Panhandling angers me. [View All]

[Sean Reynolds]

I'm tired of walking the streets of downtown Salt Lake City and being constantly consumed by homeless (mostly, if not always men) asking for money.

I don't like it when people tell me they do it because there's no viable options. That's a load of crap because I know the city of Salt Lake, the LDS Church and Catholic Church (among others) are always helping the homeless population. They give them free food, free clothes and there's shelters open for housing.

I don't mind the "Will work for food" signs, if the person REALLY wants to work for it. I wanted to get my car cleaned and while pulling into the self-cleaning Sonic I noticed he had one of those signs. So I got out, told him I'd pay him to clean my car. Said I'd give him $20 bucks, plus pay for the stuff required. He refused! Now c'mon, $20 bucks for cleaning a freaking car is a good deal.

Why have a sign asking to work for food/money if you're not going to use it? Could it be he's just looking for a cheap buck.

Now I don't want to stereotype all homeless people, because I've met MANY that don't bother to ask your for change. BUT the ones that do I have a problem with. There's ample resources out there to help them get by.

So why don't they use them?

What's worse is the Vietnam Vets. Now some of you know my dad's a Vietnam Vet and he gets REALLY mad when he sees them and their "Vet in need of help" signs. Why? Because Salt Lake has a great VA Hospital that will take in ANY homeless vet.

Maybe I'm just cold hearted, but I don't understand panhandling.