Interview w/businessman who ended up on the streets of Tampa, Florida

[MissPuddy]

Run time: 07:22 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvVPXYM8w8c   Posted on YouTube: March 27, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: March 27, 2009 By DU Member: MissPuddy Views on DU: 1791

 
"Dez" is a college-graduate who did not want his face shown during the interview. He explains how he ended up on the streets and the truth behind the Salavation Army and religious organizations that just want the "grant money." This intelligent man whom I met on a Sunday at a feeding area gives some eye-opening information.

[stlsaxman]

1. Dorothy Day had it right- read my sig line... K&R

[tomm2thumbs]

2. sad story

it's like these folks who lose their enthusiasm to live are going through a slow-motion suicide.
No reason to fight the current so they just flow down the drain. Very sad.

[MissPuddy]

3. What he says about charities using the homeless for grants is eye-opening

I was shocked when he said the charities have to show the #'s (homeless feeding "sign in" sheets) to obtain grants....It's all about the money! :-(

[DaLittle Kitty]

19. DIRTBAG Church Goers Perhaps?

:think:

[liberaltrucker]

4. Mixed emotions

Here's my dilemma:
Dude's a businessman-aka Republican. No sympathy.

HOWEVER, Hillsborough County, FL changes the equation dynamics.

Truly, I'm not sure whether to cry or experience schadenfraude(sic).

[MissPuddy]

5. I don't know if the dude is a Republican...

If he was, I may share your schadenfreude opinion...like with the Madoff case.

[Pamela Troy]

6. The "dilemma" is with your notion that empathy is something to be doled out

only to those who are "deserving."

Not much different, really, from Republicans who look at the homeless and say, "but we only want to help the ones who DESERVE help."

Hesitating before offering this guy sympathy because you suspect you might not have liked his politics when he was flush is really pretty scummy.

[MissPuddy]

7. The HOMELESS Channel on YouTube...videos every few days

http://www.youtube.com/user/HOMELESSinTAMPA :bounce:

Every Sunday my friend feeds the homeless out of the back of her SUV. She's been doing this selfless act on her own since 2004. She buys the food at Costco, cooks it up, and the homeless line up on the street. She hands out toiletries (soap, lotion) and clothing she picks up at garage sales. She just formed a non-profit called "St. Jude's Helping Hand."

The homeless wanted a voice so I started filming them every Sunday. They want to tell how they are treated by the city and people. There are some stereotypes that people seem to believe. Everyweek I meet a variety of people and hear their stories. Check out the YouTube channel because it gets updated every couple of days w/new videos.

[Pamela Troy]

8. That's very nice. I'll be sure to check it.

[MissPuddy]

9. Thanks, Pamela..

BTW...You are right...sympathy should be across the board. I now see your point clearly.

[MissPuddy]

10. Dez had a job interview but finds it hard to function w/o a bus fare and cell phone

Today I met up with Dez again. He explained that through the food stamp program they can obtain cell phones. It takes 20 days and they are given 60 minutes of free time a month. Dez had a job interview this week but noted it is hard for the homeless to meet appointments when they barely have money for the bus fare. "Working people" do not realize the hurdles and road blocks the homeless face.

I spoke w/a man about the "Salvation Army." He said they are warm at welcoming when you walk in the door but then it is like a "prison lockdown." You have to go to sleep at a certain time. Married couples are not allowed to speak to each other once inside the facility. WTF?

[Patiod]

11. A friend with DHS said "I could get people off welfare w/ a car"

He said people in the cities actually have it better, because at least bus fare is an option.

In rural parts of his state, he was frustrated because he said he knew he could turn people back into productive, taxpaying citizens with nothing more than a used car. He said very often all that stood between the person and dire poverty was simply working transportation, but there's not a way in the world to get a car for someone who needs assistance.

[MissPuddy]

12. Transportation is essential to financial freedom! Excellent point!

Excellent point! There is a bus system here although some people complain of the fare and scheduling. I have students who can't take night classes because the bus stops around 10 p.m. I've had students who are "homeless" and sleep on couch to couch each day. They get financial aid to go to school but getting there is the problem.

[MissPuddy]

13. No place to shower and bathrooms are limited

So I've been told.

[MissPuddy]

14. Married couples are forbidden to speak to each other at the Salvation Army

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfPSB53lCmA New segment...Jean feeds the guys and Mike explains how the Salvation Army is more of a "lock down" facility

[DaLittle Kitty]

15. Simple Fix But Somehow Absolutely Unattainable?

Where are the brains found that merely seek solutions? :think:

[DaLittle Kitty]

16. MIA!

:puke:

[MissPuddy]

17. Unemployment on record 9.7% in Tampa, FL

And that's only the people who receive unemployment checks....actually much higher

[MissPuddy]

18. Homeless man Theodore says Salvation Army is deplorable

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gai9Ba0dviw The lastest interview on the streets of Tampa...insight into the homeless