Discussions

Would bagging on the street corner be worth it? At this time, no money for food. Have I resorted to begging at the street corner?…. Is that what things have resorted to?…  
 
Economy is getting so much worse… what is the future for those of us that can’t buy food now?….

Begging…not bagging…. Auto correct corrected me before I noticed and posted… sigh…

Thinking of hitting the streets this summer .  
Me and my ukulele. In exchange for a few coins tossed in the case I will be playing the client a tune.

That’s a wonderful idea! If I was skilled enough to play outside I would consider that aswell! But I think people would be paying me to stop, given my current skill Set LOL

do you need to permit to busk in brandon?

I’m so sorry you and any others have considered this option, my question is AND I wholeheartedly agree times are extremely tough AND I don’t know your job situation ~ with all the jobs available out there, could you pick up a more hour job/second job, relocate to affordable living which could be another town! I’ve seen numerous ads looking for driveway shovelers/lawn mowing (in summer).

I’m going through my own financial struggles right now but am blessed enough to be in my current situation. I don’t like to hear of people going hungry. I’m sorry you are struggling right now to afford groceries. Prices are ridiculous! Do you live in Brandon? Would I be able to drop off a small gift card to a grocery store of your choosing?

Sammy, how generous of you (OMG!!!). I too am sorry to hear this "lonelystar". I know we have a food bank in Brandon (downtown somewhere), not sure how it works to get food. Also, there is the 'food rescue' place (reduced prices on groceries). For myself we are trying to eat abit less than we are use to (to make our pennies stretch). It IS a good idea about picking up an extra job (if able to) - not sure of your situation. Keep us posted, maybe we all can rally together in aid of your crisis. Again, keep us posted.

I’m sorry for your situation, but for me I never give panhandlers cash because of my own judgments - I feel they may use it towards drugs or alcohol addiction FIRST before food. However, I have bought clothes for a young teen outside Giant Tiger, and a hot meal for an elderly man outside 7-11.

Have you tried reaching to Samaritan House? They have food bank and job bank as well

I'm not judging you for your opinion - it's one held by lots of people and it has merit.  
 
But I heard something the other day that gave me pause - if someone's had a bad day/week, what do a lot of them do when they reach the weekend? Lots of people will reach for something like alcohol. You know, a glass of wine or something. Maybe smoke a joint or have an edible. Why? Because it helps them feel good and escape.  
 
Now imagine you live in poverty. You are food insecure, maybe unhoused. They're having a rough go. Why aren't they allowed to have that same chemical escape? A few coins in the hand won't buy them much food or get them housed, but it will buy some respite from their situation. They can escape the cold, or the hunger pangs, or whatever else for a few hours.  
 
That helped me put some perspective on why/how people who have that grinding poverty will resort to drugs and alcohol when they don't have the funds to buy them, and why it sometimes gets prioritized over things like food and housing. It also gives some merit to the idea of housing first or universal incomes - if basic needs are met, there isn't the same need to escape. It also makes me realize that while it's not ideal that the money goes towards drugs and alcohol, it's also okay that this happens sometimes. I would rather give them the money than having them resort to stealing or committing a crime to fuel what has now become an addiction.  
 
I also want to mention that if anyone is having a hard time, in addition to Samaritan House and Food Rescue, there is also Helping Hands (serves a hot meal Monday thru Friday) and the St. Vincent de Paul Society (gives out Food hampers on Wednesdays at St. Augustine Church).

I totally agree with you.  
TO THOSE WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND: Some are qwick to critize or bad mouth what others do rather than see a positive side. You have no idea what others have been through in their lives or what ailments they may have.  
Greet them, talk to them and you will have made a poor soul happy, they will smile and be happy and gratfull. And maybe you will be moved to give them a 20 or a 50 instead of the 4 quarters you thought that you would generously give.  
The majority of these people are not able to do anything else but ask for help.  
What does it matter what they may or may not do with your donation, no one questions your life style, but, I bet they talk about you when you are not around.

I haven’t heard back from the OP but try to remember to check my inbox every few days or so. OP, I’m still willing to help so please reach out if you are in need.  
 
On the topic of giving…I kind of do it for selfish reasons. It makes me feel good and I believe in karma. When I’ve needed help, I’ve been blessed to have had the help I needed. I like to keep my “karma bank” full as you never know when you’ll need it yourself one day!  
 
As for what they spend on it…well, that’s on them. It’s not my money anymore. Groceries, bills, weed, alcohol..their money, their choice. If they are scamming, that’s their karma to deal with

Unless you have been there, it’s nearly impossible to understand the emotional part of not having enough money for the basics.

I don’t mind throwing a few bucks to people that play music, like actual music,not just banging and clanging. Or do something productive. But the ones that do nothing but stand there then leave their garbage behind really tick me off.  
 
And yes I am the person that will buy peoples meals, or coffee etc. A couple years ago a gentleman was asking for money in the parking lot. He told me a few jokes and I told him I appreciate the smile he put on my face, gave 20 and kindly told him Thank You. I always put money in guitar cases etc.  
 
But a grown adult that does nothing but stand there and then litter without care…Walk to the damn garbage can in the parking lot or across the street.  
 
Edited by alwayspondering, 2024-03-14 19:45:36

These people who just STAND with a sign at various locations in Brandon have “brand name shoes”, coats, backpacks, cellphones, some are even smoking yet they are destitute enough to beg! What ever happened to applying for jobs at McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Tim Horton’s, etc. If these people can walk the streets to beg, they can walk the streets to apply and find a job!

As long as you continue to give them money, they will continue to stand there.

It is not that simple. Most of these people (not all) have heavy social and mental issues and can not work at a job like we think they should.  
If they could , most of them would have jobs, I have seen the abuse and harassment they endure out there.

“As long as you continue to give them money, they will continue to stand there” I 100 % agree with you!!! I DO NOT give out money, but have bought food and clothing for some. For others I have told them where they may get food (food rescue) but usually is responded by anger because all the panhandlers want is your MONEY HENCE why I believe they feed their addictions first!

“Most of these people (not all) have heavy social and mental issues and cannot work at a job like we think they should.” Ok. Maybe…true….however I have a LOT of them who are younger adult males just scamming the public because they’re lazy. I could dress poorly, have a dirty face, make a sign, and sit at Walmart and 18th too. I too could make up a story of my horrendous home life and abuse, deep anxiety, and why I can’t work! Why aren’t these people on social assistance!

How much do you think a person gets for social assistance. Do you think a person can pay rent and buy food on that amount.

Tough times call for tough measures. If you're desperate for food, street begging might be an option.

“How much do you think a person gets for social assistance. Do you think a person can pay rent and buy food on that amount.” It all depends if they qualify for rent assist or not, if they applied for (and qualify) for the Disability tax Credit.  
Rent Assist may also pay actual costs for your utilities (water, hydro and fuel), if they are not already i:ncluded in your rent.  
EIA also provides a benefit to help with the cost of living with a disability in the community (Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities). Plus, each person on EIA is entitled to full benefits (dental, optical, pres:cription drugs, childcare, transportation, schooling, even a cell phone-with dr’s note. People on Canada Pension Plan Disability have NONE OF THOSE THINGS, yet they had to work for years to even qualify! Something is wrong here!

Garbage Is Always Left Behind On The Corner Of 18Th And Kirkaldy. The City Installed Garbage Cans Close By Last Year To No Avail.Myabe The City Should Implement A “Trash For Cash”Program.

Have you actually been in a home housing people that live on social assistance?  
 
You seem to think that a person can live a life of leisure and pleasure with no care in the world because they have money coming in to pay for everything. Unfortunately this is NOT the case.  
 
Often these people have suffered some form of abuse, neglect or are in an abusive relationship. Many also have physical or mental/cognitive barriers preventing them from being able to get a job or receiving full benefits.  
 
I see the conditions that many of these people live in, and trust me, if you could see what how they are forced to live, you would be singing a different tune.  
 
Social assistance is not a replacement for a living wage with benefits and a retirement plan. The sad reality is that many people are one bad day from being homeless. This is double true for many women who are at home raising their children. This reality is more and more true for a family I know, where the wage-earning patriarch of the family suffered a major medical event and now cannot work. That family is dangerously close to losing their house because he requires daily medical care, including treatment, and medication.  
 
I know it's difficult for some to understand, but not everyone chooses to live in poverty, and poverty isn't just for lazy people.