Schlegel Farms, Hagerstown Indiana | Our county seat does not have a large panhandler problem.
That said, in one area between a Walmart and a shopping center with a Kroger and other stores, they occasionally show up.
I generally haven't given them much thought or money, for all the reasons you'd hear... fraud, need a job, etc. I generally don't know if they are legit.
Many other ways to help people I trust more: food banks, churches, our township trustee, etc.
Last week, there was one that has been on my mind.
He was holding a sign that said: "Disabled vet needs help caring for family".
He was holding the sign in front of him, so I didn't notice until we turned the corner; then I saw he had two artificial legs from the knee down.
I realize this could also be a ruse; he could have lost his legs in an auto accident, but for some reason he has stuck in my mind.
I'm not asking for advice or anything, just sort of venting about this. As I said, he has been on my mind ever since the incident.
I'd think if he was a vet, there should be someplace he could get help. |
Panhandlers
