I'm noticing a lot more panhandlers at traffic lights

[Josef]

Anyone else noticing the same thing? A lot more than usual, and at intersections they never hit before. The latest one I'm noticing is at the intersection of 202 with the road that goes to Regal Brandywine (just after Naamans Rd when you're headed north on 202). During the day there there always seems to be a relatively young woman usually dressed in shorts and a tank top or tshirt, who at first glance I wouldn't think would be a panhandler. But sure enough she has a homemade sign advertising her problem. I imagine she gets a lot of pity donations on the fact that she's a woman and not entirely awful on the eyes. Of course, yesterday at this intersection I also noticed an apparently homeless man who actually looked like a panhandler (ragged clothes, missing teeth). So I wonder, did the woman give up her "turf", are they working in tandem or something else?

Anyway, what are your thoughts on panhandlers? While driving in the city of Wilmington recently I noticed on at least one street corner a sign forbidding panhandling, even advertising a $700 (or so) fine if caught. Should the state itself take Wilmington's lead and put up signs forbidding the practice?

[Chase]

sure but the signs dont work, i see panhandlers under the signs in wilmo. sometimes i give to them, sometimes i don't, depends on access of cash in the car and how im feeling at the time.

[EpicWin]

She might give you a handy for Lincoln.

[childOfLacroix]

I never give money to panhandlers. There's no way of knowing whether they're legitimate. I prefer giving to charities that help the poor, like the Sunday Breakfast Mission.

[Jessica]

Josef sure has been noticing a lot of things while driving lately

There used to be people in the median along Harmony Road where it meets Rt. 4. I haven't noticed them lately, but it would seem to alternate between two men and one woman, usually holding a cardboard sign stating they were a veteran and homeless. Interestingly enough, they were *always* smoking. Maybe someone gave them a couple, maybe they found some money in their panhandle budget. I try not to be cynical, but Id rather provide food or give them the number to the Newark Empowerment Center for some real help.

[max1]

lol, with unemployment at the highest levels in a LONG time its no wonder. What the hell else can they do? We are in a recovery, with no jobs.

[Curly]

Surprize! I don't give them anything. Get in the back of the pickup and I'll give you $25 after you cut my grass, ok? Works every time.

[Silver Eagle]

There's always one at the Food Lion parking lot on 13 asking for money for gas. Same guy same story .

[terri]

Heh. Is it the guy who needs to get up to Chester Crozer Hospital to see his sick daughter in the burn unit?

I've run into that guy in several different locations. The last time, I was like, "Dude... you could've walked to Chester by now."

[LozerBoozer]

Surprize! I don't give them anything. Get in the back of the pickup and I'll give you $25 after you cut my grass, ok? Works every time.

I know, right? They need $ but dont want to work for it, I was at a drive thru once and a guy stopped me and asked me for money, said he had not eaten in a week. I told him to take the burger and fries I just bought and he walked away. They are scammers, looking for a few bucks to go get high.
There is an older fellow around Newark who is relentless. Probably about 60 years old, grey hair and a beard. Gives the same story about being homeless, only wants money, does not want a job, food, or a place to stay, just money.

[Beau Stockard]

LozerBoozer,

There is an older fellow around Newark who is relentless. Probably about 60 years old, grey hair and a beard. Gives the same story about being homeless, only wants money, does not want a job, food, or a place to stay, just money.

I've gotten a different impression from conversing with the homeless on the streets. Younger homeless individuals, many of them young women, are runaways from abusive homes, some victims of foster parents who no longer want them around now that they've grown up from being babies. Some of these homeless young people are no doubt high school drop-outs, unskilled unemployed, and often runaways from religious cults , like the Scientology or Moonies movements, who's message to them no longer is as appealing as it once was. Older homeless men , some women, are mostly wanderers, hoarders, or scavengers who's once notable work skills have become outdated or less applicable to today's high-tech savvy job market. An old family friend from years ago , I'll call him Al, could possibly be labeled "homeless " by modern standards--Al never had a permanent "home", lived at the YMCA,slept often in the horse barn of the trainer that he worked for at Delaware Park and Pimlico. However, Al had a very eclectic set skill level of job knowledge; he knew farming and animal science from his work on his parents and brother's New Zealand farm and horse farms in Kentucky, he sailed on merchant ships before he grew too old and the shipping industry declined . The homeless can't be pigeon-holed into any definitive category . They're us if by the grace of God we hadn't accomplished enough success or avoided enough failure in our life achievements and pursuits.

[Chase]

and often runaways from religious cults , like the scientology or moonies movements

seriously?

[EpicWin]

[Beau Stockard]

seriously?

Absolutely; I've talked with many homeless young people in the Portland , Oregon and Seattle area where those religious cults have had a greater popular following.