RE: CanMan's "An undercover investigation learned that some of the scammers were pulling down $100M"

Many years ago up in Anchorage a middle-aged "homeless woman" actually "retired" to Arizona after years of begging on the streets in Anch. where folks are very giving- especially during colder weather. Story was she bought a lovely home and also a huge, well-appointed motor home from her "retirement savings"!

I don't tell this type of story to down-play the real and serious need out there- quite the contrary. BUT, many times those willing to help are swindled and "victimized" of their good will and honorable, helful intentions.

Going back to janie's original story- I think she and Jon did a wonderful thing by buying foods and even pet food for the person they encountered. What a wise, kind and generous choice they made!

I didnt see the guy any while I was out yesterday.
Im guesing alot of people complained to the store about him and he was asked to move along. Across the street they had a bunch the cops were after running around dressed all in black. Drugs are so bad here they were probably looking for something to steal. Our friend who lives across the road caught a couple of guys behind their garage who took off running when he yelled at them.

I think it's Good to give to Food banks or Shelters time or money. I have never gone to a Food bank or a Shelter but give to Food banks & Shelters my support different times of the year especially winter months. I feel very sorry for the homeless, so sad it really is. Cookie

I don't know if I've ever divulged this- but I have a brother who's always been a troubled soul. As a kid he suffered from a learning disability and was always small and picked-on/bullied. But when he hit 16 puberty set-in and he became huge- worked out, played sports, etc.- and he himself then became a troublesome bully.

He was kicked out of the Army for fighting. He's never been able to hold down a job and has been homeless much of his adult life. Last Fall he was released from Iowa State Penitentiary after a 7 year sentence- this was his second long-term prison experience.

Craig leads an unfortunate life- one I never would have chosen for him. He clearly has some issues that make him violent and prone to crime- which is very scary. My Dad has had a restraining order placed against him because he threatened violence aganinst he and his wife several years back. My sister and her husband visited him in prison- but they don't want their kids around him. All of us contribute small amounts of money when he's in need and reaches out. But we don't trust him enuf to give him amounts of $ large enuf to get him into any trouble.

If someone called me right now and said Craig had been arrested fro murder- I would believe them.

Ugh.

So- what do we do with these people? I want my brother to get help, or make better decisions to correct himself- but how realistic is that? I want my brother to be able to work and find a decent job- but honestly, I myself would never hire him. I want my brother to find love and acceptance- but I myself don't trust him and don't want him to even know the addresses of my Dad or my sister...

For years I have donated time and money to shelters- in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and here in Illinois. Why? Because I know my brother has needed services from such places in several states- and since he himself likely would never have it in him to do much to show his gratitude, I feel the need to give something back on his behalf. But... it's still not enough.

I realize Craig's situation is far different than the average homeless person- but his situation is similar to others. They all have needs. They all need help- and none of us does enough- we really don't. But what are the answers? Is it enuf to simply want a better life for those who don't seem to want it for themselves? What do you do to help and assist when it's dangerous to give someone more than twenty bucks- for fear that they'll use the money you give them to buy drugs, or a gun- or something that will possibly play a role and inspire them to commit crimes.

It's difficult not to feel sorry for folks in need- but sometimes it's hard to, as well- especially when they have stories like my brother does. And how awful is it that the "bad apples" might possibly ruin it for others in need who don't have such burdensome issues.

Aggghhh!

Your story about Criag is sad, you hear stories like this a lot. I think it's better to give to shelters or Food Banks rather than a person and your right if you give to a person in need on the street make it a small amount $2-$5. I think what Janie did was really sweet. Cookie