Odd panhandler sign seen

**creditcardfree** · 05-03-2010, 01:07 PM

Let's hope he was traveling to find better employment!

**cicy33** · 05-03-2010, 02:09 PM

I think and don't quote me on this. some people I have seen do this (and some are def scams!) they are in the middle of a trip and break down and have no cash to assist them. One thing I was warned about a few years ago at a military base was to ignore the beggars in town because frequently they are richer than me!

**BlackDiamond** · 05-03-2010, 05:12 PM

Maybe he was robbed or something?

**maat55** · 05-03-2010, 06:37 PM

On two occations I have had beggers come to me at an gas station asking for gas money, saying they ran out of gas down the road while traveling to another city.

My most intereting panhandler sign was: I just want a beer will you buy me one.

**wincrasher** · 05-04-2010, 04:27 AM

Maybe he's walking the earth. It's a divine calling,I'm sure.

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 05-04-2010, 07:05 AM

There is an old charity that assists travelers in need. Traveler's Aid Society (Traveler's Aid International). Getting stuck during travel is an old problem. Traveler's Aid is one of the founding organizations of USO, too.

Kind of interesting history-- Travelers Aid International

More than 150 Years of Service to Communities

It is not surprising that Travelers Aid got its start with the Industrial Revolution. Mobility was at the heart of the economy as cities grew to accommodate a new workforce. By the time America reached the 20th Century, Travelers Aid Societies had sprung up in major cities across the country-Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York. The programs began with the simple idea of protecting stranded people, especially women and children, from those who would use, abuse or victimize them in their time of misfortune. Ensuring a safe haven was the hallmark of Travelers Aid. Although many of the Travelers Aid programs were born in communities of faith, Travelers Aid provides services regardless of age, gender or beliefs. It is the oldest, non-sectarian, social welfare organization in the United States.

**moneybags** · 05-04-2010, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by maat55 View Post

My most intereting panhandler sign was: I just want a beer will you buy me one.

Was this in Vegas? I saw a guy doing this. A bunch of college aged kids were indulging him.

**MonkeyMama** · 05-04-2010, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by moneybags View Post

Was this in Vegas? I saw a guy doing this. A bunch of college aged kids were indulging him.

I've seen the same sign in San Francisco. May have been, "Need money for beer."

**aurielle** · 05-05-2010, 08:16 PM

A few months ago when in the city I saw a panhandler with the following cardboard sign:

Help - need money
The ninjas kidnapped my wife and kids

I kid you not!

**minnie1928** · 05-06-2010, 08:16 AM

When I worked in downtown Baltimore I used to see a guy, pretty regularly, panhandling to the traffic as it stopped at a particular light. Anyway, I'm guessing he pulled in a pretty good income based on the number of gold chains hanging around his neck

.

**woodie96** · 05-07-2010, 05:18 AM

At least the guys with the money for beer sign were being honest...I'll give them credit for that...

**Daylily** · 05-07-2010, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by disneysteve View Post

The other day, I passed a guy begging on the corner the other day. That isn't unusual in the city. They usually have a sign that says something like "Homeless, please help" or "Lost my job, please help." But this guy had a sign that I thought was kind of odd. It said, "Traveling - Broke - Please Help."

Now I thought about rolling down my window and saying, "If you're broke, why are you traveling? Go home and get a job." but the light turned green and I drove on my way. Why should I be asked to pay for this guy's travels? Maybe I should stand on the corner to raise money for my next trip to Disney World.

It's hard for me to judge people who are begging.

**cptacek** · 05-08-2010, 06:51 AM

There was one guy begging at a McDonald's asking for money, and my dad offered to buy him a meal instead of giving him money. The guy turned him down. So, dad said, you must not be too hungry, and didn't give him anything.

Another lady at a truck stop was asking for money so she could feed her kids. The two little kids did look very hungry, so my dad gave her about $10. She bought a pack of cigarettes and two candy bars for the kids, even though there was a restaurant at the truck stop and those kids could have had a good breakfast.

I don't give money to beggars after seeing one lady stand at the same corner of 635 and Jupiter Road in Garland, TX every day, all day begging. If you can dedicate 8 hours a day to panhandling, surely you can dedicate that time to a job.

**joshuaswatson** · 06-24-2015, 01:18 PM

Former Hobo

I am surprised you've never seen this sign as I thought it was the most commonly used sign. There is a freedom and an understanding of people one gets by travelling his own country with no money. Relying solely on the kindness of others. There is a huge underground subculture of young people who hitch-hike and ride freight trains illegally from city to city. I found working to be soul crushing, and as a young person sought the adventure and freedom of doing something different. I met a group of dirty looking travelling kids and hanging out with them and listening to their stories of the road opened a door for me. I spent all my money on a backpack and sleeping bag and set out on the open road. That summer was the best summer Ive ever had, it changed and shaped who I am, and made me appreciate all the little things in life. To not judge people by how the look or dress and to listen to what everyone has to say. When holding that very same sign, in each town I passed through, many time an ignorant person would yell "get a job!" My life then wasn't about working and paying rent. I only stayed in a city long enough to meet people, have a good time, and then move on. I held that sign, not to make millions but to make enough to eat, and to have money for my daily necessities. The people who helped me I am forever grateful, and the people who didn't I respect them as well. We live in a free county, and not everyone wants to go home and work... it is a lifestyle I often wish I could go back and do again, it was a blast.... and you meet so many people who tell you the most fascinating stories.... give you amazing advice, its like being a bird and flying wherever the wind and God will have you go.

Odd panhandler sign seen