Posted on Jun 30, 2015
What is your personal response to homeless Veterans?
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We see them everywhere. While it is easy to blame a broken system, it is hard to ignore the homeless Veterans who stand there with signs or approach us at the underpass intersection. What is your personal response to them? I prefer not to give money but offer other help. It is not an easy solution. How do you typically respond?
Homeless
Policy
Poverty
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 29
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I live in Tampa. There are so many folks banging around with signs stating Homeless, but there are always reports that they are not. In this highly military community, folks monopolize on the empathy of the vast service members in the area. They typically stand at intersections of main arteries and pounce when the light goes red. It is hard to do a Q&A to see if they are legit. If they are legit, I will help. But, sadly, folks get bamboozled too many times.
I donate directly to Veteran's charities and the like to make sure it gets to the right sources.
I donate directly to Veteran's charities and the like to make sure it gets to the right sources.
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SGT (Join to see)
I find simple things- like an alleged former ordinance disposal specialist who clams to be a Nam vet and held the rank of SFC- not knowing what UXO is- highly spurious. I spent the early half of my career in tactical signal specialties, come from a family with a lot of vets and service members- all branches. We're short a Coastie. Somebody will have to marry one or adopt. I get offered wider range of tall tales and road apples because I was seldom recognized as a service member, and prefer to spur them keep talking till the story falls apart.
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SGT (Join to see)
If you feel generous toward the homeless, regardless of status- give them food gift cards. Frankly, I've not found any of the so-called assistance services particularly useful in times of need.
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MSgt Stephen Council
I am an 80% disabled vet, a retired MSgt, and I hold down a full time job. I do not donate to anyone standing on the roadside. I donate my hard earned money through legitimate charities and assist vets through the DAV (I am a life member).
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SSG Ricardo Marcial
Homeless vet or not, I have in the past and will likely continue to show my humanity by doing what I feel is right. I might always give someone money, but I won't hesitate to give someone a meal or a cup of coffee. Some may disagree with me, but to me its the right thing to do.
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Different responses depending on what is going on, I've given cash, bought them a meal, taken them to shelters, told them where to go for help.... Never walk by and do nothing. George Washington Carver said it best.
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I generally ignore those types of homeless, and not just the veterans (or the ones who claim to be veterans). I prefer my homeless outreach work to be through official channels such as my local CVMA chapter.
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