Someday  us disabled will be interviewed so not every one believes we are all addicts. most VA and  OTHER shelter programs are geared to rehab and unemployed - not people with long term disability. NOT always but often,They choose drugs over shelter and housing. is he on a list for rehab and shelter??We the other homeless do not get to choose but for institution or if not to die today- the road.
THANKS.

But what can I do?  That first paragraph is me, every day...what do I do?  I come across people like Tony frequently here in DC and I don't know what to do.  I feel terrible every time.

Meredith's comment is a valid one: What can / should we do? Does giving money directly to Tony help him? or would our dollars have more impact if directed to a homeless shelter or other organization / non-profit with programs dedicated to ending homelessness? I often wonder what happens to the money I give people like Tony. It's not that I don't have sympathy or am ignorant of their situation. But I wonder if my money will help him and the cause long-term. So, some days I give them money, and some days I don't - instead opting to donate to local non-profits and government programs. 

Which is better?

The hard reality is that giving to panhandlers is only enabling, i.e., helping the panhandler stay on the street. It makes charitable people feel good, but it really helps perpetuate the problem.

In the video, Tony gives it away. There is a substance abuse issue in the background. Homelessness will not end unless his dependence is addressed. And that means that he may need to get into a drug program for  six months to a year.

If you want to give, give to a homeless program. Better yet, donate time and volunteer. Homeless veterans are not necessarily a VA problem. So, make appointments with your City and County Commissioners and advocate for an expansion of rehabilitation programs. After all, these poor souls are sleeping on our hard, cold streets and to survive are committing crimes in our communities.

THE SADNESS THAT COMES

Sitting then sleeping in old cars right in front of every one the:  sheriff, Federal, State, county city politicians IE the mayor, county judge, and then preachers, plumbers, prostitutes, painters, bankers, bakers, band saw makers and all the rest of the highest to the lowest caliber of folk in our little town of 35,000 was two.  Father and son, been that way for over five years at that time. No home, no shower, no possessions, no hope, no common courtesy or decency just two totally lost humans roaming around in our USA, Maverick County, Texas, Eagle Pass right on the border to Mexico.

Now that was the scene four and half years ago out back of the Border Café, Eagle Pass TX.  But those same two have an existence of some kind today in their uncivil approach to living.  For the both of them are schizophrenics.  Yours truly worked for three and a half years proving to Social Security that the son was a schizophrenic of the worst group, irreversible in all ways.  The son who I got to know as the days months, years, clicked on by has now become to me just another son of my own, to add to my genetic three.  Mario when all this began was as close to being just a speaking animal that I had ever had the privilege of meeting. He liked to run, growl, shout out, stare, glumly at most with a harsh glare telling all, you strike at me and you are dead.

The dad a worthless kind of a man, never worked much, just sat and smoked, drank coffee all day, sometimes would get others to buy him some beer or other strong drink.  Later I found out was more than a just a schizophrenic he also had learned the ways of being a sociopath, and he had practiced that art all his life. 

The bottom line to this little story might make some of you revolt to what we call our civil society.  First we have the ways and means to help those like Mario 36 years old today to get at least a roof over their head and a meal or two along through life.  Thus began my alone long arduous task of dealing --- seems like daily with the Social Security folks to prove once and for all Mario was a schizophrenic thus he qualified for financial aid and to be enrolled in Medicaid.  And that fight was not only with Social Security it was with Lonnie the dad and Mario the son daily. Looking back I question myself how did I survive?

Now to the bottom bottom line a tale almost the worst scourge against our bureaucratic folks that any one has ever heard ---- but here goes.  Mario finally got approved for his little monthly check, but Social Security denied that he deserved the money from the first time that he submitted his claim dating back to 2002.  Lonnie the dad being what he was and is today decided to take me totally out of the process and convinced some at Social Security to follow along.  Out of disgust for the system I filed an appeal for the balance of money owed to Mario and got that approved.  And Lonnie what he was then and still is today, jumped in and got Social Security here in Eagle Pass to cut me out so the two dad and son, got a check of over $26,000 late last year.  Now just months later all that money is about gone---spent on who knows what.  Two more older cars, no furniture, no upgrade in housing, a few clothes, Mario does get some mental health care now but for those that know those many disabled with schizophrenia only solace comes when their surroundings are changed and that has not been done. Lonnie still runs all things since he is the dad and is a sociopath.  He is almost dead wont last much longer and my adopted son Mario will come around before this year ends begging as he has done all his life for some place to stay and a helping hand.  Because nothing has been done for his long term living needs he has fallen through the cracks of all our supposed civility for most thinks that only money will cure all.

Dwight Baker We the Peoples Advocacy WTPA Chairman of the Grass Roots Efforts of forming our own truth filled lobby in Washington DC.

Co founder of Bondservants of Christ Jesus ministries, serving here and in the DR CONGO.

in 1975 at the age of 18 i decided enough was enough, so only with the clothes on my back and the low balance of my last paycheck i bought a one way bus ticket from a small town in western okla to san diego california, the furtherst i could go for my money. i landed in the sd-ca bus station in the middle of a strange world not knowing anybody, i asked where the nearest ymca was, went there and got a room for 2.00 overnight, while there i met up with this guy who was a landlord of a cottage in the golden hills area. from there i helped a couple pay thier rent by subletting ea room, but we panhandled everyday and gave blood plasma for money and worked temp jobs, at that time there were strikes all over, thus no jobs. yeah we partied with drugs too, it was a very fast life, i finally made my way back to okla thru my brother. and stayed and made it ever since. no drugs now, raised five kids. still working and everything is good.-so i know where the homeless are coming from.it is the ones that could do better but chose not too, that i have no symphathy for.-harv

Meredith asks a great question. I'm no expert, but I definitely relate to the tension of wanting to help but not being sure what's the best way. A few thoughts:

1) Contributing to good local institutions is always helpful, whether in volunteering, giving money, donating items, or fundraising.

2) I feel more comfortable giving to homeless people who have some sort of business, selling papers or other items, for example. (But I recognize it's hard to get something started, too.)

3) Give useful items instead of cash. Keep energy bars, water, clean socks, or groceries in your car. Have tickets for public transportation that you can donate (or free transfers after you ride, depending on the city). Buy gift certificates to grocery stores, restaurants, or even coffee shops - coffee may seem like a luxury, but it provides a hot drink, a place to sit, and a restroom.

4) Know what services are in your area for homeless people so you can point people in the right direction for food, shelter, counseling, job training, etc.

5) Raise awareness. Talk with friends, and try volunteering together. Forward these articles to coworkers. Try to get a place of worship (or any group you're a part of) involved in the community by providing services or partnering with existing service providers.

6) Lastly, even if you have nothing tangible to give, give respect and recognize humanity - look people in the eye, greet people, talk to people, shake a hand. If you're religious, pray for them - out loud, in your heart, or with a simple "God bless you."

I am one of a group of volunteers in Summit County Ohio who are organizing the construction of a transitional housing facility for veterans.  With anywhere from 250,000 to 500,000 of our veterans homeless each night in this country, we only have beds for 15,000.  Our program is patterned after the Freedom House in Kent, Ohio.  This program offers not only a home but assistance with VA paperwork, health care, employment, housing, self sufficiency, and integration back into society.  As a community it is our obligation to take care of the men and women who return from combat.  I encourage everyone reading this comment to become active in your community and reach-out to the homeless.

~~~Kimmer~~~