I had a big city experience (atlanta) yesterday with a persistent panhandler. His story - he had imigrated from Jamaica, been arrested for cocaine possession(I think he implied the charges were trumped up but I don't recall), broken his elbow having just having the cast removed, and voilently robbed the day before - the whole story in reverse mostly in two blocks - and he was more than willing to follow me to the atm. 
I wonder how often it works...
The worst part for me was we passed an older gentleman sleeping in a doorway who looked much worse off than my tag-a-long.
I don't feel guilty for leaving the panhandler dry but how do we help those truly in need.
3
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The big mistake you made was talking to him in the first place. Don't make eye contact with them but don't be rude. You're lucky he didn't mug and rob you. Or worse. You might think I am being mean but I've lived in Philadelphia my whole life, a city even bigger and more violent than Atlanta. Next time keep walking. You can't save the whole world.
barjoe
Level 9
Sep 29, 2021
1
true. I got lucky to get away with just a story.
How do we help those truly in need?
We implement a steeply progressive taxation system sufficient to build a caring, compassionate society that recognizes food, clothing, shelter, health and dental care as basic human rights.
LovinLarge
Level 8
Sep 29, 2021
3
health and mental care (if I can add to the wish list). In society, as it currently stands, that solution is highly unlikely. I try to be a good steward of the monies and time(I have been stingy with time) I have to donate to causes but politics seems to only be about the next election.
@Donna_I Yep. Most of these people are either mentally ill, chemically dependant or both. In the early 80s, Reagan and the Republicans cut all federal funding for state mental facilities. A huge rise in indigent, homeless population is directly attributable to this. Without trying to deal with the opioid crisis and providing mental health treatment, it doesn't matter how much money you throw at this problem.
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