Is this happening in your neighborhood?

[stanwyck]

In the past six months, I have been repeatedly confronted by people in parking lots needing money. I've heard the same variation on the plea: I just need $5 ($10) to put gas in my car. I'm here with my kids and I ran out or gas OR I'm a UGA student..I just need to get back to Athens. Very similar stories. Also, there are more people holding up signs requesting money close to the interstate exits. My middle-class suburban neighborhood in northern Atlanta is starting to look like a slum in a third world country. Is that what we're becoming? Anyone else experiencing an increase in the number of people in their neighborhood panhandling or begging?

[purduejake]

1. I've started to notice them outside bars in Indianapolis.

They always try to get you on your way in while you still have some cash.

[mark414]

2. that's the bush economy for ya

[pstans]

6. I bet they voted for Bu$h too

[Melynn]

13. They don't have any money

But they have Jesus. According to the Freeper corp, if you have Jesus, you have everything you need.

It won't be long before people get tired of this nonsense.

[NMDemDist2]

3. yes to parking lots and yes to freeway beggars in PHX

and the freeway folks are not your "typical" homeless looking single men. They are better dressed, cleaner, older and often couples.

There but by the grace of God go I......

[Roon]

4. Yep!

I call them "bush beggars"

[htuttle]

5. Used to be more of a problem in my neighborhood

...but lately I think my own neighborhood has gotten so poor, that everyone in my neighborhood is going over to other neighborhoods to ask for money.

[iconoclastic cat]

7. What has your response been?

Morbid curiosity here.

[stanwyck]

11. Usually, I

give the person a dollar or two. Sometimes more. It depends on the approach. If I don't feel threatened, I'm liable to stop and make a donation. But last week I was struggling with my gym bag while getting in my car at 10pm in the gym parking lot and a guy approached me from behind. I was scared. And then angry. So..I just got in my car and locked the doors.
I feel sorry for these people. And, who knows? Sometimes people do run out of gas. And cash. Plus, I believe in karma. My son ran out of gas, only had a gas card-no cash, and a little old lady living by herself out in the middle of nowhere got out her gas can and put in enough gas for him to easily reach the next town. She even let him in her house while she went out back for the gas. And my son is a hulking Marine. Then she prayed for his safety.
Sometimes, people just need a little help.

[Pam-Moby]

8. yes I have seen the same near our

interstate exits in mid Michigan. People are holding signs that say I will work for food. Sad to see people having to beg for food.

[alcuno]

9. I'm in blue country. We have assistance programs for people in need.

We still need to do more, however, there is a real effort by communities to take care of one another. I've lived in the south and in Arizona where people in need are on their own. Not exactly sure where all that church contributed charitable money is going down there.

[McKenzie]

10. similar phenomenon in the UK

London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee all have a fair number of beggars, mostly young people. No doubt other UK cities have the same problem.

edit: speling...agen

[Taxloss]

12. I've noticed an upsurge in "likely story" begging in London

Where people appraoch you with a likely story and only need £5 to help them out ... and then you see them again the next day.

But at the same time it seems "traditional" street begging is WAY down. Still noticeable, but much less than it has been.

But that's purely anecdotal evidence.

[Melynn]

14. I bet

That these people work for WMT. Anyone want to take me up on that bet?

[lectrobyte]

16. Probably a stupid question, but what's a WMT? Thanks.

[Melynn]

18. WMT is Wal-Mart

Sorry, I have been spending too much time on investor message boards.

[lectrobyte]

21. aha, thanks.

[lectrobyte]

15. Increased lately? Not that I've noticed. I've seen lots of folks

with cardboard signs at the highway exits for the last several years, but I did see something new the other day, a man hanging out in the parking lot of Home Depot approaching customers leaving with lots of wood or whatever and offering his labor for hire on their projects.

[demosincebirth]

17. I try to carry, only, a couple of bucks in change in my pocket.

Never pull out my wallet, not wise.

[ArkDem]

19. My neighborhood is too far from any liquor stores.

[Walt Starr]

20. In chicago it's money for the train

Oldest sob story bullshit in the book. I ignore them.