Yes and NO (Homelessness and street begging)

Member Name: mljsutton

Product:	Homelessness and street begging
Date:	02/12/00 (114 review reads)
Rating:

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I do not take the stance that homelessness and begging necessarily go hand in hand, so I will take them one at a time.

Homelessness:
This is a very emotive issue and I do hope not to offend anyone. In my heart of hearts I do feel that there are very few “real” reasons for people being homeless. The only ones I can think of are where abuse takes place or children who are thrown out by unscrupulous parents. I’m sure many people are now screaming at me that there any many other ‘genuine’ cases than this.

Well I have been through bad situations; I have lost a house, been divorced and have even been kicked out by my parents. In every case I have managed to find somewhere to stay and rebuild my life. There are so many places that will give you the step up if you are only but willing to try. If you ring the local council emergency accommodations will be found or information on organisations that can help with your problem given.

I also feel that where parents or guardians throw children, and by children I mean dependents under 21, out on the streets then they, the parents etc. should have to pay a fine or subsidy to help them find accommodation. I have met too many people who fall into this category for it not to have made an impact on my life. Inner-city areas are rife with teens that have, quite literally, nowhere to go. Parents should realise they have a duty to care for their children, yes, even if they cause problems in the home.

Begging
I do feel there is no place for begging in today’s society. True homeless people can go to many charities to get food and clothing. They can also apply for social funds to help in the short term. I do apologise for the next bit as it is a sweeping generalisation. Far too many people who beg on the street do so because they have drink and drug problems.

I used to have the habit of giving beggars food rather than money, but the abuse I got for th
is charitable act means I no longer do either. I have in the past lost my job, home and wife in a 3-month period. I most certainly did not beg on the streets. That is not to say I didn’t get any help. Many people tried to give me aid, but I made the first steps by getting along as best I could on my own.

There are real issues that give rise to homelessness but as for begging I honestly feel there is no just cause.

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