Outside our local Sainsburys

This morning, as usual, we went down the town to get all those little bits 'n bobs we can still get cheaper in our town and, directly outside of Sainsburys front entrance was a man with a small cardboard sign saying "Recently made homeless - nowhere to go - social won't help - please give generously"

Normally I'm pretty wary of these because up here we've had "professional" beggars before, up from London, but what saddened me was this man looked to be late 50s / early 60s.

He could have been genuine but around here we've had all sorts of conmen so people are very wary now - and I did notice that his tin was empty.

I feel mean but why is someone reduced to that in this country?

It's sickening. stevmk2

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

Because there is not enough social housing and people without an address don't get much help at all.

I read somewhere most people are barely one month away from homelessness in this country if they lost their job.

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

I don't know Steve, but any amount of different circumstances could have led to him being homeless, family troubles, loss of job etc.

I understand your reluctance to give to beggars these days, and as you say in our somewhat civilised country it shouldn't be happening, but sometimes I think there but for the grace of God....

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

Agree - go by your gut feeling and give to those you feel are genuine .......

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

I agree with those sentiments, a couple bob doesn't hurt any one really !

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime...n-8646973.html

Was this the man?

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

Most definitely, make up your own mind to give or not, at least you'll know he's getting all you give him and not some greedy charity taking the Lions share of it.

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

Because a single male isnt entitled to anything bar the minimum going thats why.
Its always been this way and likely always will be.
I speak from recent experience of the social system.

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

We have a local homeless shelter which we support by giving food. I don't give to beggars on the street because of the scammers.

Re: Outside our local Sainsburys

I've come upon far to many 'professional beggars' . I tell them to 'go away', or words to that effect.