Homeless Guy Slept in my Boat Last Night

[Tidybuoy]

I have a private alley behind my house that is only accessible from one end. I have a sailboat parked back there.

A few days ago, I noticed a jacket hanging from the boat and I assumed that a recent drywall guy left it there as I was having some work done. This morning when I left for work, there was a homeless guy in the alley and he told me he was taking a break. I feel sorry for the guy as he is pretty old.

Would it be a mistake for me to hire him to clean up the alley and then pay him for the work? He seems harmless but I also don't want him there permanently.

[BK911]

Pay him to go away, and if you get the alley cleaned too, bonus!!

[rusnak]

I would run him off.

I deal with hundreds of hobos in the course of a year.

Trust me on this.

[McLovin]

Sounds like you’re fixin to be a future Dateline episode.

[wdfifteen]

No. It’s not a mistake. Talk to him, get his story, find out why he is in the life station he is in. Then decide if you want to give him some work.

[rusnak]

Yeah and ask him his favorite color, whether he likes to take long walks on the beach, and while you are at it, a philosophical discussion about property rights, and why what is yours is his too.

[thor66]

would you believe the story he tells you?

there must be shelters, etc. in Fresno - why not direct him there?

[Baz]

I don't know why it would hurt to ask him if he wants that job, Vern.

Of course, sitting at my keyboard I can't fully assess the situation. But knowing you from your previous postings here, you don't seem like the kind of person who would ask, if it wasn't something a reasonable person might do.

Never easy to reach out to any stranger, let alone a homeless person.

I applaud your good will, sir.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by thor66

would you believe the story he tells you?

there must be shelters, etc. in Fresno - why not direct him there?

Mayor Jerry Dyer has made it a priority to try to get the homeless off the streets and into shelters. They stay out because they don't like to be told what to do. But hey, they will take direction from some guy with cash in an alley, right?

They know about the Poverello House, the City of Fresno homeless shelters, YMCA, and even free substance abuse treatment with in-patient housing. They CHOOSE to be homeless. Fresno County will provide free apartments and free electricity if you are willing to follow the rules. I know this for a fact because I helped a family get off the streets, and employed two of the brothers for several years. One of them works for me still, and has for the past 9 years. I helped them through the process of getting medical care too. I paid for the mom's prescriptions when they fell behind.

It's not that I have a philosophical bias against the homeless. It's the contrary - I know all too well how this is likely to play out, and it is not all unicorn farts and rainbows.

[look 171]

I am an bitter individual and have no more compassion for those people because they have, for so long, put a very bitter taste in my mouth. I say run him out and pay someone who wants to work to have the alley cleaned. No good deed go unpunished. You are inviting trouble. That's just my dumb opinion.

I was just talking to my stucco guy today. He lives in a lower social economic part of town. I have known him for a very long time and very hardworking and honest. There are a bunch of homeless around his home. If he goes to Home Depot, every fooking thing must be locked up tight. If not, they grow legs by the local low life that will take anything that has any value. Homeless dude broke into his garage three times took all his tools. The last time, about a month ago, he chased one down the street in his underwear at 3am and beat the siht out of him. Left him there and ran home to get pair of pants on and drove back to kick his ass some more. Cop came, and basically look the other way and said, "We understand your anger. Jsut make sure were aren't around to see it". They left him there. He even said, my people (hispanics) gives me a bad name. I have nothign to say but shake my head and sympathize with him.

[Danimal16]

The sad simple truth is long term street people chose their fate. You are wasting your time. They must make the ultimate decision. You are a kind hearted man, compassion is in you. That said, give money or your time to recognized organizations that are transitioning those that have made the decision to lift themselves up OR give your money, heart and effort to anyone who is assuring that a young person has the guidance and/or the resources that divert him/her from becoming that guy in your alley. Save them before they need saving.

Vern, you have the heart, but the cold cruel reality is that it is likely too late for that old guy in your alley. Expend your soul and kindness to prevent someone else from making the mistakes the old guy in the alley made, and dedicate your effort in that old guy's name.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by Danimal16

The sad simple truth is long term street people chose their fate. .

And that's a fact.

My dad was one of these people. And if others hadn't taken pity on him he would have got hungry, quit the boozing, and gone back home.

[JackDidley]

If you give him work, you still need to move the boat. You could end up with a whole family living in it.

[ckelly78z]

He is most likely using the facilities on your boat (not in a way that you will approve of when you find it). I would move the boat, and let the situation de-escalate without a confrontation...just be prepared to give the boat a thorough cleaning form someone who doesn't appreciate it as much as you do.

By giving him work, you are justifying his trespassing !

[id10t]

Sounds like an act of piracy. Repel boarders.

You can ddcide which bits should be green.

[IROC]

"No good deed goes unpunished"...

As compassionate as your idea is, I see way more ways for it to go south than to have a happy ending.

[SamC.]

Simple Trespassing and Vagrancy, both criminal offenses. By not reporting the crime, you are now aiding, abetting and encouraging further criminal behavior. How's all that for your "feel good" intentions? Given the right circumstances and a strong local DA, you could be charged with criminal behavior as well. I have near first hand experience with this - a close relative, liberal, Ivy League education, wealthy, seriously misplaced values who got in the way of law enforcement doing their job with so-called homeless people in a small southern city. Couldn't understand why the "mean "policemen were so intent on doing their job. Said relative was charged, tried, and convicted - state pen for six months. How bout them apples? Of course, how many of the "homeless" came to visit while in prison?....Yep, right answer - Zero.
I suggest you take a second look at the potential consequences of your own actions.
My three cents.

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

No. It’s not a mistake. Talk to him, get his story, find out why he is in the life station he is in. Then decide if you want to give him some work.

Boy…this seems like the worst possible bleeding heart advice. Use the guy for a touching story you can tell friends and post here to virtue signal everyone else. Get somewhat invested in the guy emotionally, then kick him out.

There are plenty of resources for the down trodden. You are not one of them.

[Sooner or later]

Originally Posted by IROC

"No good deed goes unpunished"...

As compassionate as your idea is, I see way more ways for it to go south than to have a happy ending.

This

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Tidybuoy

I have a private alley behind my house that is only accessible from one end. I have a sailboat parked back there.

A few days ago, I noticed a jacket hanging from the boat and I assumed that a recent drywall guy left it there as I was having some work done. This morning when I left for work, there was a homeless guy in the alley and he told me he was taking a break. I feel sorry for the guy as he is pretty old.

Would it be a mistake for me to hire him to clean up the alley and then pay him for the work? He seems harmless but I also don't want him there permanently.

How exposed is entry to your house from the alley? Can you let him clean up the alley under the auspices of the homeless authorities? A charitable heart is praise worthy but you know full well that you may be exposing yourself to some unpleasantness.