What can you do for a panhandling homeless vet that is worth more than giving them money?

MSgt George Cater — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 04:55:20 -0500

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jan 16 at 2017 5:02 AM

PO1 Tony Holland — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 05:02:38 -0500

If they truly are a vet, then a meal and referral to veteran's assistance organizations and employment assistance. No mercy for the fakers, though.

Response by Cpl Casey Meyer made Jan 16 at 2017 5:17 AM

Cpl Casey Meyer — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 05:17:52 -0500

MSgt, I normally give them money for the pay phone and the number for the homeless veterans program, along with a few other contact numbers so they can get on their feet, as I've lived that life when I was down on myself and thought no one cared.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 16 at 2017 6:43 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 06:43:31 -0500

I personally never give homeless anything other than food. In my opinion giving them money is often just enabling them to feed an addiction. In the area I'm in the homeless you see on the street fall into two categories, addicts or mentally ill. While people may always bring up homeless families and children I don't see them on the street.
I would hope its because they are in a program. Every hobo I see is an adult, usually with a cart full of stuff to camp out with.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jan 16 at 2017 9:08 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:08:50 -0500

Personally, I struggle with this. As you can see in a earlier response, the first problem I have is determining the truth behind the person's claim. The second thing I struggle with is knowing if any money I give them goes to what they need not what they want. So what I started doing is going to Sam's Club and getting a thing of water, normally has about 24 or 32 bottles in a package and if I encounter someone on the side of the street, I'll either roll my window down and hand them a bottle or I'll pull over and give them a bottle. With every bottle, I give them some information on the different places around Pittsburgh willing to help with shelter and whatnot for both Veterans and non-Veterans. It may not be a lot but it is something. And I don't mind handing out a bottle of water that cost me a dollar to someone Veteran or not. If they then use the information I provide to get help then that is a bonus.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jan 16 at 2017 9:09 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:09:20 -0500

Give anything but money.

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Jan 16 at 2017 9:09 AM

Col Dona Marie Iversen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:09:38 -0500

When I was a young RN I would give them $, then I decided to follow a few, right to liquor store. From there on out, I would only buy them food & do my best to direct them or take them to the appropriate resources.

Response by COL John McClellan made Jan 16 at 2017 9:19 AM

COL John McClellan — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:19:58 -0500

Great discussion MSG Cater, thanks for posting!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2017 9:59 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:59:08 -0500

That, honestly, depends on what they're willing and wanting to accept.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 16 at 2017 10:17 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:17:21 -0500

MSgt George Cater, I have a somewhat negative view of those that are begging for money. It has become virtually epidemic. Everyone wants to help, but as you suggest, the answer isn't always money, and how do you know who really needs help anyway? Many are simply flim-flam artists and frankly, prey upon veterans by claiming past military service. Who really knows?
A good friend of mine has been associated with the Nashville Rescue Mission for over 20 years. He determined a long time ago that giving money was an enabling practice and again, he was likely giving to someone perhaps not so needy or homeless. He now keeps cards with the address and telephone number of the mission. He gives these to the solicitor. If they really need help, they'll make their way to the mission.
Additionally, I've spent many nights helping them through Room in the Inn (via our church). That seems a good way to help as well. SGM Erik Marquez

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 16 at 2017 10:42 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:42:05 -0500

"What can you do for a panhandling homeless vet that is worth more than giving them money?"
Exactly what i do.
Offer them a job
Offer them a ride to a shelter
Offer them a Gatorade or some food I have with me.

99% refuse all of that when I offer it weekly to those begging on the street corners of Austin TX.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 16 at 2017 11:48 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 11:48:07 -0500

The "Small Homes" Housing Project here in Kansas City and other Cities is pretty impressive. The Homeless Veterans Camp under the Intersection of I-70 and I-35 has disappeared. I don't know that, that proves anything but I take hope from it.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 16 at 2017 12:07 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 12:07:57 -0500

Many of the homeless veterans are just homeless people who happen to be veterans. Panhandling is a way of life because of the choices they make. Most that I have encountered and talked to were either fake, or just using the fact they were once in the military as a way to get more change in their cups. They don't want food or help, they just want money.

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 16 at 2017 12:19 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 12:19:59 -0500

While it seems like a civil thing to do giving them money only enables many of these individuals to maintain a homeless lifestyle as 76% have a substance abuse issue. I would say as well giving money just clears your conscious - "I helped because I gave money." I would say if anything food or cold weather clothing and engage in a conversation - "Have you ever consider a home for veterans..."

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 16 at 2017 12:50 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 12:50:59 -0500

Interesting discussion. Here in Tampa dealing with the homeless is a perpetual issue, especially during the winter months when the population increases. As part of my job I attended many community association meetings where how to deal with homeless in the downtown area was a constant topic We frequently had law enforcement speakers and they pretty much all recommended not giving money. One recommendation was that since our homeless population tended to be transient, pay attention to them and get to recognize some by sight as you drive through the area before offering any assistance. I took this to heart and over the course of a few weeks got to recognize a few. One day one of the regulars at an intersection I traveled daily had a help a vet sign instead of his normal sign. I was also the guy who brought donuts to the office since I lived around the corner from a donut shop, so pretty much always had a dozen that I was bringing to the office. One morning the light at the intersection had me stopped close to the guy with the help a vet sign so I offered him a donut and found out he was ex Coast Guard before the light changed. Over the course of the next 3 or 4 months whenever I was stopped at the intersection and he was around he got a donut. I learned his name was Cecil and that he was a Tampa native and was trying to get work at one of the marine repair facilities in the area. About one month before the Republican Convention in Tampa all homeless disappeared from intersections throughout the city and didn't reappear until after the convention, but I never saw Cecil again. Hope he found the job he wanted.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2017 1:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 13:35:49 -0500

don't give money offer food, clothing if they refuse well they are either trying to feed their addiction or build their bank account, offer a ride to a shelter, there are panhandlers out there that make more money than I do, so be aware and many claim to be homeless vets

Response by SGT Anna Kleinschmidt made Jan 16 at 2017 1:58 PM

SGT Anna Kleinschmidt — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 13:58:13 -0500

I am willing to give them food and water information and let them make a call. No rides because I am a female usually with kids in the car. Va has a van for rides. Truth is most are mentally ill and want to live like that. They are unable to live in a home.

Response by SGT John Flint made Jan 16 at 2017 4:14 PM

SGT John Flint — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:14:58 -0500

I always think that there is enough organizations to help
Most are panhandling because they don't want to follow guidelines of either the VA or other organizations

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Jan 16 at 2017 4:24 PM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:24:10 -0500

I've offered folks to take them to get a hot meal...they want the $$$$$ so they can buy booze, drugs and tobacco......some have a mental disorder.............. some don't want to work....are professional panhandlers..... just sad...........they sure as hell should come before illegals.........

Response by PVT Kobie Babatu made Jan 16 at 2017 5:06 PM

PVT Kobie Babatu — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 17:06:40 -0500

I always let them know to get to a VA and get with an outpatient social worker to plug them into VASH or some other housing program...
I also ask them if their dd-214 is honorable or general and not less than honorable... I encourage them not to give up the fight and to keep the fire in their eye!!!

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jan 16 at 2017 6:35 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 18:35:14 -0500

I don't really know the answer. Very few of the homeless you will meet are homeless, due to hard financial times. Most are usually suffering from addiction or mental illness. If one were to ask were they could find work, I would gladly tell them about jobs in the area I knew of or at least where they can wait to make some cash doing day labor. Sadly none have ever asked. I usually give them a bottle of water and tell them about the local shelter. That's all one can do. As for the part about them being veterans, most aren't but that shouldn't change anything. My compassion isn't limited to those who served.

Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made Jan 18 at 2017 8:24 AM

Cpl Joshua Caldwell — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 08:24:08 -0500

I hire them for day jobs, then see if I can help get them more work from that point.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Jan 18 at 2017 8:39 AM

SFC Terry Murphy — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 08:39:47 -0500

The best thing you can do is not give any of the homeless anything. I am not saying don't give. I am saying give to a local shelter or food bank. Giving money to those on the streets will most likely be used on booze and drugs. Giving to the shelters will ensure that those truly in need will get help.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 9:10 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 09:10:11 -0500

too many posers nowadays for one and second, give them anything except money after you determine they are vets..

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made Jan 18 at 2017 9:14 AM

SCPO Larry Knight Sr. — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 09:14:52 -0500

It's a tough one, since there's so much stolen Valor going on! As Vietnam veteran, I've given $ and food, then witnessed the individual either buying booze etc and throwing the food in the trash. So I don't give anything now except a business card to veteran's assistance programs to those displaying a help a veteran.

Response by SSG Matt Harris made Jan 18 at 2017 10:53 AM

SSG Matt Harris — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:53:00 -0500

You could give them a gift card to a restaurant that you know does not serve booze!

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Jan 18 at 2017 12:46 PM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 12:46:55 -0500

The first rule: Do Not give them money! I carry with me two bags, one blue and one red, each bag contains water, peanut butter & crackers, wipes, socks, a beanie, an "emergency blanket", Gatorade, soap, etc. the red one also contains women's sanitary products, the blue also contains shaving cream & razor. I now live outside Ft Hood and the number of "homeless" vets (and others) is staggering! Whenever I encounter one, I give them a bag. I get the red & blue bags from the Goodwill, they are weatherproof and because they are durable, the homeless has a bag to carry their "stuff" and it let's me know who I have already given one to. The bags cost about $20 each and I keep a couple in my truck. So far, everyone I have encountered has been very appreciative. Folks ask me if I have been taken advantage of, "Sure" I reply, "but that's between them and G-d!" (if anyone wants info on how to put the bags together or a full list of what goes into each, send me a message.)

Response by SGT Walter Lester made Jan 18 at 2017 4:15 PM

SGT Walter Lester — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:15:48 -0500

I have given some clothing and food .Told them where to get help at the shelters and go to the VA, but I never give them money because too many times I have seen the same people at the liquor stores after they are seen on the street corner begging for money.

Response by PVT Mark Dorton made Jan 18 at 2017 4:30 PM

PVT Mark Dorton — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:30:27 -0500

Swords to plowshares HUD Vash Voucher Through the VA and this link. http://www.veteransnetwork.net/directory.php

Directory of Veterans Groups and Organizations - Assist Vets and Provide Benefit Information -...

Veterans Network information and video programming is produced BY Veterans FOR Veterans and is dedicated to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation's freedom.

Response by PO1 Brian Theos made Jan 18 at 2017 7:17 PM

PO1 Brian Theos — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 19:17:29 -0500

There are only two types of ships in the Navy; Submarines and TARGETS!

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Jan 18 at 2017 8:34 PM

SFC Ernest Thurston — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 20:34:24 -0500

I have either taken them to Mcdonald's and bought them a meal and talked to them or sometimes I'll get some food and give it to them. Many of the panhandlers are fake veterans. They get a hat somewhere or some military clothes and make a sign to get sympathy. This is not to say that all of them are impersonating vets. Some are vet with real mental problems. I know one thing for sure. Giving them money is not helping them, unless you are willing to give them enough money to get off the street, into housing, clean clothes and a job. It's the old saying " Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for life."

Response by MSG Timothy Lawton Sr made Jan 19 at 2017 12:38 AM

MSG Timothy Lawton Sr — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:38:54 -0500

Each State have a program set up to help Vets get housing, it is part of HUD.

Response by CW2 Ed Mathes made Jan 19 at 2017 6:12 AM

CW2 Ed Mathes — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 06:12:24 -0500

I recall heading to work on my bike. Full leathers with a vest adorned with various military patches and other accruments reflecting my career from enlisted to warrant officer. There was a "homeless" fellow standing at the end of the expressway exit ramp holding a similar sign. I stopped, much to the chagrin of the drivers behind me, and began quizzing him about his service. It was readily apparent he was indeed a vet....knew the lingo, had duty stations and MOS's correct.
I gave him a card for the local veterans resource center. Offered to pick him up and take him. He did eventually go, I discovered. For about a week I stopped at McD's and brought him a coffee and breakfast meal. Then he disappeared for several weeks. Ran into him at work (I'm a PA)... no changes but grateful for what I did.
I do not give money.
I direct them to our Veterans service agency....I carry their business cards.
I'll buy them breakfast or lunch.

Response by A1C Yvonne Hazard made Jan 19 at 2017 9:28 AM

A1C Yvonne Hazard — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 09:28:47 -0500

Every fall we put together blessing bags, filled with things they may need living on the street. Google it and the list should come up. Everyone we have given one to has been in awe and happy to receive it.

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Jan 19 at 2017 10:25 AM

1SG James Matthews — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 10:25:35 -0500

Help them receive housing and carry them to the approp. groups IE: local vet. svc. center where they can rec. assistance. It is up to them if the take the assistance.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Jan 19 at 2017 12:31 PM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 12:31:08 -0500

I give all homeless," Gods money"! No homeless person,"ranks" higher in need than another! If he is a vet I will pull over and talk with him about the VA and discuss it with him. I will also ask him if I can pray for him (while were talking) as I try to do with all the homeless! The VA does have programs available to the homeless, if you can convince the vet to, "check-into-them"! Remember; you can lead a horse to water, but........ You talk with them all, you pray with them and explain to them that God truly loves them. You leave the rest, to God!

Response by SP6 Frank Ellis made Jan 20 at 2017 2:15 AM

SP6 Frank Ellis — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 02:15:52 -0500

First speak to them with respect, then try to confirm whether they might be scamming you. If their answers to simple military questions don't seem right react appropriately. If they one of ours there is many places they can be referred to. If you want to be part of the solution you can research your area when you are bored or cannot sleep for resources VA and non VA then refer them. I know of a few like K3M ranch in Tennessee or the DV farm in NH.There are many who will help veterans no matter what character their discharge.

Response by CPT Geoffrey Lea made Jan 20 at 2017 10:32 AM

CPT Geoffrey Lea — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 10:32:35 -0500

Not to sidetrack the conversation, but if I see someone "advertising" that they are a homeless Vet, I will ask them about their service and generally their answers rarely stack up (think Eddie Murphy in Trading Places, although usually not that bad..). My question is this, I've been out now for almost 30 years and while I may not remember every detail of a particular school or operation, I know my units and where I served and general dates. Do most of you remember these things or am I expecting too much? I can also understand that some may have had a very rough time during or after service and maybe it affects their memory.

Response by SN Keagan Miller made Jan 24 at 2017 11:44 PM

SN Keagan Miller — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 23:44:52 -0500

I work at a non-profit helping homeless Vets get jobs through the VA's Grant/Per Diem program. Finding out which non-profits in your area help vets and directing them there is usually the best course of action. On the street there are the ones who have substance or mental illnesses, or the ones who want to get high and drunk and enjoy their freedom. THE LATTER IS NOT MOST VETS. Get involved with volunteering with these groups if you really feel inclined to. There are plenty of opportunities if you can find out where to look.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 26 at 2018 10:58 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 10:58:36 -0400

Master Sergeant George Cater: If I had a job for a homeless person, I most certainly would give it to said homeless person. I was homeless for four summers.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 26 at 2018 12:48 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:48:14 -0400

A meal!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 26 at 2018 12:52 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:52:18 -0400

Offer food instead of cash. Speak with them and see what they have tried for on the government side, VA and support groups.