Homeless People

[Savoir Faire]

How do you all CHOOSE to deal with homeless people that approach you with their hand out asking/begging for money/bite to eat/alcohol/drugs? Do you entertain their request by giving them what you have, do you walk right past them/roll up the window up and ignore them? I usually handle each one on the GUT feeling that I get and I tend to help them the best way that I see fit, not always how they want to be helped. 

[Bit Banger]

I usually ignore them.  I make my charitable donations in a more organized way, usually as food through our church or RV park outreach programs. Both serve local colonias.

[average1]

I seldom give cash, but carry around a box of chewy granola bars in my car to give out when the spirit moves me.  With the number of folks flying a sign, I can't afford to give a granola bar to everyone.  I sometimes offer to take someone to breakfast or lunch and talk with them.  After working with this population for a number of years (I have been homeless in a few states), sometimes I just ask them to share a bit about themselves.  I remember feeling shame and embarrassment when homeless.  Also felt like I was invisible to most folks.  People would not make eye contact.  After a while I felt like I was sub-human and that feeling sucks.  Especially when I was trying to get into treatment and there were no openings anywhere for weeks for homeless folks like me, with no money.

I'm sure there is another thread about this, but Dependable Cleaners may be doing their annual coat drive.  For folks that want to donate to organizations there are a number of worthy agencies in Denver Metro like Urban Peak, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless,  The Women's Bean Project, Recovery Works and a number of faith based places that serve the homeless as part of their mission.

[gr8owl]

6 hours ago, average1 said:

I seldom give cash, but carry around a box of chewy granola bars in my car to give out when the spirit moves me.  With the number of folks flying a sign, I can't afford to give a granola bar to everyone.  I sometimes offer to take someone to breakfast or lunch and talk with them.  After working with this population for a number of years (I have been homeless in a few states), sometimes I just ask them to share a bit about themselves.  I remember feeling shame and embarrassment when homeless.  Also felt like I was invisible to most folks.  People would not make eye contact.  After a while I felt like I was sub-human and that feeling sucks.  Especially when I was trying to get into treatment and there were no openings anywhere for weeks for homeless folks like me, with no money.

I'm sure there is another thread about this, but Dependable Cleaners may be doing their annual coat drive.  For folks that want to donate to organizations there are a number of worthy agencies in Denver Metro like Urban Peak, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless,  The Women's Bean Project, Recovery Works and a number of faith based places that serve the homeless as part of their mission.

tip of the hat average1

Early adult life was lived on the edge of homeless not having any idea where rent and utilities was coming from after a layoff.  But they always did.  It was close enough to create a sympathy for those for who have tipped over the line.  I prefer to be sure donations are of actual real help to those in need so most of mine go in my neck of the woods or nearby to The Place, Loaves and Fishes, The Pantry, etc.  I do not often donate to sign carriers or panhandlers, but every once in a while when I get a strong vibe that the person honestly needs help I will.

[Kali Sensual Reiki]

https://theworldforjesus.net/

Thanksgiving Dinner will be served downtown Denver again soon. 

David Clifton has an incredible outreach program.

Homeless is all around us and it is impossible to not notice these people on every corner. I feel it is a good idea to give such programs our support. I helped a few years ago with the dinner. Tons of people attended.Homelessness is a very large problem in our state.

[Savoir Faire]

11 hours ago, average1 said:

I seldom give cash, but carry around a box of chewy granola bars in my car to give out when the spirit moves me.  With the number of folks flying a sign, I can't afford to give a granola bar to everyone.  I sometimes offer to take someone to breakfast or lunch and talk with them.  After working with this population for a number of years (I have been homeless in a few states), sometimes I just ask them to share a bit about themselves.  I remember feeling shame and embarrassment when homeless.  Also felt like I was invisible to most folks.  People would not make eye contact.  After a while I felt like I was sub-human and that feeling sucks.  Especially when I was trying to get into treatment and there were no openings anywhere for weeks for homeless folks like me, with no money.

I'm sure there is another thread about this, but Dependable Cleaners may be doing their annual coat drive.  For folks that want to donate to organizations there are a number of worthy agencies in Denver Metro like Urban Peak, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless,  The Women's Bean Project, Recovery Works and a number of faith based places that serve the homeless as part of their mission.

AVG your story is TOUCHING. I too was HOMELESS but never once did I feel ashamed/embarrassed of that status. I love sitting and listening to their stories as well. Thats the best part of it all because I can tell in my gut if their full of it or they truly need my help. Thanks for your input ........................

 

[Savoir Faire]

12 hours ago, Bit Banger said:

I usually ignore them.  I make my charitable donations in a more organized way, usually as food through our church or RV park outreach programs. Both serve local colonias.

 Great way to donate. I also ignore them if I can tell they are on some B.S. trying to hustle me. Thanks for your input.............

 

[Kali Sensual Reiki]

My daughter was driving me home from shopping. This was about four months ago.  I saw a few homeless people ( think homeless) standing in the middle of the road, and it made me very sad. My daughter and I felt like they were trying to get hit by oncoming traffic. Then when we were on Colfax,  turning to my place, a woman was waving her arms around very extravagant! She was on drugs of some sort, or at least we were sure this woman looked like she was on drugs. It was a very emotional drive for both of us to observe these poor souls. Homelessness is all around us. Something needs to be done to protect these individuals. It could very well be someone you know. I pray often and I give when I feel it in my heart and have some cash. 

[Manhunter]

A few months ago in July I offered a mother and daughter who were homeless. The mother sat next to a homeless sign needing food and shelter. I had over $400 dollars in cash. Sadly, I gave them a dollar. That’s how selfish and pathetic I really feel even though I’m on disability, I get over $1500 from social security disability. I could have given them at least $200 dollars. What a selfish jerk I really am. There were several hotels around. I could’ve at least had the decency to pay for a hotel room for one night.

Edited November 7, 2022 by Manhunter

[Kali Sensual Reiki]

23 hours ago, Manhunter said:

A few months ago in July I offered a mother and daughter who were homeless. The mother sat next to a homeless sign needing food and shelter. I had over $400 dollars in cash. Sadly, I gave them a dollar. That’s how selfish and pathetic I really feel even though I’m on disability, I get over $1500 from social security disability. I could have given them at least $200 dollars. What a selfish jerk I really am. There were several hotels around. I could’ve at least had the decency to pay for a hotel room for one night.

You are not selfish in my mind. There is Something to be said about taking care of yourself first so you can take care of others in life around you.  You can’t make it on disablity in Denver. Sending positive thoughts. I know you, @Manhunter please let go of you guilt. 

[oldertruckguy-9225]

Thank you to all of you. The ongoing problem of Homeless individuals is complex at its' origin and even more complex and complicated at the solution. In the mean compassion goes a long way.

Keep in mind 'The Place' in Colorado Springs and 'Urban Peak' in Denver.  Have a great day!!

[Audrey Astor]

On 11/7/2022 at 0:01 AM, Manhunter said:

A few months ago in July I offered a mother and daughter who were homeless. The mother sat next to a homeless sign needing food and shelter. I had over $400 dollars in cash. Sadly, I gave them a dollar. That’s how selfish and pathetic I really feel even though I’m on disability, I get over $1500 from social security disability. I could have given them at least $200 dollars. What a selfish jerk I really am. There were several hotels around. I could’ve at least had the decency to pay for a hotel room for one night.

I don’t think you are selfish. Our first priority is always supposed to be ourselves. It’s easier to say than practice. Since there are so many ugly scammers, that we just don’t know who really does NEED the help. Like @Bit Banger, I give through other programs. @average1, thank you for sharing, bless you.

[Manhunter]

Since I receive $1500 a month from social security disability, and get over $400 a month to spend on whatever I want, I shouldn’t be selfish with it by saving it to see high end escorts for multi-hour sessions.

[Caressa Duval]

Possibly, many of you may have contributed to the "homeless" when  you see a provider. With out knowing it.  On other private forums, there are constant posts from providers that live in hotels. There is a significant percentage of providers, that literally can be, 1 or 2 appointments from living in their car, when business drops.  Not that any of them are irresponsible with their income, it is nearly impossible to prove work income for a FICO score to rent properly anymore.  The FICO score, plus 3 months bank statements, first and last moths rent, plus a security deposit is required to rent anymore in Colorado. So, since "2016" so many providers are really homeless.  Seeing your favorite provider is a contribution to the homeless

[sunshinelovely]

6 hours ago, Caressa Duval said:

Possibly, many of you may have contributed to the "homeless" when  you see a provider. With out knowing it.  On other private forums, there are constant posts from providers that live in hotels. There is a significant percentage of providers, that literally can be, 1 or 2 appointments from living in their car, when business drops.  Not that any of them are irresponsible with their income, it is nearly impossible to prove work income for a FICO score to rent properly anymore.  The FICO score, plus 3 months bank statements, first and last moths rent, plus a security deposit is required to rent anymore in Colorado. So, since "2016" so many providers are really homeless.  Seeing your favorite provider is a contribution to the homeless

Couldn't have said it better

[Savoir Faire]

On 11/8/2022 at 5:26 AM, oldertruckguy-9225 said:

Thank you to all of you. The ongoing problem of Homeless individuals is complex at its' origin and even more complex and complicated at the solution. In the mean compassion goes a long way.

Keep in mind 'The Place' in Colorado Springs and 'Urban Peak' in Denver.  Have a great day!!

OTG I have used Urban Peak before, Goodwill and the Salvation Army. I can't tell you how many homeless Providers I have helped. Compassion at its FINEST.....

[CountryGentleman]

On 11/5/2022 at 8:40 PM, Kali Sensual Reiki said:

https://theworldforjesus.net/

Thanksgiving Dinner will be served downtown Denver again soon. 

David Clifton has an incredible outreach program.

Homeless is all around us and it is impossible to not notice these people on every corner. I feel it is a good idea to give such programs our support. I helped a few years ago with the dinner. Tons of people attended.Homelessness is a very large problem in our state.

Exactly!  I support quality charities and do my best to point the people I meet to them.  You never know what they're actually going to use the $$ for, several police friends of mine suggested doing this, and I've tried to do it as much as I can.

[Necron 99]

I put together what I call "charity bags". Each bag is a gallon zip lock freezer bag containing shelf stable food items (canned meat, individually wrapped cheese, crackers, packaged cookies, granola bars, beef jerky, etc.), a comb, socks, wet wipes, toothbrush, travel size toothpaste, washcloth, dude wipes, travel sized mouth wash, hand lotion and various other hygiene items. I keep these bags in my car and hand them out when approached at a stop or street corner.

[average1]

22 hours ago, Necron 99 said:

I put together what I call "charity bags". Each bag is a gallon zip lock freezer bag containing shelf stable food items (canned meat, individually wrapped cheese, crackers, packaged cookies, granola bars, beef jerky, etc.), a comb, socks, wet wipes, toothbrush, travel size toothpaste, washcloth, dude wipes, travel sized mouth wash, hand lotion and various other hygiene items. I keep these bags in my car and hand them out when approached at a stop or street corner.

Thanks for sharing this.  Your bags of goodies are really valued by the folks you give them to.  The personal hygiene items we take for granted can really make a difference to folks.  And food that requires no prep is REALLY important.

[CountryGentleman]

6 hours ago, average1 said:

Thanks for sharing this.  Your bags of goodies are really valued by the folks you give them to.  The personal hygiene items we take for granted can really make a difference to folks.  And food that requires no prep is REALLY important.

Totally agree!  That is such a great idea  @Necron 99!!