Posted on 04/06/2005 12:35:48 PM PDT by Willie Green
On Opening Day, the beggar and the baby didn't have tickets.
If you walked across the Clemente Bridge Monday on your way to PNC Park for the Pirates' 2005 debut against the Milwaukee Brewers, perhaps you noticed them.
The 8-month-old child sat in a small stroller. His 38-year-old father steadied in the stiff breeze a cardboard sign onto which he had scrawled, "I am a single father who is out of work."
Shortly before game time, the beggar stared into the tattered McDonald's cup containing the day's proceeds thus far -- a buck and a half, perhaps; two bucks, tops.
"Trying to get some diaper money," he explained.
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
There are some good jobs in Mexico I hear
Should have read the article oops. Already receiving disability, he can't risk losing it by actually working.
(6) Go to a public library where you can get internet access. Register for an ebay account. Auction off naming rights for the kid. Sure, he might get beat up once or twice at school with a name like "Ditech.com", but at least he won't have his dad bumming money on streetcorners.
He's not too sleepy to make a baby either.
Where is that picture of the panhandler with the sign "I need money for beer, pot and a hooker. At least I'm not bullsh!tting you!!"
And this hack from the Pittsburgh Tribune dutifully DIDN'T report that in order to play on the readers emotions. Again I'll say it... since LBJ's 'Great Society' is a wide safety net that has been cast for just such scenarios (without any comment on them, by me).
If I saw that, I would give the guy or girl a fin just for being honest.
Exactly. I would rather err on the side of making sure the kids don't go hungry and give a hand in those kinds of situations. Sometimes people really are down on their luck and need a little boost. Of course with the cost of gas today you might have to take out a small loan to help out lol...j/k
You are exactly right.
A person who was down on their luck - through whatever circumstances homeless and jobless but who wanted to 'right themselves' - get a job, lodging, etc. could stop by any church in any town - maybe it might take a few phone calls - but within a day any 'homeless' person who wants help and a change in their lifestyle can start the process.
As you rightly point out - most folks who are holding signs by interstate exits or in downtown areas 'Will Work for Food' - or who are begging for money are professionals who don't want to change their lifestyle --- or are legitimately mentally ill.
Oh I agree, that is why I "used" to work in social services. Too many cases of ruined lives and potential just to barely subsist on the handouts. I worked with primarily young adults who were coming out of state foster care and man they were really ruined by the system.
I did have a couple of clients on my caseload where it was really more beneficial for them *not* to work. It was a public safety issue. They tried but were sick enough that the stress would drive them to go postal.
This fries my fritters. I work for a company in suburban Pgh that cannot hire people fast enough. Everything from office jobs to unskilled production jobs. Contrary to local opinion work is out there...if one is not lazy.
Additionally I managed to work on anti depressants for a year. Had a minor issue of eating way too much but I sure wasn't too sleepy to run a help desk.
Oh, and, Great Spirit, please remind me not to blanket-condemn...
And yes, people who do that are probably going to hell and I don't care if that's "judgmental".
got that right - you never know. Wouldn't want to be reminded "one day" that I didn't help "One of the least of these, my children?"
He probably DOES get a rent subsidy and food stamps and medicaid. I think he's telling half the story and it all favors him. Too tired to work?? and you're watching a baby?? and working a corner, too?? Have a feeling this guy knows how to work the system. Wonder what he was doing FIVE years ago?
I have to laugh. Any parent of teenagers is familiar w/this syndrome. I didn't realize one could make it a lifestyle choice.
When in doubt I always refer them to my church. If they are really in need they will be happy with the resource. I will call the pastor or church finance secretary who handles most of the calls and set up a meeting when I am not sure regarding safety issues. I am a female and must use common sense in these situations.
My church has a system in place that works in screening out the scammers and for those with genuine needs they will do what they can to give appropriate assistance. Even where I live in a mid sized city there are major problems here. I-10 runs through so we get some interesting characters just passing through.
But you gotta admit, dumpster diving ain't panhandling. You did a good deed.
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