A legitimate concern for real homeless individuals could be what damage could be done by fake homeless beggars. In the city of Miami, panhandling is illegal, but the homeless have resorted to handing out brochures and other items to seek a tip. This is just another form of it. However, with the poor economic circumstances for this country, there is more possibility that people will start posing as homeless to earn cash. There have been reports on Internet forums that people have posted earnings up to $500 per day in certain places around the country. Perhaps, if this becomes an issue, it could cause a real community imbalance.
The typical fake homeless beggar will get poor looking clothing, and stand outside long enough to get their needed cash for the day. Then, they take public transportation to the suburbs, and go home to their families. The phony homeless actor will probably return to the same spot, and collect more. However, a real homeless person should be found at night, early in the mornings, and in bad weather. This is a good indication that the person is legitimately homeless. If this is not the case, they could be using this as a “new sympathy career” to steal opportunity from those who could really need the help more.
In conclusion, if you give to the homeless on the streets, try to let it be someone you often see on your route to work. Remember, the real homeless should be seen in the same area repeatedly because transportation options are limited. Therefore, you should not see them at the beach one day and the next in the suburbs. It is highly unlikely the habit of a beggar location changed. Hopefully, the economy will turn around and imposters will give up the begging gig. In the meantime, these imposters should investigate blogging options, like Triond.com or Helium.com to start writing careers without a boss. This can be done at home or at the public library. Homeless have been reported to make money blogging and doing business online too. The fake ones that beg give homeless a bad reputation, and then nobody wants to give. Jesus Christ and other religions call for all to help the poor, but too many people abuse it. This needs to change, but for now, look to help those you are sure could use a helping hand.
