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Me and a co-worker ran into a homeless man tonight, and the S.A. kick him out because he made a long distance phone call on their phone. He had no place to go, and I could not believe how he talked about what a nice area this place is. We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing, this is sad since we have so many churches here with all the big fine buildings, and no where for this man to get help in the middle of the night, I just wonder if the man was an angel of God, what he would report back to Him. This is d*mn right shame, that someone who is down on life can not get help, as I looked away, the thought came to my mind, that could have been me or you.
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quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
Me and a co-worker ran into a homeless man tonight, and the S.A. kick him out because he made a long distance phone call on their phone. He had no place to go, and I could not believe how he talked about what a nice area this place is. We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing, this is sad since we have so many churches here with all the big fine buildings, and no where for this man to get help in the middle of the night, I just wonder if the man was an angel of God, what he would report back to Him. This is d*mn right shame, that someone who is down on life can not get help, as I looked away, the thought came to my mind, that could have been me or you.


Bluesman my friend , you're NOT telling me a thing I don't know or understand. I know the feeling from seeing all them homeless people in Washington D.C. every time I go up there. You realize it more seeing it in real life than seeing it on TV.
Maybe someone can give him a ride to a mission somewhere?

Me being female keeps me from helping alot of people like this because of situational things that could happen if I jeopardize my own safety, but if I had a man in the car, a cell phone and the gas to get him somewhere that he would have a meal and a place to sleep. I would.

You are right bluesman... it could have been me or you... or anyone for that matter. Most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck... an injury, a sickness... lack of a family network... many could be in that man's shoes in a blink of an eye.

It amazes me how life can humble even the best of us.
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing,


Did ya help him GET A JOB?

Sorry, I don't feel much sympathy for homeless people. They are homeless vagabonds because they CHOOSE to live that way.

The government provides programs, shelter and hot food for these folks just for the asking.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by GoFish:

Did ya help him GET A JOB?

Sorry, I don't feel much sympathy for homeless people. They are homeless vagabonds because they CHOOSE to live that way.

This is a heartless statement. Many homeless people are either mentally ill, veterans trying to deal with PTSD they got fighting a war serving their country, or just poor souls that are down on their luck. If you don't have sympathy for these people, I feel sorry for YOU.
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
Me and a co-worker ran into a homeless man tonight, and the S.A. kick him out because he made a long distance phone call on their phone. He had no place to go, and I could not believe how he talked about what a nice area this place is. We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing, this is sad since we have so many churches here with all the big fine buildings, and no where for this man to get help in the middle of the night, I just wonder if the man was an angel of God, what he would report back to Him. This is d*mn right shame, that someone who is down on life can not get help, as I looked away, the thought came to my mind, that could have been me or you.


It doesn't look like you felt to bad for him. Why not take some of your own spewing and put it to work?
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing,


Did ya help him GET A JOB?

Sorry, I don't feel much sympathy for homeless people. They are homeless vagabonds because they CHOOSE to live that way.

The government provides programs, shelter and hot food for these folks just for the asking.


It must be nice to know EVERYTHING about everyones personal condition. Your callous and dismissive remarks do not exactly show the heart of a great guy.
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
Me and a co-worker ran into a homeless man tonight, and the S.A. kick him out because he made a long distance phone call on their phone. He had no place to go, and I could not believe how he talked about what a nice area this place is. We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing, this is sad since we have so many churches here with all the big fine buildings, and no where for this man to get help in the middle of the night, I just wonder if the man was an angel of God, what he would report back to Him. This is d*mn right shame, that someone who is down on life can not get help, as I looked away, the thought came to my mind, that could have been me or you.


What ended up happening to him?
quote:
Originally posted by Peace Brother:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by GoFish:

Did ya help him GET A JOB?

Sorry, I don't feel much sympathy for homeless people. They are homeless vagabonds because they CHOOSE to live that way.

This is a heartless statement. Many homeless people are either mentally ill, veterans trying to deal with PTSD they got fighting a war serving their country, or just poor souls that are down on their luck. If you don't have sympathy for these people, I feel sorry for YOU.



PeaceBrother, don't worry about it... he probably hasn't seen documentaries on how some people become homeless, and once there they are in the pits of hell and don't know HOW to get out. A hands-up sometimes may help, but most people would rather just kick them back in and cover them up with dirt.

Reminds me of scrooge, lol.
quote:
Originally posted by Taciturn:
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
Me and a co-worker ran into a homeless man tonight, and the S.A. kick him out because he made a long distance phone call on their phone. He had no place to go, and I could not believe how he talked about what a nice area this place is. We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing, this is sad since we have so many churches here with all the big fine buildings, and no where for this man to get help in the middle of the night, I just wonder if the man was an angel of God, what he would report back to Him. This is d*mn right shame, that someone who is down on life can not get help, as I looked away, the thought came to my mind, that could have been me or you.


What ended up happening to him?



Taciturn, I THINK maybe bluesman is making a point here, and probably a VERY good one.
country and go...I pray for both of you that karma doesn't come your way. You have just dismissed this person and assumed that he is homeless because he chooses to be and is not worth a few minutes of your time. Until you go out and talk to this man--do not assume anything and do not infer hatred or ignorance on the rest of us.
Unless a person can read minds and tell the future and see the past, there is NO way to know HOW they got there, WHY they got there or how long they have been there...

To help them is a devine thing.... Not with money, but with food and essentials.

And as GO said, maybe even help find them a JOB... because five bucks an hour is better than nothing, no matter which way you slice it... granted it won't get someone a home, off the streets, but it will help them eat and stay warmer in the winter.

If EVER there is anyone who CHOOSES this lifestyle, then I would say they have a mental defect or a drug problem so severe that the streets give them what they have to have, or a rank alcoholic that has the disease so bad they know not what to do... but I think everyone can be helped in one way or another.
quote:
Originally posted by Confederate Pride:
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
Me and a co-worker ran into a homeless man tonight, and the S.A. kick him out because he made a long distance phone call on their phone. He had no place to go, and I could not believe how he talked about what a nice area this place is. We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing, this is sad since we have so many churches here with all the big fine buildings, and no where for this man to get help in the middle of the night, I just wonder if the man was an angel of God, what he would report back to Him. This is d*mn right shame, that someone who is down on life can not get help, as I looked away, the thought came to my mind, that could have been me or you.


It doesn't look like you felt to bad for him. Why not take some of your own spewing and put it to work?


You didn't read his words very close.

We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing, this is sad since we have so many churches here with all the big fine buildings, and no where for this man to get help in the middle of the night
quote:
Originally posted by meanasasnake:
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing,


Did ya help him GET A JOB?

Sorry, I don't feel much sympathy for homeless people. They are homeless vagabonds because they CHOOSE to live that way.

The government provides programs, shelter and hot food for these folks just for the asking.


It must be nice to know EVERYTHING about everyones personal condition. Your callous and dismissive remarks do not exactly show the heart of a great guy.

I've been trying to understand and accept GOFISH and it is hard. THis reponse shows his true character. He will reap what he has sown. And one of these days when his business goes under maybe he will remember why people like me have chosen not to continue his prosperity...I will take my business elsewhere when someone can't even have sympathy for others.

BTW, just because someone is homeless, doesn't mean they don't always have a job. THey are not all mooches on government funds and the community -- they have hit a hard time in their life (which obviously GOFISH has never had to do) and are trying to dig their way out.

I don't understand the SA kicking this guy out for making a long distance phone call. Unless he was calling a 900 # for sex or something -- did they ask who he called or why before they did this?

Blues thank you for trying to help this man -- Like others I am female and would not feel comfortable helping a man alone...but I have helped females in dire straits before -- I guess we all have our opportunities. I also don't blame you for not taking him in. I would have considered paying for a motel room for the night (not giving him cash money but paying for the room only in person) or something similar, but I think you will still be rewarded for your efforts...
GoFish, you say that the government provides programs, shelter, and hot food for the homeless in our area. Other than the evening and night time shelter provided by the Salvation Army, could you tell me the program(s) you are speaking of? I would love to have that information, it could be very useful and I would be most grateful.

It would be great to know of a program that makes an individual "job ready" while sheltering and feeding them. It can be very difficult for a homeless individual who is living on the streets to get employment for a number of reasons. Some are mentally and/or physically disabled, and don't even have the mental faculties to apply for disability. Some are illiterate and ashamed, and can't complete applications. Many have no form of identification, which is often required for employment, and it can be trying to get identification when you don't have an address or money. Also, some are unclean and smell, which can be an instant disqualifier for potential employers. A program in our area that addresses these issues sounds like a wonderful thing, so please share any information you may have.
quote:
Originally posted by aprilkoonce:
GoFish, you say that the government provides programs, shelter, and hot food for the homeless in our area. Other than the evening and night time shelter provided by the Salvation Army, could you tell me the program(s) you are speaking of? I would love to have that information, it could be very useful and I would be most grateful.

It would be great to know of a program that makes an individual "job ready" while sheltering and feeding them. It can be very difficult for a homeless individual who is living on the streets to get employment for a number of reasons. Some are mentally and/or physically disabled, and don't even have the mental faculties to apply for disability. Some are illiterate and ashamed, and can't complete applications. Many have no form of identification, which is often required for employment, and it can be trying to get identification when you don't have an address or money. Also, some are unclean and smell, which can be an instant disqualifier for potential employers. A program in our area that addresses these issues sounds like a wonderful thing, so please share any information you may have.



Great Question April --

Yes, what programs and support is offered in the Shoals Area? Not nationwide, because we don't have many options here, but I'd like ot konw as well -- for both males and females...
Bradford will help if someone is addicted to drugs, but they must have insurance. I once had a guy come in and tell me that he was ready to stop doing drugs and needed help. He wanted to go to an in-patient rehabilitative facility, such as Bradford. I called Bradford, and a woman came out and interviewed the man, but then left without him because, while he was insured, it was Medicare insurance, and Medicare wouldn't pay for the services rendered by Bradford, and he couldn't otherwise afford the services, as they totaled hundreds of dollars per each day of care.
quote:
Originally posted by aprilkoonce:
GoFish, you say that the government provides programs, shelter, and hot food for the homeless in our area. Other than the evening and night time shelter provided by the Salvation Army, could you tell me the program(s) you are speaking of? I would love to have that information, it could be very useful and I would be most grateful.

It would be great to know of a program that makes an individual "job ready" while sheltering and feeding them. It can be very difficult for a homeless individual who is living on the streets to get employment for a number of reasons. Some are mentally and/or physically disabled, and don't even have the mental faculties to apply for disability. Some are illiterate and ashamed, and can't complete applications. Many have no form of identification, which is often required for employment, and it can be trying to get identification when you don't have an address or money. Also, some are unclean and smell, which can be an instant disqualifier for potential employers. A program in our area that addresses these issues sounds like a wonderful thing, so please share any information you may have.



GREAT reply!!! Factor in the fact that there is no address, therefore NO job, so they ARE STUCK unless some one comes along and decides to help them...

Sometimes all a person needs is a helping hand.
quote:
Originally posted by imya_huckleberry:
If the person has a drug problem and is homeless Bradford services will help them out if they are trying to get straight. They have people on call. They will come in and interview the subject and set them up with a room. I don't know how long it lasts though.



Which only has a "few" free beds, the rest are for those with insurance... by FEW I mean maybe 2... and it is a 28 day program... and the closest one I know of here is in Russellville which I learned from a guy who went there, it was a joke, that most of the people there were court ordered to be there, they HAD homes... they were NOT homeless...
quote:
Originally posted by aprilkoonce:
Bradford will help if someone is addicted to drugs, but they must have insurance. I once had a guy come in and tell me that he was ready to stop doing drugs and needed help. He wanted to go to an in-patient rehabilitative facility, such as Bradford. I called Bradford, and a woman came out and interviewed the man, but then left without him because, while he was insured, it was Medicare insurance, and Medicare wouldn't pay for the services rendered by Bradford, and he couldn't otherwise afford the services, as they totaled hundreds of dollars per each day of care.



Sorry, I was wrong then... Back in the mid 90's, I volunteered at our local Safe Place, and at that time, there were women there who would go to Bradford on a staggered basis with no insurance... Guess they got too greedy to do that anymore.

Gosh, Some of our state's population sure has gotten to the point that if someone is DOWN, most want to kick them.... how sad.
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
We tried calling other places to help him, and nothing,


Did ya help him GET A JOB?

Sorry, I don't feel much sympathy for homeless people. They are homeless vagabonds because they CHOOSE to live that way.

The government provides programs, shelter and hot food for these folks just for the asking.


You have completely shattered any small inkling that anyone may have had that you were a decent human being. You have proven yourself to be a selfish, coldhearted, jerk. How can you even assume these people CHOOSE to live that way. Sure, there are some that do choose that life. They are the exception, not the rule. You manage to the RULE, not the EXCEPTION. Most are having to live this way because of some unforseen, terrible luck. Oh yeah, don't you own a business? Why don't you seek out a few of these people and give them gainful employment? Maybe Bluesman can find this guy again and bring him to you to apply. I'm sure you could help, RIGHT?
If the person has a drug problem and is homeless Bradford services will help them out if they are trying to get straight. They have people on call. They will come in and interview the subject and set them up with a room. I don't know how long it lasts though.

Bradford has an outreach program. Unfortunately that program only gets them in the door until the next morning when the insurance is verified. They don't take medicaid. Only private pay or insurance. (I worked on a temp assignment in admissions for them about 3 months one year. HATED IT.) Fifteen years ago the cost was $18,500 a month. Yeah.
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
Did the man go hungry, nope we asked him if he needed something to eat, and he said no. We did find him a place to stay, not the best place in the world. Had it been cold would he had been taken to a motel room, someway I would have found and seen to it. This is the third time I have seen this here, once a couple living in a van had a child who was in the hospital who was almost dying, and yes and I d*mn sure don't want that-a-boy blues, but for seven days they had a place to stay. Later another couple who were down on luck, had nothing but a tent to live in, and yes they were took care of to. Another man was going through a dumpster looking for something to eat, and it was my lunch time, but my lunch was not as important, his was, he he was fed. And yes I know there is some homeless people that take advantage of people, but not all do. My, thought is why again, with all the so call better than I people we have can not something be done to help one when one is in need. And no Go Fish I will not cut you down on an open forum, if I am not mis-taken and if it is true that He lives, I will leave that up to Him, not me. Just remember and volume up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMB62g-A3Hk FOR YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN ONE IS AMONG US.


Blues -- I'm still gonna give you an atta-boy...and if I or someone I love fall on hard times and need help I hope they fall close to your doorstep to get them through the night...
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
Did the man go hungry, nope we asked him if he needed something to eat, and he said no. We did find him a place to stay, not the best place in the world. Had it been cold would he had been taken to a motel room, someway I would have found and seen to it. This is the third time I have seen this here, once a couple living in a van had a child who was in the hospital who was almost dying, and yes and I d*mn sure don't want that-a-boy blues, but for seven days they had a place to stay. Later another couple who were down on luck, had nothing but a tent to live in, and yes they were took care of to. Another man was going through a dumpster looking for something to eat, and it was my lunch time, but my lunch was not as important, his was, he he was fed. And yes I know there is some homeless people that take advantage of people, but not all do. My, thought is why again, with all the so call better than I people we have can not something be done to help one when one is in need. And no Go Fish I will not cut you down on an open forum, if I am not mis-taken and if it is true that He lives, I will leave that up to Him, not me. Just remember and volume up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMB62g-A3Hk FOR YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN ONE IS AMONG US.


Darlin', you are the Church and something was done for someone in need. Why do you think God placed you there? God bless you, Bluesman. If you predetermine to help and not judge, you'll be ready to do just that when God places someone in your path. I haven't always done that but thanks to examples like yourself and growing in Christ, I do now.

One more thing...one time when I was complaining about how self-centered our culture has become, someone much wiser than me once told me that I can't do nothing about the next guy, but I can do something about me. Each of us can make a difference. If it's only one person, to that one person, it matters.
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
Did the man go hungry, nope we asked him if he needed something to eat, and he said no. We did find him a place to stay, not the best place in the world. Had it been cold would he had been taken to a motel room, someway I would have found and seen to it. This is the third time I have seen this here, once a couple living in a van had a child who was in the hospital who was almost dying, and yes and I d*mn sure don't want that-a-boy blues, but for seven days they had a place to stay. Later another couple who were down on luck, had nothing but a tent to live in, and yes they were took care of to. Another man was going through a dumpster looking for something to eat, and it was my lunch time, but my lunch was not as important, his was, he he was fed.


Blues, you sound like a good man and someone I would be proud to know.
Blues, was this man by any chance riding a bicycle? The reason I ask is that I was coming home from work yesterday afternoon close to 5 pm and saw a man on a bicycle on Woodward Avenue with his belongings attached to the bike and a sign on the back that said "Hungry Please Help".

And I am terribly ashamed that I did not turn around. As much as I would like to use my being a female and alone at the time as my excuse, honestly I would not have been afraid to pull over and offer him some food. Thanks to you, I won't just keep driving by next time if it's in broad daylight and I don't feel that I would be jeopardizing my safety by helping.
quote:
Blues, was this man by any chance riding a bicycle? The reason I ask is that I was coming home from work yesterday afternoon close to 5 pm and saw a man on a bicycle on Woodward Avenue with his belongings attached to the bike and a sign on the back that said "Hungry Please Help".

And I am terribly ashamed that I did not turn around. As much as I would like to use my being a female and alone at the time as my excuse, honestly I would not have been afraid to pull over and offer him some food. Thanks to you, I won't just keep driving by next time if it's in broad daylight and I don't feel that I would be jeopardizing my safety by helping.


Well, I did something not long ago I just cannot get over. It's just haunted me.

My husband and I went to Walmart on 150 in Hoover. We came back to my car just loaded with bedding plants and stuff. There was a young boy looked to be about 17-20 walking in the parking lot. He came up to me and started to ask for something. I just brushed him off and got into the car (there are lots of panhandlers in Birmingham). He walked away but looked so dejected I almost got out and went after him. My husband grabbed my arm and made me stay in the car. He went up to another man across the parking lot and the guy was talking to him when we left. All the way home I just had a sick feeling about him. I still wish I'd just dumped the husband here and gone back to see whether or not he was still there.

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