Denizens of the Urban Sprawl... Helping others...too dangerous?

B

bored2deth

Joined
Feb 27, 2011
Messages
1,020
Hey Peoples,

I had been wondering recently how the folks I've helped out have fared. Yes, I know...it's dangerous as hell to do, but still.. My wife and I have helped out several homeless folks of late, and I very much hope they are all somewhere warm and safe. We gave a pair of women we saw hitching with their dog, a bag of food forthemselves and another for the dog along with bottled water. I've heard some bad stories from people whom have tried to help others out, and it made us more wary. Anyone have any stories to share?? Ah, so far my worst encounter was being hugged a wee bit too tightly (no hands came anywhere near my
wallet :-p). It sure as hell made us appreciate what we have, I'll tell you that! I know what it's like to have nothing and to feel as if you have no future, and I also know that with work and determination a person can pull themselves back up again. :-)
 
Yea when I can I help out the homeless also. Just do your best to keep your wits about you and if you gut feeling says to run then run.

Bryan
 
we don't have many homeless where I live but I do normally give all my alcoholic neighbors who have lost their drivers licenses a ride out the carry out. Does that count?
 
I've given a wool blanket, some hand warmers, a bit of food and a couple books to one guy last year, and I would love to find a homeless 'hangout' where I could pass out some of my stock of Wool blankets, MREs, and other things that would be small creature comforts to them but its hard to do cuz during the day they scatter to libraries and other warm public places, and then at night they gather under certain bridges around here down by the river and train tracks and although I want to help, I haven't yet been able to convince myself that its safe enough to venture into that situation. Especially since I'd most likely be doing it alone, in a dark, secluded area, outnumber several to one. I did go around to my area thrift stores and bought up all their good condition winter coats, hats, gloves, scarfs, and some boot and snow gear, and donated to my daughters school for a winter clothing drive. It really does feel good to help those in need. I myself live below the poverty line(significantly) but there are so many much worse off than me so I still try to do what I can when I can. And believe me, paying it forward really does come back around when you need it to.
 
Giving folks a helping hand it worth it, you never know if its the thing that gets them over that next little thing and back on track to success. I would avoid going into places where homeless folks hang out, just because its their turf, and without being invited, things could go bad. Why not volunteer at a soup kitchen or mens shelter? Sometimes a listening ear is all it takes. A buddy of mine used to help out at a mens shelter weekly, talked to one homeless guy who had a masters degree in engineering. For whatever reason, his wife cancelled his accounts and credit cards, and changed the locks. He was fired shortly after since he couldn't maintain his work commitments (and there were 20 other guys gunning for his job probably) so he ended up on the street, that fast. Sad truth is that once you're down there, getting back up is nearly impossible without help.
 
I tend to pick my battles carfully; if I see that they are trying to help themselves to any degree I'm willing to lend a hand;however, many folks would bleed you dry if you let them. I myself have been homeless, so I know a Land Shark when I see one, and as has been stated, once down, help back up is a big help. I pay it foreward when I can.
 
I rarely give directly to the homeless, but instead give to the local foodbank and a couple locally ran groups that I know are run well and spend the $$ they get wisely.
 
MEWOLF1

If you are comfortable telling us what really helped you, I'd be interested to hear what it was. I want to help people, but wonder what really works.
 
What you are doing right now is probablly the best thing, unless you come across one of those folks that had everything and lost it all for some reason, at which you need to decide how far you wanna go in help. Rule number one is, you can't help people who don't want help. Fact is I had an awesome childhood, a good foundation to recovery. I became a drunk-addict, lazy no good layabout. Lived in my car, in a cave, at friends, etc... and in an abandon shack the first year. Finally got a job at the ski area here the first winter, so worked and lived outside. After that Mn. winters have never bothered me.:D
Couldn't quit the drinkin and drugin life on my own and new there was a real problem when I didn't care if I got laid or went Trout fishin. At that time there was alot of money for people to go to rehab through the county. I didn't want to take the money, til a guy said to me "You're pride isn't gonna feed ya". Went for an Eval, they asked why I thought I had a problem, I told them the truth.:) Been sober since 82 and figured I owe it to the county for helping.
Many folks on the streets , as you may be aware are mentally ill, or some such. Many are cronic users. Not much will pull them out of the hole. Doesn't mean they don't need help, just how far you want to give.
Angus McGunnigl said:
MEWOLF1

If you are comfortable telling us what really helped you, I'd be interested to hear what it was. I want to help people, but wonder what really works.
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