep in my truck for me) instead of $$$. The legit ones, appreciate the snack. The scammers look at you weird.
Recently I had a stash of homemade cookies a friend had given me for some A/C repair I did for her. I shared some (not all  ) of them too. Again, given to the right folks, they really appreciated something homemade, too.
And, like you Dan ... I've shared a meal at McD's with a few folks along the way, or put gas in car tank, etc. But, when the BS stories start flyin' around, I pretty much check out. Oh, and the creativity of the "props" they'll use to try and "sell it" .. yeah, some are pure BS. You know, like the ones that push the wheelchair three blocks to the intersection (I go to the park early), then spend all day sitting in it with a bandage on their leg, when I go back that way later. 
Lest folks think I'm insensitive, I've dolled out everything from money to firewood to clothes to food to pillows to camping supplies to "adult" beverages, etc. Been doing this for many years now, including donations of artwork for auctions to raise funds for homeless charities. Like I tell folks ... I can't afford to help everyone, every time, but I do what I can, when I can and try to save some for the next person, too. So, yeah ... I'm on guard to the scammers, to ensure that I'm actually dolling stuff out to the folks that really appreciate it. I won't pretend that I can always tell the diff, but I go with my gut, these days. Not my first rodeo, won't be my last, either. 
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Kent, as far as I'm concerned your actions are a blueprint for how to deal with this situation honestly and admirably. We do most of our food shopping at a Co-op near our house and there are always people at both entrances asking for help--usually money. My personal practice is to not give cash but very often I'll ask if they'd like food. If they say yes, I come back out with something from the deli and it's always appreciated. There's no excuse in a country as wealthy as ours for anybody to not have shelter and enough food.
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