[daepp]

Here in So Cal (I.E.) it is my understanding that the homeless are entitled to a voucher for 100% of their rent (granted not in the nicest of areas) and food stamps. This covers the two main staples of food and shelter. And thya re given a "Dignity Card" so no one knows that they are spending food stamp money.

I do not give them cash as I am told that this only goes to booze, drugs and cigs. I have seen the homeless on on-ramps throw out food given to them after the car passes. I collect food for a food bank instead. We deliver a large trailer full of non-perishables monthly to a facility in a poor part of town east of LA. It provides a well rounded selection of staples that will last 2 weeks. You cannot ask for more until 4 weeks have gone by, and they will not support you forever. They have ways of determining where you live and cross-reference recipients to addresses. This is an attempt to reduce complete reliance on this aid.

The primary recipients are Mexican and Black. Most of the whites and minority of the minorities appear to me to be on drugs - but that said, the majority of the recipients are just poor.

At Mass yesterday we were implored to turn a kind eye towards the homeless. And there is plenty in the Bible to back this up. However, I see the on-ramp panhandlers as opportunists and traffic hazards, and can only guess what would happen to me if I hit one with my car while he dodging in and out of traffic trying to get cash.

It is certainly a dilemma for our times and that of our children. I believe the mentally ill should be re-institutionalized - for this I believe is a worthy use of my taxes.

IMHO of course!