just something to know

Dirty, crazy, spit on you, Panhandlers. Drug addicts, wineO's, whatever it is that bothers you or makes you feel sad for these folks just be aware that the # is growing. Channel 5 did a blurb on it last nite. see www.wmctv.com
Reported by Ben Watson
Hard times bring longer lines to Memphis Union Mission
Updated: Jan 25, 2009 11:15 PM

Panhandlers are homeless people by their choice of addiction of by forces of nature and now the recession that should by now be hitting you in the face. Here is some food for thought that is good to have tucked away in that back part of your brain just in case you ever come across the situation.(k.Heath)
And please know that the ministry I'm involved with IS helping. It is not cheap. So lets say you are not really anywhere around homeless people or the mission and you want to help or heck maybe you're in danger of losing your home, your job, your trips to the grocery: see www.compassioninthestreets.org ~ donations desperately needed ~ and YES- Prayer is a donation and they need prayer.
Today I dedicate this blog to my new friend John I met Saturday @ Court Square who asked for a pair of sz 10 tennis shoes and said "dont forget about me,my names John" . Prayer sent up for John and I wont forget.
...............peace and love people , peace and love
The following info is from Memphis Union Mission website.
Most of us want to help someone in need. But well-intentioned gifts to panhandlers usually enable their self-destructive lifestyle and encourage them to continue panhandling, rather than seek the help they need.
Instead of giving cash, consider giving coupons from Memphis Union Mission. Each coupon entitles the bearer to a dinner and night's stay at the Mission, including breakfast the following morning.
Coupons can't be converted to cash, and they direct panhandlers to a place where they can truly be helped. Coupon books consist of six coupons and are available for a suggested donation of $20 per book. I Need Money to Stay at the Mission"

Panhandlers often use a line similar to this one: "I need $[x # of dollars] to stay at the Mission."
This excuse causes a fair amount of confusion. To clarify, here is how our policy works for overnight guests:

• Each calendar month, overnight guests receive four free nights at Memphis Union Mission. After they've used up their four free nights, they are asked to pay $6. This includes their dinner, overnight stay, and breakfast the following morning.
• Even after using up their free nights, guests can still use Mission coupons, as well as vouchers from various churches and non-profit agencies, who have their own outreach programs.
• On nights when it is 32 degrees or colder outside, guests can stay for free, even if they've used up their four free nights.
• We provide work and day-labor referrals to guests who are seeking work.
• We encourage those with substance abuse problems to enter our free recovery programs.
  

Furthermore, it is our experience that panhandlers who often use this line rarely use the money to stay at the Mission. For more information, please call (901) 526-8403