Posted October 30, 200717 yr Do you give money to random bums? I do sometimes, but damn, I get asked on a daily basis and if I tried to help them all out, I'd be broke. Seeing the injuries of capitalism is kinda depressing but some of them really are just lazy, drunk, and/or crackheads. Growing up in the city I've become somewhat good at differentiating between people on hard times and say...the meth wh*res. You can spot a meth head by looking at their face. I find myself avoiding the short vine kroger a few blocks away because I get annoyed by panhandlers in the frozen food isle. One time I had like 30 bucks cash left to my name even though I was working 30 hours a week and in school and got approached by a bum while at the pump, and went off on him. Maybe I shouldn't have done that.
October 30, 200717 yr No. And I recommend to anyone that thinks they are helping someone by doing so that they give their money to an organized charity instead. Giving money directly to panhandlers often means that you are giving money to a small time con artist, boozer, or druggy. Even if they are legitimately going to use the money for food or shelter, there are places where they can go to get these things and also be seen, at least briefly, by social workers or mental health screeners. But if you give them money or even food on the streets, you are enabling them to avoid these people and a chance to actually fix their problems.
October 30, 200717 yr Anyone know where they can they go in Cincinnati to get help? I'll be glad to let them know next time they annoy the sh!t out of me ;)
October 30, 200717 yr No, and I do not recommend doing so for the reasons that X mentioned. Also, by giving money to people on the streets, you are encouraging them to continue panhandling. This is why I think there are those regulars on Court Street. They are practically guaranteed money at that spot, and I have seen several people hand money to bums. There are definitely scam artists. One that comes to mind is a white guy from Hyde Park that has frequented the downtown area. He usually has a story about friends stranding him. He uses the money to support his drug habit (I think heroin) and to buy frappachinos from Starbucks.
October 30, 200717 yr They'll ask you for a buck, then if you say no, they try to negotiate. If you give them the buck, they ask you if you have 5 bucks. It's always a story about how they're stranded a few blocks away. One time I told a guy I'd call AAA for him (BEST THING INVENTED...EVER). Of course he just walked away.
October 30, 200717 yr This is the guy xumelanie is talking about. Joe Wessels blogged about him and I alluded to the post. http://joewessels.net/2007/04/26/watch-out-for-this-guy/
October 30, 200717 yr BallHat...I read your blog. Columbus is MUCH better when it comes to panhandling and Im familiar with every neighborhood. You usually get asked next to Skullys which conveniently has concrete couches nearby on the sidewalk. Bum central.
October 30, 200717 yr Anyone know where they can they go in Cincinnati to get help? I'm trying to research that myself. I've heard good things about St. Francis Seraph's Soup Kitchen (people have to follow the rules to get food, they are good neighbors, etc.). I am also curious to know places that try to get people off the streets instead of enabling them.
October 30, 200717 yr i'd be interested in places in uptown-- Clifton, Clifton Heights, Corryville, Avondale, OTR etc. Some people just don't know what their resources are and how to utilize them. If they did, they might not be in the situtation they're in, in the first place.
October 30, 200717 yr Anyone know where they can they go in Cincinnati to get help? I'm trying to research that myself. I've heard good things about St. Francis Seraph's Soup Kitchen (people have to follow the rules to get food, they are good neighbors, etc.). I am also curious to know places that try to get people off the streets instead of enabling them. Let us know the outcomes of your research!
October 30, 200717 yr Only once, several years ago when I was in college. It was a few days before Christmas and I was walking up High Street in Columbus. The streets were pretty empty because students had gone home for the break. I was feeling the holiday spirit and a Vietnam Vet (at least he claimed to be) asked for some money to get something to eat. I dug in my pockets and handed him the loose change I had which was probably 80 or 90 cents. So then he started cussing me out because apparently what I gave him was an insult. I cussed back at him and turned to go on my way. As I did he followed me for about a block challenging me to fight. That was definitely the last time I’ll ever do that.
October 30, 200717 yr I don't, but I try to donate my money and time to established charities. When I lived in NYC, I had a bunch of money left over on my food plan, so my friend and I raided the student store and took bags down to the Salvation Army. The lady who worked there couldn't have been more appreciative, and we weren't even doing anything that impressive.
October 30, 200717 yr Not most of the time, but once in a while, depending on the situation yes. And I don't like the word bum. It is not an accurate description. Each person has their own story, some more compelling and sympathetic than others.
October 30, 200717 yr I always do, I don't have the ability to say no. If I was in a more urban enviroment on a daily basis, I assume I'd get used to denying handouts.
October 30, 200717 yr I went to a concert at Bogarts last week and the bums(6+) were out in force. I caved in to one older gent, but said no to the rest as we were stuck in line waiting for the doors to open. There was one cop up there and didn't chase anyone away. One guy held a sign that said, "Give some money or I'll kick you in the mouth." The kicker was the guy was in a wheelchair and had no legs.
October 30, 200717 yr No...I don't know who really is in need and who isn't. Also, I don't have any money to give out...I'm BROKE!
October 30, 200717 yr I always do, I don't have the ability to say no. inkaelin, do you have some money? ;)
October 30, 200717 yr No. And I recommend to anyone that thinks they are helping someone by doing so that they give their money to an organized charity instead. Giving money directly to panhandlers often means that you are giving money to a small time con artist, boozer, or druggy. Even if they are legitimately going to use the money for food or shelter, there are places where they can go to get these things and also be seen, at least briefly, by social workers or mental health screeners. But if you give them money or even food on the streets, you are enabling them to avoid these people and a chance to actually fix their problems. No, and I despise people who do after being robbed by a homeless person in Cincinnati last year.
October 30, 200717 yr CHAAANGE... Can you spare some change? CHAAANGE... Classic South Park episode...
October 30, 200717 yr You guys all sound like Republicans! Welcome!!!!! Not quite... this is how most Republicans would handle the situation ;-) :laugh: clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
October 30, 200717 yr You guys all sound like Republicans! Welcome!!!!! Not quite... this is how most Republicans would handle the situation ;-) :laugh: Best. Graphic. EVER.
October 30, 200717 yr Whatever you guys need to do and say to justify to yourselves NOT giving to panhandlers is okay by me. Whatever makes you feel better. Calling them bums, con artists, boozers, is very disrespectful. You are all so compassionate and understanding, its rather sickening.
October 30, 200717 yr See... the lefties get too sappy and serious and don't get it; the righties are callous and evil and can't get it; for us moderates, people GET our attempts at humor ;-) clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
October 30, 200717 yr If I knew the person was truly disabled or in a bad place then I wouldn't mind giving some money...but the bottom line is that it's almost impossible to tell, unless you ask but then that would take some trust of a complete stranger. I am always polite and at least respond to them...sometimes I'll even engage in a conversation with them. But the bottom line is that there are better/different ways to help these people. I don't give out of guilt, but rather compassion...I think there is a major difference there.
October 30, 200717 yr I donate some of my hard-earned wages to local charities, like the Red Cross and to other noteworthy organizations that _do not_ distribute the money to the homeless -- but rather assist those who are down-on-their-luck or who are homeless through social welfare programs. According to a recent scholarly book I am currently reading, "Poverty and Discrimination" by Lang, those who are bums and who panhandle are most likely scam artists or if they are legit, 75% will use the money to purchase alcohol, cigarettes or non-essential goods that do not boost their social standing. In other words, the money has been wasted for most. I'm polite when I refuse to hand them my money, by saying, "No thank you." I don't give because I feel like I've been robbed or cheated many times over, but because there are better ways to spend your money as I outlined above. Give out to organizations, not to people directly.
October 30, 200717 yr I always do, I don't have the ability to say no. inkaelin, do you have some money? ;) Remind me not to attend a Cincinnati meet.
October 30, 200717 yr One time a bum asked me for money to buy a sandwich. I happened to pack my lunch that day, so I actually gave him a sandwich. It happened again, so I started bringing extra food. I gave away food to perhaps 10 people on different occasions. Here's a lesson for you. Not a single one ever ate the food, as far as I am aware.
October 30, 200717 yr One time a bum asked me for money to buy a sandwich. I happened to pack my lunch that day, so I actually gave him a sandwich. It happened again, so I started bringing extra food. I gave away food to perhaps 10 people on different occasions. Here's a lesson for you. Not a single one ever ate the food, as far as I am aware. That's depressing.
October 30, 200717 yr "Here's a lesson for you. Not a single one ever ate the food, as far as I am aware." A friend of mine used to work for the Kinkos near Cleveland State - her manager got tired of the half-dozen panhandlers congregating outside, so one day he decided to give them an opportunity. He said "alright guys, either I call the cops and have them haul you off, or you can help me move some empty boxes in our basement from one side to the other and I'll give you $50.00 each." Mind you, these were empty boxes full of packing peanuts so we aren't talking hard labor, just about 15 minutes of tedious lifting. Every single one of them bolted. :roll: clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
October 31, 200717 yr I usually play the broke college student card. Although, the last time I was asked if I "could help a man buy a cup of morning coffee" I was wearing a suit for an interview in Downtown Dayton. I don't know if that story would have worked. One time though, I did take a guy to Wendy's off High Street near Nationwide. I didn't mind but was a little annoyed when he invited his friend. A couple years later I happened to run into him again, except he was getting all friendly with another guy who happened to be crossing the street with me. But ya, I don't usually give them money because I know it does not help them.
October 31, 200717 yr Its probably cheaper to give a buck here or some change there than to make a big charitable contribution.
October 31, 200717 yr Right, we wouldn't want to "give until it hurts" now would we. Much easier to drop some change and make yourself feel good than to have to actually write a check to an organization!
October 31, 200717 yr I don't give money to panhandlers, ever... (I always wish I had some McDonald's gift certificates in my pocket) But I do buy the Homeless Grapevine every time someone is selling it at the West Side Market, and I do throw a buck in the sax case of the guy who plays Take Me Out to the Ballgame outside the Jake on East 9th on game days, and I do give money every Thanksgiving to the City Mission, so I feel that I do my part.
October 31, 200717 yr They'll ask you for a buck, then if you say no, they try to negotiate. If you give them the buck, they ask you if you have 5 bucks. It's always a story about how they're stranded a few blocks away. One time I told a guy I'd call AAA for him (BEST THING INVENTED...EVER). Of course he just walked away. The negotiation tactics are often amusing. Sometimes they get really upset when you tell them no, I've been threatened & called every name in the book & some that probably aren't. Most of the regulars know me so I don't get bothered to much except by the newbies who haven't had the displeasure of meeting me yet. On my way in tonight I had a guy ask me for a blanket, Then he showed me how his shoes were falling apart & the top flips back to reveal his feet. I told him to go the the drop in center & he said he was banned from there.
October 31, 200717 yr I almost always do. I'm, how you say, a mark. Cleveland would do well to establish "homeless meters", where you could donate small change to anti-homeless efforts. It seems like there was some discussion of this at some point. I do throw a buck in the sax case of the guy who plays Take Me Out to the Ballgame outside the Jake on East 9th on game days ... so I feel that I do my part. While that's very nice, that guy's not homeless, a panhandler or a bum ... he's a street performer. You're donating to an artist, or paying for a service, depending on how you look at it. But I don't think you should equate that to fighting poverty. Even if unconventional, that guy is a talented musician, and that's how he's making a living.
October 31, 200717 yr NEVER! Having gone to school in Clifton, I have heard every story. I will however, give a $ to someone who is a street performer. I would even wave the dollar in front of the panhandler nearby and then put it in the hat of the performer so as to say..."this is what you need to be doing." EARN IT you irresponsible dolt! Quit being a child! Sorry. After being called names AND threatened because I won't give them $, I have no patience or compassion for the man on the street who is trying to make a fool of me. I will not become an enabler for them. Funny aside: I remember being on Main years ago with friends partying...we were approached and I told one panhandler I would give him the $10 in my hand if he could tell me the capital of Delaware. The importance of an education was illustrated that night. I hope the man went back to school.
October 31, 200717 yr Funny aside: I remember being on Main years ago with friends partying...we were approached and I told one panhandler I would give him the $10 in my hand if he could tell me the capital of Delaware. The importance of an education was illustrated that night. I hope the man went back to school. WOW! I bet all your friends laughed at your antics! Were you a bully in grade school too? In my 30 year professional career, I've never had to know the capital of Delaware!
October 31, 200717 yr Cleveland would do well to establish "homeless meters", where you could donate small change to anti-homeless efforts. It seems like there was some discussion of this at some point. This seems like a great idea, one that will hopefully move beyond discussion.
October 31, 200717 yr I do throw a buck in the sax case of the guy who plays Take Me Out to the Ballgame outside the Jake on East 9th on game days While that's very nice, that guy's not homeless, a panhandler or a bum ... he's a street performer. You're donating to an artist, or paying for a service, depending on how you look at it. But I don't think you should equate that to fighting poverty. Even if unconventional, that guy is a talented musician, and that's how he's making a living. Exactly - entertain me and you get a reward/donation/payment, harass me or panhandle me otherwise and I ignore you. I know the musician isn't likely to be homeless, but I appreciate him using his talent/skill to make a few bucks. I doubt he's earning Cleveland Orchestra wages in whatever his other gig may be. Maybe someone should give music lessons to the bums, and they could earn my buck. Hell, get a shoe shine kit, sell newspapers, flowers, little American flags, pencils or pens, just do something other than beg and you're likely to get a dollar or two from me...it's not like I need a copy of the Homeless Grapevine but I'll buy one every time I'm solicited for one. www.neoch.org/grapevine.htm
October 31, 200717 yr Funny aside: I remember being on Main years ago with friends partying...we were approached and I told one panhandler I would give him the $10 in my hand if he could tell me the capital of Delaware. The importance of an education was illustrated that night. I hope the man went back to school. It's one thing to withhold money from people b/c you think they could find employment or because you think giving the money to a panhandler is not getting funds to the truly needy. I can't fault forumers who take this perspective. But to belittle or humiliate people because of their educational or economic attainment is pretty callous. Personal initiative obviously plays a big role in how people's lives turn out, but environment (poorly funded school systems, familial abuse, exposure to crime, racism, limited opportunities for proper nutrition ... any number of factors) also contributes heavily. That kind of treatment of a fellow human being, no matter how annoying you find their plea, is unnecessarily degrading and I think reflects VERY poorly on you.
October 31, 200717 yr It's also very humiliating to be mugged or attacked by a homeless person (such as me), and it is very much unpleasing to be constantly harassed by vagrants for money, food, cigarettes, condoms, booze, etc. every time I leave my apartment complex or workplace.
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