Homeless Veterans
 

I often come across homeless people standing at stop lights begging for money, some of whom carry signs stating they are homeless veterans. I'm all for supporting our veterans, and I feel guilty not giving, but there are many phonies out there. I feel conflicted about this.

There are probably quite a few vets on this forum. Thank you for your service. How can you tell if they are truly a veteran or not? I've never served, so I wouldn't know what to ask them to see if they are telling the truth. What you you ask them?

Luke

That's an interesting question but does it matter if they are a veteran? If you want to help, help. If not, don't. I'm not sure I would choose whether I help a person based on if they are a veteran or not .

Just my opinion, of course.

I have my Marine Tattoo on my arm. I'm a Vietnam Vet class of 68. Most Veterans like me carry a military card.

I refuse to give anything to anyone who begs from me by cornering me...whether it's a homeless person at a stop light (veteran or not), a charitable organization set up at intersections doing much the same thing, or a check-out clerk at a store asking me if I want to donate. I just cannot stand that approach to begging and will not give.

You never know if the person begging is a phony. IF not a phony you never know what their needs are. Often people who are homeless are so because of underlying functionality problems. Sometimes it's a spate of bad luck but most times it's more to do with psychological problems.

Without knowing, you could be giving them the wrong help. For example, if a beggar is a drug addict or alcoholic they are likely to use your money to buy more drugs or booze, instead of food.

Organizations exist to help such people and do so most efficiently. For example, you could give $10 and give one homeless man one meal, but if you give that $10 to a soup kitchen you could feed a homeless family for a couple days.

The best thing you can do is not give them money directly. If you want to help, donate to a local service organization.

If you see someone who could use help, refer them to those organizations.

We get that at the local McD's drive-thru. Irritates the crap outta me.

I'm playing a charity gig this fall that helps homeless veterans, and played for a similar military oriented charity last spring. That's my contribution. I never give to traffic beggars. I have seen more than a few of them drive off in rather nice cars. Are any of them really veterans? Who knows?

@A-Mac I play the Arizona stand down for many years raising money for homeless Vets.

Not to sound all high and mighty about religion but my younger son's kid's club at church made little care packages to keep in the car in case we come across someone begging at an intersection. Inside is a bottle of water, toiletries and snacks. No money, though.

As for the panhandlers on the street, does it really matter if they are a veteran or just mentally ill? Their situation is such that they need help. If you feel uncomfortable about handing out to the needy or taking the time to buy them some food then you should be looking at your own priorities IMO.

I see homeless folks holding "Homeless Veteran" sign everyday. I feel guilty (?) for not helping them everyday but I have wondered whether they really are real veterans. One of them gets picked up by his gf or wife who drives a nice car.

I like this. Thanks for the suggestion.

I like this too.

I worked in downtown Austin for several years. There were a lot of homeless there (bet there still is). I gave them pocket change on a regular basis. It is not up to me to decide whether they are veterans or not, or an addict or not. Just human and destitute.

I don't buy the "drives a nice car" myth. The guy with the yellowed fingernails, straggly hair, torn and dirty clothes, and a wild look in his/her eyes did not "drive a nice car" to get there or to leave.

You must have a different breed of homeless than I saw.

I hate to see vets using their service as a pity pitch for their panhandling, and don't think it deserves special consideration for a hand out...

Remember, Lee Harvey Oswall, and Timothy McViegh were vets too!

Don

I am a veteran.
The military is in essence a small slice of America.
The are bad veterans and there are good veterans.
I do not give or donate based on this criteria alone.