tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post3404760146063530445..comments2023-10-23T14:15:29.331-07:00Comments on Shallow Cogitations: Reinforcing The Comfort Zone WallHank Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243840232233423724noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post-57370588461097062882009-10-29T19:30:07.312-07:002009-10-29T19:30:07.312-07:00I'm with Sherry. If I have a buck and it's...I'm with Sherry. If I have a buck and it's easy, I'll give it away. If I were homeless I think I'd rather have a drink than a meal.John Spearehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07187638368645707099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post-3030274278673655162009-10-29T00:12:09.017-07:002009-10-29T00:12:09.017-07:00I give cash to beggars when I can. I used to fret...I give cash to beggars when I can. I used to fret that they might be using it to buy alcohol, drugs, etc. but then it was pointed out to me that what they do with the money is between them and God. (the person who said that was a priest) I feel like I've tried to help a person in need.Sherrynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post-14162340508655843082009-10-28T21:49:04.158-07:002009-10-28T21:49:04.158-07:00Back in the day, I frequently saw this man holding...Back in the day, I frequently saw this man holding up a sign asking for help. I saw him all over the place. But when I saw him "finish his shift" and walk over to his BMW (or Mercedes... I never can keep these cars clear) and pull on one of those popular-at-the-time big sweaters with leather strips randomly placed on it, I never felt bad about not giving to him again.<br /><br />A month or so ago I saw a young woman with a "homeless and hungry" sign. However, she had dyed hair with highlights (something I can't work into my own budget), so again, I am guilt free.<br /><br />Conversely, I ended up giving a ride to a woman one day this summer. She didn't ask for it, even indirectly; she had asked for directions to a pay phone. We had the best connection two people who have not much in common can have.<br /><br />When I run into Deaf people who are trying to sell trinkets at the local malls, I give them information on the local Department of Rehabilitation office and the services offered. Perhaps while shopping I should carry a sign that says I have taught sign language and that my work is getting people with disabilities employed. Hardly seems fair, haha.<br /><br />I guess my point is that I have to follow my instincts. Sometimes that means giving something non-monetary (who has money these days?!?) and sometimes it means moving on.Shanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12434884811193988493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post-51048336202996999432009-10-28T20:54:59.995-07:002009-10-28T20:54:59.995-07:00Barb,
Your gift certificate idea is intriguing.Barb,<br /><br />Your gift certificate idea is intriguing.Hank Greerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15243840232233423724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post-32434546670124486962009-10-28T20:47:12.222-07:002009-10-28T20:47:12.222-07:00Without meaning to sound heartless, I've often...Without meaning to sound heartless, I've often wondered how much I'd really be tapped for if I were to hand out gift certificates redeemable at a local restaurant (close to the site where the person is flying sign so there's not a transportation burden involved). I'd set up a deal with the restaurant that I only pay if someone comes there for food bearing the certificate & see what happens.<br /><br />The "cheat sheet"/resource list is another thought I'd had as well--maybe in particular if you actually donate to those places so you're helping make services available.<br /><br />Best feeling I've ever had about helping someone down on his luck? I had an apple left over from my lunch that I gave to a grizzled old man I saw going through a garbage receptacle pulling out anything that looked like it might have food. We looked each other in the eye and he thanked me. He was hungry, and I fed him. No barrier, no displacement to a service provider. That was real.<br /><br />@BarbChamberlainBarb Chamberlainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09000768706045663322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post-63159684797036194842009-10-27T19:37:17.322-07:002009-10-27T19:37:17.322-07:00That totally makes sense. I do not give panhandler...That totally makes sense. I do not give panhandlers money, as there are any number of services out there to address their problems. I realize that the public and private organizations that work to fight homelessness can't fix everything, but they are a good start. I have always wanted to come up with a business card-sized "homeless cheat sheet" that listed some of the places homeless people could go in Spokane for help. I wouldn't have a problem handing that out to panhandlers, since it would steer them in the right direction.<br /><br />I also think the panhandlers don't represent the larger homeless community. I think the aggressive street panhandler is someone who has decided they don't mind begging and find it preferable to whatever other activity they could be doing to improve their situation.<br /><br />It is a tough one though, because there is a sense of guilt at not doing something to help, especially if you feel like you have been blessed.Lucashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01247999979754738405noreply@blogger.com