Gave a homeless guy some cans

crupiea · 03-07-2009, 01:41 PM

I saw a homeless guy pushing a shopping cart down my street the other day. It was recycle day and he was checking out all the bins for cans.

They had emptied the cans earlier in the day so there was nothing for him. I had a bag of cans that I was going to recycle so decided he could use them better then I could.

I was just standing out front and here he comes again. He told me that there was $20 in cans in the bag and he went to the market and bought the biggest steak he could find with the money.

It really touched me. I know these people have problems but in times like these, not too many of us are too far away from where this guy is.

I feel very blessed to be able to help someone else out.

This is America, this is what we do.

Alpha_Papa · 03-07-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crupiea

This is America, this is what we do.

I'd like to think that in America, we do more than give homeless people trash. I've seen and heard many times of people giving fast food to homeless people (when I worked at a certain area) and them trying to sell it minutes later and it never stopped me from giving them cash or food.

I work in another bad neighborhood now, and sometimes I see homeless people digging through fast food joints trash cans (indoors). Most people stare while an employee attempts to shoo him away. I've seen their eyes swell up not at my fiscal generosity, but rather, being willing and human enough to make the physical contact of shaking their hands as they thanked me. Imagine that- treating a mentally disabled person as a human.

One thing I've noticed about California (where I live) is that people are too judgmental about giving money to the homeless.

namtrag · 03-07-2009, 01:59 PM

many of us will be doing this soon, we are going up in flames fast.

we should help people while we can

Bando · 03-07-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crupiea

I saw a homeless guy pushing a shopping cart down my street the other day. It was recycle day and he was checking out all the bins for cans.

They had emptied the cans earlier in the day so there was nothing for him. I had a bag of cans that I was going to recycle so decided he could use them better then I could.

I was just standing out front and here he comes again. He told me that there was $20 in cans in the bag and he went to the market and bought the biggest steak he could find with the money.

It really touched me. I know these people have problems but in times like these, not too many of us are too far away from where this guy is.

I feel very blessed to be able to help someone else out.

This is America, this is what we do.

Nice job.

He could have had hamburger for a week or steak for one night, with that kind of thinking I'm not surprised he's homeless.

SP1966 · 03-07-2009, 02:21 PM

It's America so he showed appreciation. On the wife and my last day in Paris we were walking around town some time around midnight when we came upon a guy sleeping in a doorway. I took the last of my French money and laid it beside him and we walked away, quitely! The guy woke up, got offended and proceeded to throw the money at us as we walked away!

I am part French, I guess that explains the self loathing!

...Kennedy · 03-07-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP1966

It's America so he showed appreciation. On the wife and my last day in Paris we were walking around town some time around midnight when we came upon a guy sleeping in a doorway. I took the last of my French money and laid it beside him and we walked away, quitely! The guy woke up, got offended and proceeded to throw the money at us as we walked away!

I am part French, I guess that explains the self loathing!

Sacre bleu!

SP1966 · 03-07-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...Kennedy

Sacre bleu!

Had to look that up, and yes, I agree!

freebirdmac · 03-07-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

Nice job.

He could have had hamburger for a week or steak for one night, with that kind of thinking I'm not surprised he's homeless.

How would he keep the hamburger refrigerated? Keep people from stealing his food? He made a good choice from a nutritional standpoint. Too many people buy the cheapest food possible which is inevitably processed crap with little nutritional value. But loaded with empty calories.

Bando · 03-07-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

How would he keep the hamburger refrigerated? Keep people from stealing his food? He made a good choice from a nutritional standpoint. Too many people buy the cheapest food possible which is inevitably processed crap with little nutritional value. But loaded with empty calories.

Buy a $2.50 pack of hamburg everyday for 8 days

SP1966 · 03-07-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

Buy a $2.50 pack of hamburg everyday for 8 days

LOL, he's a thinker this one!

IronCharles · 03-07-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crupiea

....I know these people have problems but in times like these, not too many of us are too far away from where this guy is....

Yes, I used to be one of "those people" many years ago, I can relate. I used to be the homeless guy walking the highways with a bag picking up the cans. On a good day I would make enough to buy those 4 for a dollar cheap apple pies from the supermarket, and a loaf of bread. I would take the rest of the change and go buy the bottomless coffee at the diner, sit around and warm up, and when somebody would get up from their meal and leave, I migt snag a leftover piece of chicken off a plate before the busboy came and cleaned up. I knew where every fruit tree in town was, ate wild blackberries, and slept in the city dump. I'd bathe in the river, but rarely, since the pesticides and sewage and other chemicals would burn my skin. Winter was the worst, sleeping outside with 2 stocking hats, 2 coats, 2 sweaters, 3 pairs of pants and 4 pairs of socks, you were still never warm enough.

In my time on the street, I never asked anyone for a dime. You can survive on your own wits, without begging, if you try hard enough. Get a job? Would you hire a smelly guy in filthy clothes that hasn't shaved for months, can't give you an address or a phone number? Trust me, it's not easy, folks. I was in a small thrift store one day, looking to find a new coat to replace my torn one, and I found a beautiful jacket that fit perfectly and was very warm, but it was more money than I had, so I asked the lady if she would hold it for me until I could scrape together enough cash to buy it. She could tell I was homeless from my appearance, asked me a few more questions, and said 'Wait here just a minute.' She went in back and made a phone call, came back and said, 'You may have the coat for free, as long as you come to my and my husband's home tonight for a hot meal, a shower, and a chance to wash your clothes.' Well, I couldn't pass that up, and to make a long story short, these nice people let me sleep in their basement and gave me some decent clothes and took me into town to look for a job, which I was able to get quickly, and from that point on I never looked back. I have never been broke or homeless since, and I have only the kindness of strangers and God to thank for that.

It's easy for us to look down of those who have less than us, and those with addiction problems have a tough road ahead of them, but they too can become whole again. They just have to want it bad enough. I don't advocate handing money out to a guy siting on the street with a 40 ouncer in his hand, because he will just buy more beer to kill the pain. But you can donate to relief programs, rescue missions and such, because those people will see that the money is spent on what is needed, whether it be treatment, food, or clothing, or shelter. Crupiea is right, we are all just a few bad circumstances from being the one in need.

Bando · 03-07-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronCharles

Yes, I used to be one of "those people" many years ago, I can relate. I used to be the homeless guy walking the highways with a bag picking up the cans. On a good day I would make enough to buy those 4 for a dollar cheap apple pies from the supermarket, and a loaf of bread. I would take the rest of the change and go buy the bottomless coffee at the diner, sit around and warm up, and when somebody would get up from their meal and leave, I migt snag a leftover piece of chicken off a plate before the busboy came and cleaned up. I knew where every fruit tree in town was, ate wild blackberries, and slept in the city dump. I'd bathe in the river, but rarely, since the pesticides and sewage and other chemicals would burn my skin. Winter was the worst, sleeping outside with 2 stocking hats, 2 coats, 2 sweaters, 3 pairs of pants and 4 pairs of socks, you were still never warm enough.

In my time on the street, I never asked anyone for a dime. You can survive on your own wits, without begging, if you try hard enough. Get a job? Would you hire a smelly guy in filthy clothes that hasn't shaved for months, can't give you an address or a phone number? Trust me, it's not easy, folks. I was in a small thrift store one day, looking to find a new coat to replace my torn one, and I found a beautiful jacket that fit perfectly and was very warm, but it was more money than I had, so I asked the lady if she would hold it for me until I could scrape together enough cash to buy it. She could tell I was homeless from my appearance, asked me a few more questions, and said 'Wait here just a minute.' She went in back and made a phone call, came back and said, 'You may have the coat for free, as long as you come to my and my husband's home tonight for a hot meal, a shower, and a chance to wash your clothes.' Well, I couldn't pass that up, and to make a long story short, these nice people let me sleep in their basement and gave me some decent clothes and took me into town to look for a job, which I was able to get quickly, and from that point on I never looked back. I have never been broke or homeless, and I have only the kindness of strangers and God to thank for that.

It's easy for us to look down of those who have less than us, and those with addiction problems have a tough road ahead of them, but they too can become whole again. They just have to want it bad enough. I don't advocate handing money out to a guy siting on the street with a 40 ouncer in his hand, because he will just buy more beer to kill the pain. But you can donate to relief programs, rescue missions and such, because those people will see that the money is spent on what is needed, whether it be treatmend, food, or clothing, or shelter. Crupiea is right, we are all just a few bad circumstances from being the one in need.

This is the most moving post I've ever read here, well put and well done.

crupiea · 03-07-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronCharles

Yes, I used to be one of "those people" many years ago, I can relate. I used to be the homeless guy walking the highways with a bag picking up the cans. On a good day I would make enough to buy those 4 for a dollar cheap apple pies from the supermarket, and a loaf of bread. I would take the rest of the change and go buy the bottomless coffee at the diner, sit around and warm up, and when somebody would get up from their meal and leave, I migt snag a leftover piece of chicken off a plate before the busboy came and cleaned up. I knew where every fruit tree in town was, ate wild blackberries, and slept in the city dump. I'd bathe in the river, but rarely, since the pesticides and sewage and other chemicals would burn my skin. Winter was the worst, sleeping outside with 2 stocking hats, 2 coats, 2 sweaters, 3 pairs of pants and 4 pairs of socks, you were still never warm enough.

In my time on the street, I never asked anyone for a dime. You can survive on your own wits, without begging, if you try hard enough. Get a job? Would you hire a smelly guy in filthy clothes that hasn't shaved for months, can't give you an address or a phone number? Trust me, it's not easy, folks. I was in a small thrift store one day, looking to find a new coat to replace my torn one, and I found a beautiful jacket that fit perfectly and was very warm, but it was more money than I had, so I asked the lady if she would hold it for me until I could scrape together enough cash to buy it. She could tell I was homeless from my appearance, asked me a few more questions, and said 'Wait here just a minute.' She went in back and made a phone call, came back and said, 'You may have the coat for free, as long as you come to my and my husband's home tonight for a hot meal, a shower, and a chance to wash your clothes.' Well, I couldn't pass that up, and to make a long story short, these nice people let me sleep in their basement and gave me some decent clothes and took me into town to look for a job, which I was able to get quickly, and from that point on I never looked back. I have never been broke or homeless since, and I have only the kindness of strangers and God to thank for that.

It's easy for us to look down of those who have less than us, and those with addiction problems have a tough road ahead of them, but they too can become whole again. They just have to want it bad enough. I don't advocate handing money out to a guy siting on the street with a 40 ouncer in his hand, because he will just buy more beer to kill the pain. But you can donate to relief programs, rescue missions and such, because those people will see that the money is spent on what is needed, whether it be treatment, food, or clothing, or shelter. Crupiea is right, we are all just a few bad circumstances from being the one in need.

Thats the best post I have ever read here.

Thanks

Chipman · 03-07-2009, 04:03 PM

On days when my leg will stand it I go down to the mission and do ten or so free haircuts for the people that wonder in off interstate 40 needing a meal and some cleanup. It makes them feel good and makes me feel good.

So if you are on interstate 40 running running back and forth from Ok city to Mempho and see a well coiffed bum styling and profiling on the side of the highway that could be a hair by Chip.

On the darkside, Like I said I live right on the interstate and I am seeing lots of couples hitching to other parts. A year ago if you saw a female with a male it was rare. I think our country is in trouble.

dbx · 03-07-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronCharles

Yes, I used to be one of "those people" many years ago, I can relate.

Indeed, a great post Charles. I personally see to it that we (family of 5) round up any/all types of clothes that are no longer worn or needed, and fill trash bags full of them to donate to several Atlanta based organizations. We're on their call lists, and they each call us every 6 weeks or so (pretty frequent, I know). Some of the clothes are brand new and never worn. Hell, some even have tags at times (wife sucks at returning anything to stores).

I was in a Home Depot last fall and a man approached me. Long story short, he had driven from a neighboring state to do a painting job, but his truck had broken down. He was not quite "all there", so to speak, and was very panicky to even approach me, as if he thought I'd call the cops or something. It was bizarre actually. He must have been shooed away...dismissed by everyone else he had approached because he looked like he was going to cry. I opened my wallet and gave him half the cash I had. It wasn't much, but his eyes lit up and he couldn't thank me enough. It made me feel good, but it kind of broke my heart to see a grown man in such a position as to feel like he was begging just to ask a fellow man for a hand.

We are all nothing without each other.

bodyhard · 03-07-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronCharles

Yes, I used to be one of "those people" many years ago, I can relate. I used to be the homeless guy walking the highways with a bag picking up the cans. On a good day I would make enough to buy those 4 for a dollar cheap apple pies from the supermarket, and a loaf of bread. I would take the rest of the change and go buy the bottomless coffee at the diner, sit around and warm up, and when somebody would get up from their meal and leave, I migt snag a leftover piece of chicken off a plate before the busboy came and cleaned up. I knew where every fruit tree in town was, ate wild blackberries, and slept in the city dump. I'd bathe in the river, but rarely, since the pesticides and sewage and other chemicals would burn my skin. Winter was the worst, sleeping outside with 2 stocking hats, 2 coats, 2 sweaters, 3 pairs of pants and 4 pairs of socks, you were still never warm enough.

In my time on the street, I never asked anyone for a dime. You can survive on your own wits, without begging, if you try hard enough. Get a job? Would you hire a smelly guy in filthy clothes that hasn't shaved for months, can't give you an address or a phone number? Trust me, it's not easy, folks. I was in a small thrift store one day, looking to find a new coat to replace my torn one, and I found a beautiful jacket that fit perfectly and was very warm, but it was more money than I had, so I asked the lady if she would hold it for me until I could scrape together enough cash to buy it. She could tell I was homeless from my appearance, asked me a few more questions, and said 'Wait here just a minute.' She went in back and made a phone call, came back and said, 'You may have the coat for free, as long as you come to my and my husband's home tonight for a hot meal, a shower, and a chance to wash your clothes.' Well, I couldn't pass that up, and to make a long story short, these nice people let me sleep in their basement and gave me some decent clothes and took me into town to look for a job, which I was able to get quickly, and from that point on I never looked back. I have never been broke or homeless since, and I have only the kindness of strangers and God to thank for that.

It's easy for us to look down of those who have less than us, and those with addiction problems have a tough road ahead of them, but they too can become whole again. They just have to want it bad enough. I don't advocate handing money out to a guy siting on the street with a 40 ouncer in his hand, because he will just buy more beer to kill the pain. But you can donate to relief programs, rescue missions and such, because those people will see that the money is spent on what is needed, whether it be treatment, food, or clothing, or shelter. Crupiea is right, we are all just a few bad circumstances from being the one in need.

Wow this is simply amazing, God bless you man.

My wife and I always give clothes to the salvation army and we drop off money every month to the homeless shelter nearby.

We truly need to help one another out.

ToGoodToFail · 03-07-2009, 04:44 PM

i got kicked out and stayed at a motel for a bit.

micro wave · 03-07-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crupiea

I saw a homeless guy pushing a shopping cart down my street the other day. It was recycle day and he was checking out all the bins for cans.

They had emptied the cans earlier in the day so there was nothing for him. I had a bag of cans that I was going to recycle so decided he could use them better then I could.

I was just standing out front and here he comes again. He told me that there was $20 in cans in the bag and he went to the market and bought the biggest steak he could find with the money.

It really touched me. I know these people have problems but in times like these, not too many of us are too far away from where this guy is.

I feel very blessed to be able to help someone else out.

This is America, this is what we do.

Amen good sir.

Charles that post really made me appreciate my situation, thank you for sharing.

bodyrokk · 03-07-2009, 05:56 PM

you my friend are my new hero..that was an awesome post..reps to u good sir!

Sluggeaux · 03-08-2009, 12:11 AM

There are many ways to help others without just handing out some spare change on occaison.

For the last 3 Christmas I've been a Santa for 2 of the Trinity Foster Care centers in the Houston area. It is amazing the amount of smiles a couple hundred dollars worth of inexpensive toys can put on the faces of young orphans.

Because i work offshore, when I'm home, I'm off for 2 weeks at a time. One of thing things I enjoy doing once or twice a year is when i come up to someone whith a sign is to spend an afternoon with them. If i'm on my way to lunch, pick them up and take them to lunch with me. If during lunch I get the feeling that they are actively seeking employment, I take him (or "her" a couple of times), bring them to wallmart, buy them an inexpensive set of clothing, then run around with them to different stores (usually right there at Wallmart, Home Depot, Lowes, and fast food chains) and help them fill out applications. If they are okay with it, and will let me know where I'll be able to find them, i let them use my cell phone # and home address on the applications, and go get them (if i'm not offshore working myself) to bring them to the store if they get a call for an interview. I, thankfully, have never had the misfortune to be homeless, but one of the things I'd learned from the first guy I'd helped out several years ago: Once your homeless, apparently, the hardest part about getting back on your feet, and getting employed again is the lack of a contact phone number, and home address. Apparently most businesses won't even look at your application if you can't fill in those blanks.

The rewards, for me, are 3-fold. I get the pleasure of finding out the life story of another person, and some of those stories can be AMAZING. I get the pleasure of knowing that I've helped someone who really needed it. Occaisonally, I even make a new friend, and when you make one of those, it's the kind of friend that you know you can count on for anything if you ever need it.

LyingSac · 03-08-2009, 01:18 PM

hey crup,got some cans for me?