Really could be anywhere I guess, but I’m in Seattle. Last week, was at a nice dinner with colleagues and we had a lot of leftovers that we boxed up. Some debate ensued as we stood outside about who would get what, because there was some competition over things. In the midst of this, a homeless man approached us asking if we could give him some money so he could get something to eat. We immediately offered the leftovers—which well-paid tech people were vying for—and he flat-out refused them. I wound up with a little more than I needed in the end. Started walking home. Came across another homeless person, with a sign that said “hungry teen.” I offered him my leftovers. He refused, as well. So since then, I’ve offered other homeless people food—Starbucks, Chipotle, Chinese, etc. to see how others respond. And it’s refused, every time. Not a scientific study obviously, so my sample could be off. But still! I think I’m done giving spare change to homeless people. Not sure what Bezos’s $2 billion initiative is gonna do, but I hope they think about what the actual problem is before putting money into things.
Man who lives on street demonstrates poor decision making skills. More at 10.
They need money for drugs. How will Chipotle and Chinese get them high?
I once saw a cute girl pan handling near a highway off ramp. Then I asked myself, "when was the last time I had sex with a homeless chick?" Then the light turned green and I drove off, the thought fleeting as well.
You can solve homeless problem with money. You can only have more homeless.
They want money for substances. Seattle shelters have plenty of capacity and more than enough food. We always had people who prefered to stay on the streets because they didn't want to get clean.
Do you know these statements to be true in regards to the food and bed capacity in shelters here? Honestly asking as I don’t know one way or the other
That’s bs about the capacity. If you don’t reserve ahead you’re probably not getting space. Seattle is at crisis levels, hence the proliferation of tent cities.
They aren’t homeless due to a lack of food. They’re homeless due to a lack of money. I’m sure they get offered food all day long but a warm bed is harder to come by.
Invite one to your home then.
True. I’ve seen truly starving people and they not only accept food but scarf it down with no meat left on the bone.
In Europe I've seen this go both ways. There are weird assholes that have no shame and just want money without work. Then there is an actual mafia crippling people and then sending them to the rich cities of the west to collect money. Finally, normal homeless people: for some reason a lot less junkies among them than in the US. They are just happy about any kind act. That said, we have a strong social net that provides food and shelter and money to everyone. Nobody needs to live on the street around here. Some... decide to for some reason instead of taking the help. Never understood that. Weird sense of pride I guess. Others simply don't speak the language and dont know the options
I offer money at signals only when I see disabled or very old folks.
I’ve offered to go into a Walgreens with homeless people and buy them whatever he needs (food or otherwise), but they always refuse and demand cash.
Dafuq. Back home (other country) homeless actually sat outside drugstores and 7elevens to ask you to buy them some food on the way out. I'd always buy some cookies for the kids. It is very unsettling to me that a homeless would plainly refuse this kind of aid.