Tag: homeless people

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SHOULD WE PITY PANDHANDLING PROS?

Shopping malls aren’t my favorite places, but they can’t be avoided during the holidays.  For me, it was taking my granddaughters to pick out some new outfits for Christmas.  I used to love shopping, but navigating with a cane has tampered my enthusiasm.  And the confusion at the stoplights when driving away really throws me for a loop.  Especially when you have to slow down for men  holding cardboard  signs asking for money because they need it to feed their kids, find shelter, etc.   It’s usually the same guys, month after month, so it must be a good paying gig. The average panhandler makes between $15 and $30 dollars an hour.  In some cities, as much as $50 ,  tax free cash.  Should we pity panhandling pros? I’m not so sure.

SHOULD we pity pandhandling pros? No, because they are a traffic hazard.
SHOULD WE PITY PANHANDLING PROS? Some make as much as $50 an hour.

They station themselves at  various busy intersections throughout the city.  It’s unnerving when you’re trying to look out for a turn signal while a panhandler approaches your car window.  Again, it’s the same people standing in the same spot.  If they have the energy and stamina  to stand out in the rain and snow holding up a  sign, why can’t they find some type of job?

If I come in contact with a homeless person walking along the sidewalk or washing their hair in the library, I’m going to hand them some cash, depending on how much is in my purse. They don’t have to ask.  I am saddened  by the number of people in our city walking the street with their belongings on their back or tied to a bicycle.

Nevertheless, the professional panhandlers who stand at stoplights,  are a different story.  They’re a traffic hazard when you’re trying to turn onto a  busy street or highway..    Unfortunately, they’re protected by law under the First Amendment.  As long as they’re simply standing there with a sign, it’s perfectly legal.   It’s also perfectly fine to ignore them.

No one wants to feel like a mean person who ignores a beggar.   But I will save my money for charitable organizations who run soup kitchens and food banks for those who are truly in need.

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BLESSING BOX FULL OF BEANS

Blessing boxes are springing up all over the country, and are certainly a blessing for the homeless and other impoverished Americans.  When you see men and women trying on clothing in the street next to a box, you know that there are many people who lack the basics.  We have several boxes in our city, but I just saw my first one up close, in the local mall.  However, its contents were disappointing, because that Blessing Box was full of beans.

The last time I walked in the mall was late March, before the pandemic began to spiral out of control. But since then,  they’ve lost a major retailer. The hallways are practically deserted, especially at the far end, next to the depressingly empty store.   Therefore, it seems like a relatively safe place to walk on the cold windy days ahead.   All the walkers you see are wearing masks, and they keep their distance.  Many are elderly.  Anyway, sometime over the summer or fall, they’ve added a Blessing Box.

The problem could be that few people are aware that the mall has a box.  But for those who do, they seem to think that black beans, especially, would be a good filler.  Now, I’m all for black beans.  They’re a great source of protein.  They’re especially appealing to vegans and Hispanics.  But if 80% of the offerings are either red beans or black beans,   it seems rather bleak. I’m envisioning some hungry little kids staring at a bowl of black beans.   Most ordinary Hoosier’s aren’t too fond of them.

Blessing box full of beans doesn't offer much. Try adding some canned meat.
Try to add some variety. Don’t just leave a blessing box full of beans.

There are many items that are good for food banks. Today, I ‘m going to stock up on some canned meat, tuna,  and peanut butter. Maybe some evaporated milk.   I’ll bring in a small bag, and add to the collections a few cans at a time.  Maybe that will inspire others to do the same.   If an un needy person takes the good stuff, that’s their moral issue,  not mine.

Blessing boxes were started a few years ago, in the low country.  While they’re a great idea, it’s sad to think there are so many people who rely on them for food and clothing.  But let’s  leave some good stuff in the boxes, not assume that needy people.  have no taste for anything but beans.