No Beggers In Phoenix??????

I was vacationing in Phoenix and Sedona in the last two week of January. My wife and I noticed that we did not see anyone with signs asking for money at off ramps or other public places. Were we just blind to them? Does Phoenix have laws prohibiting roadside begging?

I live in the Portland, OR metropolitan area and we have someone holding a sign on every off ramp and all over town. (suburbs too) I saw my first person holding a sign here about 20 years ago. I was so bothered by this expression of need that I called my church to see if they could investigate the situation. They told me that their phone was ringing off the hook and that they had already offered to help the person contingent on them have some "help" counseling. They turned the church down........I guess the public was too generous back then.

Yes, on a number of occasions......I have given money and I seem to often read their signs. I am not without compassion......it just seems to be so common now.

I may be totally wrong about Phoenix......how about where you live?
Does any community out there prohibit people from holding signs for money at freeway off ramps?

drgary
www.travelbesttips.com

Sarasota area

Maybe it's too hot? We used to have multiple beggars with signs on the off ramp and at the entrance to a popular outlet mall by us. An ordinance was passed prohibiting them, and it stopped.

One guy remains. He hangs around the parking lot of a strip mall with a K-Mart. I never, ever give him money.

He kinda sorta doesn't beg. But, he sits in either a folding chair or on the curb with his hat out as cars pass by.

I have stopped by the local Checker's and given him a bag of food many times. A couple of days ago, I gave him a bag of food and sat down on the curb with him to talk. I learned he's an alcoholic (no surprise) and has been most of his life. His ex-wife and three children live locally gave up on him a long time ago. I asked where he sleeps. He sleeps in the woods. Since he didn't have a tent, I went home and found a tent and some canned food we don't need. I do intend to take him some clothing. He was a barber most of his life. I don't mind helping him, but hate beggars in my face. But, it's nice to put a face to someone you're helping.

One interesting thing I learned was that he said when he could beg with a sign at the intersections, the "take" was between $100-$150 a day.

It has become a national trend to criminalize the activities of homeless people . In other words, camping, sleeping, etc in public spaces is a matter for law enforcement. Phoenix has been listed amongst the 20 "meanest" cities for the homeless.

We have one in our town. What makes him a fake is that he has a radio on top of a cooler that he does not keep out of sight. HEY DUDE !!! Ever thought of selling the radio?:rofl:

1950bing said:

We have one in our town. What makes him a fake is that he has a radio on top of a cooler that he does not keep out of site. HEY DUDE !!! Ever thought of selling the radio?:rofl:

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Last time I checked you don't need alot of money to have a radio.

I don't know about Phoenix, but those interested in the general topic might be interested in this discussion:

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82712

1950bing said:

We have one in our town. What makes him a fake is that he has a radio on top of a cooler that he does not keep out of site. HEY DUDE !!! Ever thought of selling the radio?:rofl:

Click to expand...

Poor people even have TVs. Poor people should have the right to some simple pleasures, too. That particular guy - who knows - I'm not there.

If it came down to that, I would rather eat than listen to music. There are churches and soup kitchens around that feed the hungry.