WWBOTB Do?

Thusadeedoo

Here in FL there are a lot of homeless people on the streets, holding signs on the exits of parkways and sitting outside of stores begging.

Well, near my parents place there is a homeless woman with a shopping cart who hangs out about 5 blocks away. She is there almost every day and she just drives her carts around the main blocks. She never comes down the streets where the houses are and people have come to accept her for the most part.

She doesnt beg, but I know she has to be hungry. She is super skinny. I want to put together a care package before I leave and give it to her.

Do you think there is any risk in this? And do you have any suggestions on what I can put in there? I am not looking to have a convo with this woman, I just sort of want to get out of the car hand it to her and thats all.

bancbev

This is going to sound bad but I wouldn't do it.  There are many, many resources available to homeless people in that area.  I know it is heart breaking to see but giving them things just encourages them to stay on the streets.  If you really want to give her something, maybe a blanket or coat.  It's been really chilly and will probably still be cold at night for several weeks.

Where did you end up for dinner?

Thusadeedoo

bancbev:

This is going to sound bad but I wouldn't do it.  There are many, many resources available to homeless people in that area.  I know it is heart breaking to see but giving them things just encourages them to stay on the streets.  If you really want to give her something, maybe a blanket or coat.  It's been really chilly and will probably still be cold at night for several weeks.

Where did you end up for dinner?

There are so many of them here, it breaks my heart. Dh's uncle is an alcoholic and a drug addict who refuses to get help. He is homeless and about 2 years ago he came to Miami to live on the streets somewhere warmer than where he was.

We ended up choosing Seasons 52 but got soooooo lost trying to find the one in Boca so we just went to Legal Sea Foods after the GPS took us in a circle 3 times! I was so bummed.

bancbev

Legal Seafood in the mall?  Dude Season 52 is practically right across the street..lol  However there is a little access road you have to take to get there so I can see why/how the GPS would screw that up.

Thusadeedoo

bancbev:

Legal Seafood in the mall?  Dude Season 52 is practically right across the street..lol  However there is a little access road you have to take to get there so I can see why/how the GPS would screw that up.

Yup, it was so annoying and it was getting late so we just ended up there. We met my uncle at Starbucks after that and we told him how lost we got and he said its right behind Macaroni Grill which we passed twice!

But since we are staying another day with the snow up north, we may have to check it out tomorrow!

bancbev

Ooooo I didn't know you are staying another day!  Squeeee.  They are open for lunch.

Ashleyyyyy

That's tough, but I have to agree with Bancbev. There is a TON in Seattle and it makes my stomach turn seeing them all sleeping under bridges in the rain. There is a lot of resources available that they could be using, but don't because people encourage them to stay out there.

I know that sounds bad.

charlies-angel

fredalina:

i think you should do it for sure.  Of course there's a small degree of danger, but really most homeless people are very harmless and generally nice, helpful people.  If she's "accepted" by the neighborhood then she's probably not randomly violent. 

Contents:
Good socks
Tampons or pads (unless she's post-menopausal)
Condoms
Food (non-perishable easy to eat food that's high in calories and energy, like trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter)
If you're brave and if they're legal in your state, hypodermic needles
If you want to spend the money, a decent pair of hiking boots

 

I agree with Fred. I would absolutley do it. I think its nice of you to consider.