An Unremarkable Event in the Tenderloin

That was heart wrenchingly sad, thank you for doing this. I live in the Haight and I see people shivering in the cold and realize how good my life is. I am never sure whether to help people or not. I have heard contradictory stories of trustafarians and the whole philosophy that giving people money doesn't help them. Ultimately, despite all the bustle of tech, it feels like we are letting down the poorest of the poor by not helping them someway or the other.

Re: An Unremarkable Event in the Tenderloin

#7

Post by TheSisb2 » Thu, Feb 28, 2013, 5:04 AM UTC

Moments of beauty, as I see them.

Re: An Unremarkable Event in the Tenderloin

#8

Post by bluepanda_ » Thu, Feb 28, 2013, 5:04 AM UTC

densone wrote: post #4

Damn, I hate subway.

Lol.

Re: An Unremarkable Event in the Tenderloin

#9

Post by jianghong » Thu, Feb 28, 2013, 5:05 AM UTC

I usually try to help out and give the less fortunate the change in my pocket when I can, but this one instance really made me reluctant to continue giving.

He was inside starbucks and was walking out the door while I was waiting for a chance to enter. He stopped me and told me his name was Marcus, he was really hungry and needed some money for food. I gave him what was in my pocket, about ~2 bucks. He took it, looked at me and said "That's it?". He scoffed and walked away.

I know, I know, one person can't represent everyone. It just stung and comes to my mind whenever I think about giving.

Re: An Unremarkable Event in the Tenderloin

#10

Post by benwerd » Thu, Feb 28, 2013, 5:06 AM UTC

Every so often, I'll buy someone a meal: Subway, or some noodles, or something like that. Or I'll give them $5 for the BART, or whatever. Absolutely no skin off my nose; a big deal for them. And every single time, the look of joy and surprise on their faces completely cuts through any cynicism I might have had about the interaction.

I figure, every single person who's out there begging is in need. I wish there were better programs out there to help them, and I wish our community could help out. I sometimes wonder if the people selling Street Spirit could be selling a product that people actually want instead (even if it's just a magazine like the Big Issue).

I don't know the answers, but it makes me sad, too.