I really have to agree with Bumble on this one. I believe that men who are begging feel less threatened if they are confronting a woman. They seem to linger longer, they say extremely inappropriate things and quite frankly, it's a main reason why I stopped walking down Jay Street. If you're nice to them, they won't leave you alone (and that's frightening). If you don't give them anything they get mad and that's even MORE frightening. I either ignore them and just tell them "It's time to move along". Still this is an increasing problem in the City.

But, Box does bring up a great point about Vet's. It's very sad that 20% of homeless men are Veterans. There are resources for these men through the VA and they are entitled to receive such help. I would hope that shelters would steer these individuals in the right direction......

I used to run a soup kitchen in Albany.  Got between 100 - 150 for lunch at that time.  I hear it is twice that amount now.  About ten guys were Viet Nam vets.  The Colonie Elks used to run a day for them where they got medical attention.  I had Alb. Co.  helth department send a nurse once a month to test folks for blood pressure and diabetes checks.  A couple of those Vets lived under the bridge.  

However, in this region homeless can get three meals a day and a place to stay in the cold. That is why they opened the over-flow shelter in Albany at First Lutheran.  SICM may try doing the same thing.  But I do think between Bethesda House and City Mission they have got folks off the streets.  Even the cops look for the homeless and pick them up in this weather.

Gemini
Sorry to hear that about your cousin : (  May she RIP.

Thank you.  Its hard to think back on that day.  

Its usually pretty easy to spot the scammers.  For this guy, it was the crutches and the lack of actually using them that got me.  I dont mind helping out those in need.  I dont mind getting a coffee or a bite to eat for someone.  But dont get all pissy with me if I really dont have the extra cash on me.  And those crutches can be used as a weaopn.  I know its sad but there are chances we cant take.  I have done a lot this year to help the homeless and the hungry.  At least three times a year, I donate clothing to the shelters and schools.  I donate toys and books too.  I dont have a lot myself but we make do with what we can.  I also donate to the animal shelters.  Every year for Christmas, I take some big bags of dog food and cat food to the shelter where I adopted my dog.  I bring some pet toys and chewy things for them as well.  Also they have a little gift shop where they sell donated for people.  The shelter is run from volunteers and donations.  Its not just people that are homeless.  Dont forget the furry friends too.  )