Poverty
Poverty - i saw on emma's blog about this call to action and decided to give it a go! See what other's have said here. The topic is Poverty!
Since moving downtown, and out of the opulence of suburbia I’ve seen more and more examples of poverty close to us. We are hop skip and a jump from the mission area downtown so it is something that pops into my head more and more each day.
I wonder what the stories are behind the people that sit in the park across the street from the mission each day. I wonder about guitar man – the fella that will play you a song at the light on his guitar. I wonder about the hobos that sleep on our dirt hill each night. I wonder about the little fat hobo that used to plug in his radio on the front porch of one of the empty units each weekend. I wonder since I turned on my heat this past weekend, what will become of all of the people I see on the street.
I know that poverty is not 100% related to the people on the street, but those are the ones that I see and therefore think about most.
I’m torn on how to assist. I’ve been burned a number of times by people “needing” help that didn’t. Stories of buses home – that time the cops stopped by and berated me for giving money… That puts a damper on your heart strings. I’ve also heard of a friend of hubbie’s in high school that needed to pay his car insurance and he made more money pan handling down town LA that if he took a minimum wage job. But I also think
Do I think there are people willing to make their lives better if they got a hand out? Definitely. Do I think they are out numbered by the people unwilling to make the effort to improve their situations? Hell yeah. Do I wish there was a way to determine those that will make the effort vs those that won’t? Yuppers!
I have a friend that used to carry a carton of oranges in her car, and give one to the people with signs as she exited the highway. That seems like a good idea.
We had someone on the street ask us for a meal. Seemed a better ploy than give me money and I promise not to drink it up!
I’ve also seen the people with signs admitting they were going to just drink it, if you gave it. Humorous, but still not what I’m wanting to do with my cash.
I’ve also seen someone out side of Cheesecake factory asking for your left over. Again I thought that was pretty clever.
What is the best way to help the poverty stricken in our nation?
Handouts? Jobs? A clean bed? A hot shower? How will that help them become self sufficient? Is more detail needed on how they got this situation, to help it from happening again? How do we do that? What do you think? If you have joined the Blog Action, let me know in the comments. If you just have your own thoughts and opinions, again share in the comments!
Homelessness will always be with us because, for whatever reason, some prefer it that way! Don't clobber me, it's a fact.
They refuse to go to shelters even when the temps. go below freezing, and that is their right. Accept it, you don't have to like it. I don't give money to panhandlers because some of the able-bodied make a career out of begging, with astronomical rewards. (Your FAT hobo must be eating well!)
I am all for supporting soup kitchens, providing clothes, blankets and shelters. Give food gift cards (McDonalds/BurgerK). Buy extra coffee, sandwiches, dinner, whatever and give to whomever you see that needs sustenance.
I prefer this type of "hand-up" to handing out money on the street. Donate food/money or help out with your time, cooking and serving at the local soup kitchen.
My friends, Mr. and Mrs. L. & family, went to the shelters every Thanksgiving to cook, serve and help feed the homeless.They found it rewarding as a family and a teaching moment for their children. Donate a gift card from a local supermarket to a shelter.
Giving money on the street can make you a target if you travel the same route on foot. Not something you want to encourage. My motto is feed and clothe the masses with donations to bona fide organizations that you know will put your donation to good use. And for your sanity, keep in mind that you will NEVER eradicate homelessness and poverty. There are too many variables that cause it and perpetuate it.
I prefer the shelters that try to get employment for the homeless, the HAND UP, with a meal, a shower, clean clothes, bus fare and teach how to fill out applications and interview, and teach reading to the illiterate. In my opinion, this is the most effective method to try to eradicate homelessness for those who don't want to be homeless!
i was pondering another thought I heard somewhere - something i tend to get stuck on - if you give 10 times, and 9 are false but that last 1 really helped someone, isn't that better? I just can't always say yes...