We just read with heavy hearts the thread under boondocking that referenced a homeless family living in their RV. Several of the comments in the thread indicated that more folks are living in their RV's due to the loss of their homes. We have seen many full-time residents in some areas but didn't really know how much those circumstances were truly preferred living arrangements. We've not been approached in any RV parks by homeless folks looking for a handout.
We don't like to give money to those that claim to be homeless on the street b/c it seemed likely the money would only be used for alcohol, drugs or at least cigarettes. We would like to be prepared to be of meaningful help, however, to those that surely must be hurting in the current economic conditions. Perhaps in our mobile lifestyle, we could be more alert to offering meaningful assistance?
We'd like to ask those on this forum to share any ways you've found to offer assistance in these tough times.
GENECOP said
06:57 AM Feb 5, 2010
The problem unfortunately becomes oportunistic individuals and organizations. If there where some kind of screening process that was supervised by moral people with pure intent i would happily contribute. Maybe we can evaluate and screen as the RV dreams community, RV families that apply for assistance. G
khardamon61 said
08:22 AM Feb 5, 2010
The first step is to visualize yourself in their shoes and then try to answer the question "What do basic needs would I like to see fulfilled?" The things you and I take for granted are the very basic needs these human beings would appreciate --- I hear about all of you having pot luck lunches and dinners -- why not extend your pot luck dishes to one of these families. Put a "I care" basket togther. Use your imagination and follow your heart as to the contents. Look them in the face and "see them" and listen with your ears and "hear them" -- they aren't going to beg for anything for you see they still have "pride" and they will forever hold on to their "dignity" -- they are just "human beings" just caught up in a bad situation and need a helping hand...Believe me, they aren't contagious and they won't bite the hand that helps them. They will respond with a sincere heartfelt thank you and will pay your kindness forward.
-- Edited by khardamon61 on Friday 5th of February 2010 08:23:28 AM
-- Edited by khardamon61 on Friday 5th of February 2010 08:26:43 AM
Linda said
06:21 AM Feb 6, 2010
What a wonderful idea! I picture a laundry basket complete with laundry detergent, a roll of quarters and food.
Could this be the beginning of a countrywide thing we could do? Ask the owners, of the RV park you are staying in or near your home, if there are people in this situation in their park and then take them a basket.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to get pictures of the people we help and share it with the RV Dreams group?
RV Dreamers Care!
-- Edited by Linda on Saturday 6th of February 2010 06:34:14 AM
Ranger375 said
08:54 AM Feb 6, 2010
You have hit on an issue that Nanette and I have been discussing a lot lately.
This issue is one that has been weighting heavily on out hearts too.
There are so many that are hurting these days. We are seeing people that frankly we would have never expected to see in the condition they are in.
I think part of the problem is -- neither did they.
In one case we are aware of we have seen issues of mental paralysis that seems to be a result of the speed and depth of the events the families have been faced with.
The idea of looking at it from their perspective is a very good one. When we asked this family what they needed the answer we received is not what we expected.
It wasn't material in nature in their case -- it was just someone to talk to without being judged first.
One of the first things they lost were their friends.
The second thing they lost was direction.
Can you imagine what that would be like to suddenly feel like you are on an island with no escape route?
I think this issue is going to come up more as time goes on. Thanks for posting about it.
rjenkins said
09:25 AM Feb 6, 2010
Gene you are right, there are a lot of opportunistic people and organizations out there that one becomes thick skinned and pessimistic about their intentions. One way I found to get around that is to do your research like anything else in life.
I am still employed FT but have always given to charity through payroll deduction. I am fortunate that I can be specific to who I give to. Since my dad passed away from Alzheimers in 2005, I give to a Florida organization geared for this horrible disease. I was also quite impressed with hospice care of which I knew nothing about until my dad died from this illness. So I also give to the local hospice organization down here.
As for anyone else I meet out in the streets I try to ask them questions to see if they really need assistance to get back on their feet or to continue to fund their drug or alcohol problem. Once I determine they are truly in need for assistance, I will give them a little something. But if I see they are on some kind of substance abuse, I just give them advice to go seek help. This method is not totally scientific, but it's my way of helping those I think need the help.
Last month I helped a couple that you could tell were living out of their car. The woman came to me while I was filling up with gas. They did not have money to get gas in the car and you could tell they were hungry. They truly seemed sincere. I bought them a couple of sandwiches and put gas in their car (I did not just give them the cash). They were extremely appreciative. My gut feeling just told me that they were honest people down on their luck.
Terry and Jo said
10:04 PM Feb 6, 2010
The idea of helping is not new of course. I remember growing up back in the '50's that it was not unusual for a needy person to return home to find a box on their doorstep. Usually the box was filled with produce from someone's garden, but there were occasional envelopes with a little money as well.
In every case, the box was left anonymously so that the recipient wouldn't feel that they HAD to do something in return for the giver. Usually, it was just expected that if one could help in some way, it was done.
I remember a fairly young man, of no means whatsoever of giving, that would go to the home of a family who had recently had a death in that family. He would show up with his little supply of shoe shining equipment and shine the shoes of the family for the funeral. Usually, if he didn't have the correct color of polish, the family would and would gladly let him do his service.
That is but a couple of small examples of generosity. However, I remember them clearly as almost every family in town (approximate population of 500) at one time or another was in need for some reason. Usually, it was after an illness and the family had to pay for medical treatment, but sometimes it was because of a loss of a job.
As for the panhandlers, I pass them up. A friend went to a "shelter" to offer some employment to some of the able bodied for the day. They were offered about $100 to help clean horse stalls at the racetrack, however, they refused because they felt that why should they work when the "shelter" provided just about everything they needed without having to work. And, some panhandlers make more than $100 a day just standing on a street corner. That is more per day than I make.
Sorry, I just feel that people need to not be sponges.
Terry
bubbadan said
07:08 PM Feb 10, 2010
I worked with a man that is brother was a panhandler and made over 60, 000 per year and never paid taxes or worked (begged) more than six months a year. I hate to be mean but I pass them up. I have at time bought meals for people that seem to need them.
dream reachers said
01:23 AM Feb 12, 2010
Although we are on the road most of the time we still have a home church that helps people in need in several ways. Sometimes people even try to take unfair advantage of a church asking for help when they really don't need it. Our church reaches out to the help the people that really have a need. We have given through the church and have seen and heard how it is really ministering to individuals and families. The church is also working with Convoy of Hope and sending people and matierials to Haiti to help with the devastation there. We would rather give through our church than through government help programs. We are presently working on a Teen Challenge project in Texas that helps men and women that have had problems with drugs, alcohol and depression get back on their feet and overcome their problems. We are first hand seeing the change in these peoples lives. It is a very rewarding experience. There are many ways to help others if you have the heart to do it.
We don't like to give money to those that claim to be homeless on the street b/c it seemed likely the money would only be used for alcohol, drugs or at least cigarettes. We would like to be prepared to be of meaningful help, however, to those that surely must be hurting in the current economic conditions. Perhaps in our mobile lifestyle, we could be more alert to offering meaningful assistance?
We'd like to ask those on this forum to share any ways you've found to offer assistance in these tough times.
The first step is to visualize yourself in their shoes and then try to answer the question "What do basic needs would I like to see fulfilled?" The things you and I take for granted are the very basic needs these human beings would appreciate --- I hear about all of you having pot luck lunches and dinners -- why not extend your pot luck dishes to one of these families. Put a "I care" basket togther. Use your imagination and follow your heart as to the contents. Look them in the face and "see them" and listen with your ears and "hear them" -- they aren't going to beg for anything for you see they still have "pride" and they will forever hold on to their "dignity" -- they are just "human beings" just caught up in a bad situation and need a helping hand...Believe me, they aren't contagious and they won't bite the hand that helps them. They will respond with a sincere heartfelt thank you and will pay your kindness forward.
-- Edited by khardamon61 on Friday 5th of February 2010 08:23:28 AM
-- Edited by khardamon61 on Friday 5th of February 2010 08:26:43 AM
What a wonderful idea! I picture a laundry basket complete with laundry detergent, a roll of quarters and food.
Could this be the beginning of a countrywide thing we could do? Ask the owners, of the RV park you are staying in or near your home, if there are people in this situation in their park and then take them a basket.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to get pictures of the people we help and share it with the RV Dreams group?
RV Dreamers Care!
-- Edited by Linda on Saturday 6th of February 2010 06:34:14 AM
This issue is one that has been weighting heavily on out hearts too.
There are so many that are hurting these days. We are seeing people that frankly we would have never expected to see in the condition they are in.
I think part of the problem is -- neither did they.
In one case we are aware of we have seen issues of mental paralysis that seems to be a result of the speed and depth of the events the families have been faced with.
The idea of looking at it from their perspective is a very good one. When we asked this family what they needed the answer we received is not what we expected.
It wasn't material in nature in their case -- it was just someone to talk to without being judged first.
One of the first things they lost were their friends.
The second thing they lost was direction.
Can you imagine what that would be like to suddenly feel like you are on an island with no escape route?
I think this issue is going to come up more as time goes on. Thanks for posting about it.
In every case, the box was left anonymously so that the recipient wouldn't feel that they HAD to do something in return for the giver. Usually, it was just expected that if one could help in some way, it was done.
I remember a fairly young man, of no means whatsoever of giving, that would go to the home of a family who had recently had a death in that family. He would show up with his little supply of shoe shining equipment and shine the shoes of the family for the funeral. Usually, if he didn't have the correct color of polish, the family would and would gladly let him do his service.
That is but a couple of small examples of generosity. However, I remember them clearly as almost every family in town (approximate population of 500) at one time or another was in need for some reason. Usually, it was after an illness and the family had to pay for medical treatment, but sometimes it was because of a loss of a job.
As for the panhandlers, I pass them up. A friend went to a "shelter" to offer some employment to some of the able bodied for the day. They were offered about $100 to help clean horse stalls at the racetrack, however, they refused because they felt that why should they work when the "shelter" provided just about everything they needed without having to work. And, some panhandlers make more than $100 a day just standing on a street corner. That is more per day than I make.
Sorry, I just feel that people need to not be sponges.
Terry