Begging Is Hard Work (Homelessness and street begging)

Name: Snu210

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Product:	Homelessness and street begging
Date:	09/07/07 (159 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You can be your own boss, you get paid (eventually)

Disadvantages: Too many people are rip-off artists

I prefer to give some money to both beggars and organisations.

Here in Melbourne, Australia, beggars these days tend to be more genuinely in need than in the past. Our government made begging against the law about 10 years ago when there was an explosion of it in the CBD but it still occurs. The government has slashed funding to services that can help beggars so really there is no excuse for them to ban it, except when concentrations of it harrass people in certain areas.

Contrary to popular opinion, begging is not easy work. Not only do you have to slog it out in all weather (in many cases outdoors) but usually you have to be near busy crowds or streets where people will look at you as though you are filth. And if you are well dressed then they will look at you as a rip-off artist and not give you anything anyway.

I give money to beggars because most genuine beggars don't ask for much and I can spare 50c or a cigarette here and there. The non-genuine beggars are the ones who ask for $5 or "money for bus fare" or more and I never give it to them. Once, an old lady asked me if I could give her $2 so she could buy a cheeseburger so of course I gave it. She practically ran across the road to McDonalds she was so hungry.

I like to buy the Big Issue from time to time and help out these legalised beggars who really need the dough. I also donate small amounts to the Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul, along with clean and recycled household goods and clothing. Since I buy from recycled clothing stores anyway, I know that it's no big deal to give someone else your older clothes, especially as sometimes one person's trash can be another person's treasure.

Begging is not disgusting or a scam, it is simply another form of work...hard work, but luckily you are your own boss. Buskers also have it rough and I give to anyone with talent who uses it on the street.

To all those people who don't give to genuine beggars - have a heart.

Good luck to all beggars - may you find yourselves in better circumstances soon.

Summary: Beggars who are honestly in need deserve our attention