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The Homeless

2456

Comments

  • #32
    God...
    Closed Accounts Posts: 204 ✭✭God...


    I spent a few nights sleeping rough in my teens, you just never know someones circumstances. People are to quick to judge and personally if I was to give someone sleeping rough money and they went and bought drink with that money I wouldn't begrudge them that either.

    As for junkies, well thats a different case altogether but who knows there life story either.


  • #33
    christmas2012
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,827 ✭✭✭christmas2012


    yeah i understand what youre saying but there are those who sign on and you see them begging its hard to judge and say they all dont have money,a lot of them do and you see them begging..the ones who dont get hostel stay and are genuinely sleeping rough god help them is all i can say,hope they get their soup run and turn up on time for it,instead of running off drinking or shooting up..its awful


  • #34
    God...
    Closed Accounts Posts: 204 ✭✭God...


    Ohh I know a large proportion are fiddling in some way or another but they're just trying to survive in their own way. I also think a lot of them could be doing a hell of a lot more to help themselves than they do and then theres a lot that are just pathetic.

    It's just not all people are brought up in the same environment and then some people are just scum. I just know better not to judge people right of the bat thats all.


  • #35
    christmas2012
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,827 ✭✭✭christmas2012


    i do give to charities but have given that up recently as i dont have the money and,as it all goes to management and CEOS and the like,its awful the way the money is poorly spread,ive never given to those begging on the street,as ive seen one lad walk into a hostel where i worked on a voluntary basis and got his sign on/dole once he got stay in the hostel then he went out down a street and started begging, so i know how some of it can go down alright,its a pity really as if i didnt witness that i might be giving to those who need it,but you just cant tell..


  • #36
    Toby Take a Bow
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,732 ✭✭✭Toby Take a Bow


    neil_hosey wrote: »
    Most cases they are junkies, who CHOSE to become junkies. Ive no sympathy and would rather they all be herded up and put on some island, we could call it "junkie island".

    Alot of the people who claim to be homeless also clearly arent homeless (fairly new airmax, its not a coincidence that half the homeless population of dublin own 110 euro nike airmax!), which is another reason why i dont give anything, not to mention the romas but enough has been said on them!

    Id rather give my hard earned to a more worthy charity like a childrens hospital or something

    'Most cases', 'alot of', 'half the homeless'.

    They're just suppositions, yeah? Or do you have an incredibly intimate knowledge of the homeless population of Dublin?

    Most reports on people who are homeless suggest a strong link to mental issues.


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  • #37
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    neil_hosey wrote: »
    you feel like you are in a zombie movie some days walking around o connell st.

    clearly you watch unbelievably shít zombie films.


  • #38
    tacofries
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 854 ✭✭✭tacofries


    pebbles21 wrote: »
    So you give money to the homeless?

    No need to make a Big Issue out of it!

    was the pun intemded or not ??

    Haha the "big issue". Possibly the best pun on boards that ive seen yet!


  • #39
    Ghandee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,653 ✭✭✭Ghandee


    Knock knock.


  • #40
    crazy cabbage
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 738 ✭✭✭crazy cabbage


    Pawwed Rig wrote: »
    Hang on a second. Are you trying to tell me people in Ireland don't know the effect drugs will have before taking them?
    There are drugs awareness programmes in schools, there are anti drugs campaigns all over the place, many movies tell of the dangers of drugs and all anyone has to do is walk around Dublin city to see the effect drugs have on people. I don't buy the 'taught no different'. I went to school in an area that was half private/ half council houses. Many of the people who dropped out of school were not naive or stupid. They did so as they saw doing the odd bit of dealing and claiming the welfare as an easier method than studying and doing their leaving cert.
    Many start using out of boredom and other issues. don'y buy that they do not know what they are getting themselves in for.

    Yes yes we are all told in school that ALL drugs are bad. We are never told any more though or which ones are not that bad and which ones are really bad. When people first come in contact with drugs it is normally cannabis. They take that and it has very little effect. Then people start thinking 'well maby if people were so wrong about cannabis maby there were wrong about heroin ect. They then take that and spiral out of control. All anti drugs campains put all drugs on the same level in the minds of most people by simple saying 'all drugs are bad'.
    I would wager that alot of people who become addicted is like this.

    Anyway not all junkies are homeless and not all homeless are junkies.

    If someone who has never taken drugs before suddenly finds themselves on the street after what is a very hard time in there life and someone offers them a drug that may put them in a happy place for a short while, a few mins/hours away from the torment of there existance, it is hard not to see why some would take the 'oppertunity'. Hell if worst came to the worst i would proberly be tempted myself.
    Put yourself in there shoes...

    Also homeless people cant claim social welfair can they? They need a fixed address in order to do that as well as alot of paperwork they wouldn't have.


  • #41
    DEFTLEFTHAND
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,499 ✭✭✭✭DEFTLEFTHAND


    There's a junkie I used to encounter outside Heuston every morning during my time in Dublin. He'd be pestering people for cigarettes and I obliged one day. I kind of got to know the guy after a couple months and it got to the point where I'd even look forward to our smoke and chat in the morning. The guy was actually quite an intellect and his addiction had resulted in his current circumstance.

    I think we all tend to judge homeless people by their cover.


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  • #42
    SusieBlue
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,029 ✭✭✭SusieBlue


    A homeless person doesn't deserve any less respect or help just because they live on the streets. Yes, some are drug addicts, but not all of them. And even if they are, so what? They are still HUMAN BEINGS in a vulnerable situation and should be helped as much as possible.

    Any single one of us could end up on the streets one day, nothing in life is promised or guaranteed and its impossible to know how you'll cope with being in such a hopeless situation till your in it. I'm not surprised a lot of them end up addicted to drugs to ease the pain and suffering.

    If we all showed a bit of compassion to people less fortunate than ourselves, regardless of the circumstances, it wouldn't do any harm.


  • #43
    SEANoftheDEAD
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 635 ✭✭✭SEANoftheDEAD


    When I'm in town I normally buy a sandwich, tea and naggin of whiskey and give it to one of the homeless.

    The way I see it is, if it gets them threw one more night on the streets then I'm happy to help em.


  • #44
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 24,773 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I'm as well pleased to throw a few coins to a genuine lad on the street (not a roma gypsie other waste of space) looking for a bit of money as giving to a lot of the "charities" I see around. To be honest if its used to buy a drink or whatever so what, I don't begrudge someone living on the street the bit of comfort in a drink.

    I was in San Francisco a few months ago and there was a man on the street with a sign something along the lines of "Why lie, I need money for beer" needless to say he got a few dollars from me.

    Giving money or clothes/blankets directly to a homeless hostel is also something that has much more chance of actually reaching the people that need it.


  • #45
    Michael Weston
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 979 ✭✭✭Michael Weston


    Ghandee wrote: »
    Knock knock.

    Whos there ?


  • #46
    Pawwed Rig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,502 ✭✭✭✭Pawwed Rig


    Makenna Quiet Tidewater wrote: »
    I was in San Francisco a few months ago and there was a man on the street with a sign something along the lines of "Why lie, I need money for beer" .

    Was that down on Fishermans Wharf? That guy has been there for years. Did you see the Bush man too? seriously folks if you think homelessness is an issue here, Goto San Fran (a city with a smaller population than Dublin). The Streets are thronged with homeless people. The protections here are alot better for someone down on their luck than in US.
    crazy cabbage wrote: »
    Yes yes we are all told in school that ALL drugs are bad. We are never told any more though or which ones are not that bad and which ones are really bad.

    Unless the drugs awareness progreammes have gone seriously downhill since I was at secondary school in the late 80's and early 90's kids are told exactly which drugs are worse than others. Also any passing interest in TV aimed at that demographic deals with issues such as drug use/abuse. Nevermind the fact that (apologies for the generalisation) areas where drug use is more prevailant there are visible signs of the problems associated with it along with a local knowledge of who, when, how etc.
    crazy cabbage wrote: »
    When people first come in contact with drugs it is normally cannabis.
    I would wager that alot of people who become addicted is like this.
    You hear that alot but I am n ot sure there is anymore evidence for that than there is for saying tobacco is a gateway drug to hash.
    crazy cabbage wrote: »
    Anyway not all junkies are homeless and not all homeless are junkies.

    That is true and tbh I live in the city centre and walking around homeless people (well the people you see begging who may or may not be homeless) are (in my experience) 40% drug addicts, 40% foreign and 20% other. The drug addicts are really obvious as they permanently look wrecked. The 20% are most likely the ones that could be helped but they could have other issues like mental health or alcohol problems. I have noticed a few respectable looking well spoken people (1 guy on Baggot Street in particular) that does not fit in with the general profile of the average begger.
    crazy cabbage wrote: »
    Also homeless people cant claim social welfair can they? They need a fixed address in order to do that as well as alot of paperwork they wouldn't have.
    AFAIK that is the case.


  • #47
    mikemac1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,395 ✭✭✭✭mikemac1


    Often around Dublin city centre I see young lads in school uniform out giving out soup and sandwiches.
    And chatting away with the people they meet

    Goes on at different hours of the day, sometimes at 8am and sometimes in the evening

    I didn't see the crest, I don't know which school it was or if there is a few schools involved

    Not now obviously, summer holidays but during the rest of the year I see them

    Fair play


  • #48
    The Big Red Button
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,390 ✭✭✭The Big Red Button


    I've often bought a cup of tea and a sandwich, chips etc for homeless people. Usually older men - I just think that they must have the toughest time of it living on the streets. Also, when I'm buying the food, I mention to the person in the shop/restaurant that it's for a homeless person and ask if they have any food that would otherwise be going to waste that I could give them - they've usually been quite generous, particularly if it's in the evening close to closing time.

    I also make sure to stop for a wee chat with them, sometimes it seems they appreciate that almost as much as the food!

    I've never given cigarettes/alcohol, and very rarely money. I do feel a little guilty, as though charity should be charity and as though, instead of buying food, I should just give them the money and let them spend it as they choose - is it really my business to impose my own morals on them? But it just wouldn't sit right to me, to be honest.


  • #49
    mikemac1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,395 ✭✭✭✭mikemac1


    chatterpillar wrote: »
    Also, when I'm buying the food, I mention to the person in the shop/restaurant that it's for a homeless person and ask if they have any food that would otherwise be going to waste that I could give them - they've usually been quite generous, particularly if it's in the evening close to closing time.

    I started reading that sentance and was expecting to read the business would refuse, they don't want people hanging around on their street

    It's good they are generous, just my snap reaction was that it would be something else


  • #50
    mattjack
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,389 ✭✭✭mattjack


    crazy cabbage wrote: »

    Also homeless people cant claim social welfair can they? They need a fixed address in order to do that as well as alot of paperwork they wouldn't have.


    There are some homeless in Ireland who don't satisfy a claim for a welfare payment,this stops them getting an address often meaning they survive sleeping rough every night and feeding themselves in drop in centres.

    You can still be classed as homeless while living in a hostel or short term accommodation .

    Some foreign nationals don't satisfy HRC.


  • #51
    ANXIOUS
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,095 ✭✭✭ANXIOUS


    I would always give homeless people change if I was passing, and this one particular gentleman I see would usually get a fiver. He is an elderly gentleman that is usually on Kildare street with a walking stick. I would love to know these people's stories.

    When I was in college I had a summer job working in the public sector, circa 5-6 years ago. There was this one particular lad who I always got on with, first to stand up for me if others were taking advantage of the new student, first to get a round in and if you ever needed anything he wouldn't even need to be asked to help he was there. So around a year ago when I started working around Stephens green, I would see him every so often wearing scruffy clothes and unshaven having lost a lot of weight. This went on for a while until I eventually realised he was homeless. This experience puts thing into perspective for me, he came from a stable home his dad was actually my boss, he had a partner and kids and we were in a full time permanent job on around €800-1000 net a week.

    So now when user him I don't know if I should stop him or let him go so as not to hurt his dignity or pride?


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  • #52
    Hannibal Smith
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,893 ✭✭✭Hannibal Smith


    I give money, always


  • #53
    Teyla Emmagan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,638 ✭✭✭Teyla Emmagan


    I give money, depending on how bad the poor person in question looks (and whether I have anything on me). No one chooses to be out on the streets, in the cold and wet. I feel very sorry for anyone in that situation, you don't know what their circumstances have been, but they deserve compassion rather than criticism or ridicule.

    And there but the grace of God go I.


  • #54
    Teyla Emmagan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,638 ✭✭✭Teyla Emmagan


    ANXIOUS wrote: »
    I would always give homeless people change if I was passing, and this one particular gentleman I see would usually get a fiver. He is an elderly gentleman that is usually on Kildare street with a walking stick. I would love to know these people's stories.

    When I was in college I had a summer job working in the public sector, circa 5-6 years ago. There was this one particular lad who I always got on with, first to stand up for me if others were taking advantage of the new student, first to get a round in and if you ever needed anything he wouldn't even need to be asked to help he was there. So around a year ago when I started working around Stephens green, I would see him every so often wearing scruffy clothes and unshaven having lost a lot of weight. This went on for a while until I eventually realised he was homeless. This experience puts thing into perspective for me, he came from a stable home his dad was actually my boss, he had a partner and kids and we were in a full time permanent job on around €800-1000 net a week.

    So now when user him I don't know if I should stop him or let him go so as not to hurt his dignity or pride?

    Stop and say hello. Ask him if he wants to go for a coffee or something, see if you can buy him lunch. The simple act of acknowledging him might be one of the kindest things you can do. You don't need to go into his circumstances if he doesn't want to, just say hello. I bet most people who recognise him walk past pretending they don't.


  • #55
    crazy cabbage
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 738 ✭✭✭crazy cabbage


    Pawwed Rig wrote: »
    Unless the drugs awareness progreammes have gone seriously downhill since I was at secondary school in the late 80's and early 90's kids are told exactly which drugs are worse than others. Also any passing interest in TV aimed at that demographic deals with issues such as drug use/abuse. Nevermind the fact that (apologies for the generalisation) areas where drug use is more prevailant there are visible signs of the problems associated with it along with a local knowledge of who, when, how etc.
    I know the only talk that i got on drugs in school was when it came up in religon class and that was only a 5 mins affair.

    Pawwed Rig wrote: »
    You hear that alot but I am n ot sure there is anymore evidence for that than there is for saying tobacco is a gateway drug to hash.
    I am not saying that anything is a gateway drug. I am saying that there is a gateway effect but it is caused by probation/lack of knowledge.
    And if you want evidance for this just look at THIS afterhours tread. You will see that 77% of people have taken cannabis and 22% have taken nothing. That covers aprox 99% of sample. Therefore it is logical to say that anyone who has taken another drug has taken cannabis. It isn't a streach then to agree with what i said.
    This is offtipic though. Bringing it back


    Pawwed Rig wrote: »
    That is true and tbh I live in the city centre and walking around homeless people (well the people you see begging who may or may not be homeless) are (in my experience) 40% drug addicts, 40% foreign and 20% other. The drug addicts are really obvious as they permanently look wrecked. The 20% are most likely the ones that could be helped but they could have other issues like mental health or alcohol problems. I have noticed a few respectable looking well spoken people (1 guy on Baggot Street in particular) that does not fit in with the general profile of the average begger.
    But the 40% that are drug addicts. Did that happen before or after they became homeless???
    And even if it was before i dont see how that makes a difference


  • #56
    cowzerp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,549 ✭✭✭✭cowzerp


    ITS_A_BADGER wrote: »
    absolutely give to the homeless, true that you dont know for sure what they are gonna use the money for, but id rather give a couple of euro to give them an option to get some food rather than walk by and be a stuck up prick, 2-3 euro isnt a lot to give, but its a hell of a lot to them!!

    Anyone who gives money to these lads are clueless, Take the PC brigade out and in most cases the 2-3 euro will go towards smokes, Dutch gold or drugs.

    If you really want to help give food, clothes or volunteer to do some work at soup kitchens etc

    crazy cabbage wrote: »
    Yes yes we are all told in school that ALL drugs are bad. We are never told any more though or which ones are not that bad and which ones are really bad. When people first come in contact with drugs it is normally cannabis. They take that and it has very little effect. Then people start thinking 'well maby if people were so wrong about cannabis maby there were wrong about heroin ect.

    School kids are certainly told what is addictive and life changing, Most people who get into Hard drugs such as Heroin come from areas rife with Heroin and are very well in the know to what makes a junkie/zombie-they make the choice to become junkies and I have no sympathy for junkies at all.

    Homeless does not equal junkies but most Homeless have mental issues and are using drink or drugs, aswell as this, in reality been homeless in most cases is a choice.

    Rush Boxing club and Rush Martial Arts head coach.



  • #57
    nlgbbbblth
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,668 ✭✭✭nlgbbbblth


    I give money to the homeless.
    I never give money to chuggers.

    Homeless people = mostly sound

    Chuggers = pricks


  • #58
    Splendour
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,580 ✭✭✭Splendour


    Culleeo wrote: »
    This got me thinking, yeah, he has a point in what he is saying. I'm sure the majority of homeless people are drug addicts and alcoholics but I'm sure there are genuine cases of homelessness.

    Think most of us, if homeless, would take some kind of drug to block out the misery of it...


  • #59
    Quorum
    Closed Accounts Posts: 474 ✭✭Quorum


    Culleeo wrote: »
    I was in Superquinn earlier and on my way out, at the exit, there was a guy collecting for the homeless. He asked the guy ahead of me "would you like to support the homeless" Guy turns around and says "no, why should I help the junkies, all them homeless take drugs, you're worse for collecting for them."
    This got me thinking, yeah, he has a point in what he is saying. I'm sure the majority of homeless people are drug addicts and alcoholics but I'm sure there are genuine cases of homelessness.

    If I was homeless, I'd sure as hell get drunk or high as often as possible to mask the reality of my situation.

    Of course there are genuine cases. Mental illness, a marriage break-up, an indifferent family, all these things can land you on the street fairly sharpish. As can substance abuse. But it's not the only cause.


  • #60
    Bipolar Joe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,443 ✭✭✭Bipolar Joe


    I was homeless for two years, and a really good friend of mine works with them.

    As was already said, a high percentage homeless people with an addiction became users after the fact. Having to sleep rough, with the wind, rain, random people kicking the shit out of you, spitting on you, looking down on you like they know your story will make anyone look for a psychological out when an opportunity to own a roof doesn't present it's self. How long that time is is down to the individual, but it is rarely long. Drink and drugs are simple and cheap ways to make the long days and even longer nights that more bearable. Once the opportunity DOES come along, it's already too late.

    Mental illness is incredibly prevalent among the homeless, and I'm not talking about little Jimmy with ADHD. Drink and drugs hit these people the worst, because dealers and pushers will take advantage of them, so easy to spot if you know what to look for.

    None of this "If you think IRELAND has a problem, go check out......!" Ireland does have a problem. Anywhere with a high amount of homeless has a problem. Doesn't make it any less of a problem if some place has more.

    I give what I can, when I can. I know what it's like, it's not easy, and if I can help, in literally any way I can, I will.

    For any one interested, look up your local homeless shelters, get the addresses and if someone "Bothers" you, give it to them. It's the quickest, easiest and most effective way to know if a homeless person is genuine or just looking for a fix.

    Peace, love and rockets.


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  • #61
    Pawwed Rig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,502 ✭✭✭✭Pawwed Rig


    crazy cabbage wrote: »
    I know the only talk that i got on drugs in school was when it came up in religon class and that was only a 5 mins affair.

    Maybe you went to a nicer school than me;)
    crazy cabbage wrote: »
    I am not saying that anything is a gateway drug. I am saying that there is a gateway effect but it is caused by probation/lack of knowledge.
    And if you want evidance for this just look at THIS afterhours tread. You will see that 77% of people have taken cannabis and 22% have taken nothing. That covers aprox 99% of sample.

    While at over a 1,000 votes the poll is statistically valid I would not think that the average After Hours poster reflects society as a whole (at least I hope not). If smoking was on that poll I would imagine that >77% would have tried cigarettes but that does not make it a 'gateway effect'. There is a huge difference between smoking hash and snorting/injecting hard drugs into your system.
    crazy cabbage wrote: »
    But the 40% that are drug addicts. Did that happen before or after they became homeless???
    And even if it was before i dont see how that makes a difference
    I would imagine cause and effect.


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