The street people of Clearwater Largo Road, for the most part, aren’t beggars. Most are homeless people. Suddenly, someone decides they’ll feel better about themselves by looking down on them and even better, calling them beggars.
For at least 30 years, I’ve seen them. I’ve waved, and if appropriate, always acknowledged them. With no negative results! No one has ever approached me on CLR asking for anything. Including the occasional strumpet. I’ve never seen anyone with a sign on CLR.
I’ve even had out of town employees. Stay at the Belleair Village Motel. A location some call the crisis zone for the CLR transients’ influx with zippo issues.
I have, although, on various occasions, approached a few of these down on their luck drifters. Asking if they wanted to earn a day’s pay. Unloading a truck, lawn tasks, or general clean up chores. I’d guess my batting average for the CLR street people. Who I, asked if they wanted to work said yes, and thanked me. Is 50/50?
FYI a few of the unfortunate wanderers I hired serviced our country on several fronts. So, for me, it’s certainly their streets too!
Shortly after, “Beggars on our streets” was posted on Nextdoor.com. I made three comments. One concerned the general area and jurisdictions, the gentrification of that area, and why? The residents that lived there and the businesses that have been conducting their business for years on CLR. Have dealt with them and haven’t taken a negative attitude? My mind set was to be like Switzerland. Hoping the handful of readers who I thought would take the time to read the post. Yet alone comment on the topic. Would be a little more understanding?
Next thing I know. Theirs 125 comments on the “Beggars on the street” post – I read many of them and couldn’t get through reading many others.
I’m amazed topics like the great coyote contra-conflict onslaught, several months back. That got 1000’s of comments. With no real plan and absolutely no conclusion. Just a lot of jawboning.
Now the newest controversy and critical topic for many. Is the life-changing news post about a so-called infiltration of immoral and corrupt ill-fated drifters? Gets more reactions and interests, whether positive or negative. Says volumes.
Why, after all this time, would a few more fortunate folks. Become so concerned about a few unfortunate individuals? Is it boredom, is it callousness, or an attempt to get involved?
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You made some great points. With what’s happening in today’s economy it could be one of us living on the street particularly if there is no social security since the IRS is no longer getting any withholding tax to fund it.
It is so sad there are so many homeless people. My friends and I raised money, back in the day, for a Mobile Homeless Veterans’ Medical Van. The van goes to places homeless people are known to live. They treat them, and try to rehab them by getting them to come to the VA to live. There was a homeless couple living near Seminole Blvd last winter. I dropped off sleeping bags and a case of water for them. If I see a homeless person outside of a Walmart, I buy them a sandwich and a coke. What might seem like a little thing to you, can mean the world to someone who is living on the street. I met quite a few people, thru my job, who lived in tent city, struggling to work while living in a tent. I ask people to please help when you can.
I found this comment very informative and compassionate. It makes me want to support these people and hire anyone who could be helpful( there are many small jobs I need help with).
I fully realize I need to be careful in any hirering situation no matter what road or church they might come from.
Thanks for posting that article on the homeless people on CLR. 👌🌸🙏