LDS Freedom Forum

laronius wrote:Speaking from experience (not in Provo but in general) I think there are much better ways of helping beggars than just giving them cash. In the past I have always carried an extra $5 bill in my wallet to give to those who ask. But over time I have come to realize that merely handing out 5 bucks and going about my day is not what the Lord expects of me. My goal now is to try to find out exactly what they need is and then try to help them with it. Most of these people are in the situation they are because of poor choices. I'm not passing judgment, its just how it is. So my goal is to address the need, not merely give and forget nor place them in the tough position of making a choice of how to spend that money when they likely struggle with making good choices in that respect. And if they are genuine in their plea for help, they will accept it.

When I can, I chat with those who are begging and find out what their situation is. I still usually only give them money, but it has been helpful to me to talk to them and find out who they are. I feel like I understand what's going on in our world a bit better. I find that most of them can't get the assistance they need from public sources because they don't meet the criteria. Government programs often have waiting periods and strict requirements. It is so much better if we can give person to person than leave people to the mercy of the government--because there is no mercy there.

After years of living in the Provo area, you get to know several of the panhandlers. Some of them make decent money and could be working in other fields. Others pop up temporarily, or on occasion, as they are just trying to pass through or get by until their their next job. Out of the long-termers, or perennials, it is true that most of them are not homeless. Some of them could find work, if they tried. However, there are some who for reasons of addiction, mental illness, or physical impairment, would have a hard time holding down a job. I usually try to help people with food or rides to places where they can obtain existing resources. A few of them are pretty aggressive manipulators, but most of them are kind enough...
For instance, if a young, 30 year old guy sits out at the corner of Center and University Ave year after year, claiming to be down on his luck, odds are he's just taking advantage of the local good will (he usually has a stolen bike parked/stashed nearby). Still, even with him, I will take him out for Del Taco or something simple, if he is hungry. Even a professional beggar gets hungry here and there. Plus, it's fun to hear his new hard-luck story each time I do. He doesn't remember me (several months between visits), so it's interesting to see how his story changes with regards to interests, family, etc. He's a pretty clever storyteller, and I figure storytelling is an interesting profession.
Point is, these people are our brothers and sisters. Some of them are in a tough bind. Others are preying on our goodwill. If you care to get to know them and learn the difference, you might get a better gauge of when, where, and how it is appropriate to help. By no means should you feel obliged to buy tacos for the scam artist, unless you derive my same twisted pleasure out of hearing him lie to your face in a completely new and interesting fashion each time you meet... He is quite a character. When the veil is removed, I'll give him a decent ribbing over it all...

Are there really no homeless shelters in Provo/surrounding area?

No soup kitchens?
No half-way houses?
Oxford houses?
Women's shelter?

Just thinking of the many resources we have in our community....

Provo's Food and Care Coalition does a good job of servicing the poor with temporary living arrangements (usually as vouchers for short-term budget hotel stays), bus tickets, food, haircuts, showers, drug/alcohol programs, etc. Another place offers community healthcare services to the poor.
Some of the local poor use these services, like meals, even if they are not homeless. Other agencies and volunteer organizations also help, but most efforts are centralized through a handful of organizations with others offering support, products, etc. through those. The LDS church YSA stakes provide a lot of the volunteers for meal service, etc. Many local wards and other church groups do food prep and donations for the meals.
The high % of local needs are met through ward budgets/councils, bishop's storehouses, etc. Certainly, there is room for improvement, but there are a lot of good things happening. If you find yourself doubting your place at church, you might consider volunteering at one of these locations on the Sabbath. A good way to apply gospel teachings.

The Mayor posted a follow up blog:

http://provomayor.com/2013/10/17/are-pa ... -homeless/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That makes the situation even worse. Now a lot of people are feeling justified in judging their neighbors. It is sad what we do to our brothers and sisters.

We can actually help this problem by trying harder to make sure our close friends and family members have the support they need. There should never be a need for someone to stand on a street corner asking for money. The fact that there is a need for some to do this is an indication that we aren't being as supportive of each other as we ought to be.

this is my reply. see if they post it.

“It is important for us to maintain consistent flows of traffic,”

This is a flat out lie. Everyone here knows it. This is not about traffic. shame.

Someone by the name of Brooke has left some impressionable comments. I wonder if that might be our own swiftbrook.