Discussions

I don't carry cash often but I will give it to people who are not near a liquor store or smell like booze.  
 
Most I agree do have disabilities or mental illness but I have been asked by young adults who had way more expensive clothes on than I was wearing, and I won't give to people like that. If you have money to be wearing new air jordans don't ask me for cash.

It is truly amazing to be aware of the supports that Brandon has available to people who are down and out. For instance we have a soup kitchen, on 7th St. right beside The Brick, that is open daily for one meal, at lunch hour, and the food being served is often good quality that has been donated from places like the Canad Inns after banquets or Tim Hortons. There is also the Samaritan House which runs a food hamper program that anyone can register for, and also has loaves of bread that can be acquired any day of the week. There are also other organizations that will provide some food and meals to those in need. Some of the second hand clothing shops will allow vouchers to be used for an individual to get a new outfit or two. As for a phone, a place for a potential employer to leave a message, shower, being able to do laundry, help with finding housing or accessing financial support through the government, which we all pay for with our taxes, use of computers to find a job, etc. the 7th St. Health Access Centre is a one stop shop, so to speak, where a person can get assistance with everything I have listed and more. We are also fortunate enough in Brandon to have a small number of emergency housing units for homeless individuals to stay in for a short time of up to 3 weeks and in the winter months, the Mat on the Floor program is very well used. I'm not trying to promote or discourage people from giving food, money, etc. to those in need, simply just trying to raise awareness about programs and services that are already in place in our community. It is really wonderful that in a city the size of Brandon there are so many resources for the downtrodden.

My post was in response to xoxoxo....how many usernames do you have??  
 
And yes, I am opinionated and it's my right. And yes, the post I was responding to was unbelievably ignorant regarding mental health issues. Ridiculously so. And yes, I will continue to share my opinions (that's the point of ebrandon) and will continue to call out ignorance when I see it. Have a nice day

Opinionated said "My post was in response to xoxoxo....how many usernames do you have??     And yes, I am opinionated and it's my right. And yes, the post I was responding to was unbelievably ignorant regarding mental health issues. Ridiculously so. And yes, I will continue to share my opinions (that's the point of ebrandon) and will continue to call out ignorance when I see it. Have a nice day "

If you think most panhandlers have mental problems. I quit "donating" when one of the gentleman who frequents the Superstore parking lot begged for money to buy a sub. Gave it to him, picked up a few groceries, went to the liquor store and guess who was ahead of me in line? Same guy, his bill was $40.00. And no I am not ignorant, a lot of these people are laughing at us. Why do you assume it's only people with mental issues that are begging for money?  
 
Edited by Daphne, 2015-06-07 21:39:55

Nowhere did I say it's "only" people with mental illness, and nowhere did I say they weren't spending any money they got on feeding their addictions. I would bet most of them spend most of their money on addiction actually, whether it's smokes or booze or whatever. Mental health issues often lead to addiction, and addiction itself is an illness. Just because they are buying a bottle or smoking doesn't mean they have a home, or food, or are employable.  
 
And just to clarify yet again, because you keep missing it, I'm not saying ALL. I'm sure there is the odd person in Brandon who is perfectly employable yet just plain lazy like your family member who thinks it's a game. However I'm very confident in saying most who beg in Brandon are not employable due to addiction/mental health.  
 
Again, nobody should give to them if they don't want to, and do make complaints if you feel harassed, just remember they are human, so say no and walk away.

For myself I have only given money to those who play music. I feel as though they are performing for me and I am rewarding them with some change. Anyone who comes up to me in a parking lot is told NO.  
 
I have often given to the guy at dollarama. My daughter (who is 5) likes to put the money in his case and always says wow mommy he sure sings a pretty song. Lol. He seems like a nice enough guy. I have seen people give him food instead of money and he is just as greatful.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4shlDbjWPdHdh6zpB1jUsg