For those of you who say NO to panhandlers: how does a bum go about getting a job?

Go to the unemployment office or the Department of Public Aid. You have to address the issues that are making the person unpresentable first - then look into employment. You are right - they can't just go from the gutter straight to a job in most cases. Getting them financial assistance, if available, is the first step.

They probably would have to apply to get into a halfway house and that could get them started.

It's a process. First you have to go to a shelter or something not really to live but at least take a shower. Hustle up like $5 ( I know they get more than that a day) go to thrift shop and pick up some clothes, you get a nice outfit there for cheap. This is going to be the rough part go to any job possible that's hiring (no disrespect to anybody out working at any of these places) fast food spots, messenger, retail store or small mom and pop store. Once that happens save and invest what you could afford. Everything should be fine not perfect but fine after that. Now I don't want anybody get the wrong idea, Its harder than it sounds but I think its possible and a little faith won't hurt also.

The Salvation Army will provide job training, a place to live, clothing and help with getting a job. BUT, the person must be willing to STOP drinking/drugs. Church groups will also help. There is help for homeless people but if they only work long enough for the next bottle of booze or the next fix, then what are people supposed to do? You can't MAKE someone go to work and unless we are quite wealthy, we ALL have to have an income. So, it takes commitment from the person who wants to better their life. If you know of someone who needs this help (and is willing to stop the drinking/drugs) call your local Salvation Army or homeless shelter and ask about their programs. The one in our town helps people all the time and is quite successful in helping people turn their lives around.

Most (not all) have chosen this life style by choosing drugs and alcohol. They don't want to live a structured life. As most of us would love to party with our friends, we don't we go to bed and get up and go to work. I admit some of these people have mental issues and that breaks my heart , they do not choose this but a curse that they have and can't seem to hold down a job and once again on top of that there is still the drug and alcohol problems. For the people that want to get out of this lifestyle the are place like a cloths closet, along with free training programs for training in low level jobs. Also keep in mind some of these people went to college and chose a different lifestyle. With a lot of hard work they can get out of this life style but that is something they have to do for them self.

It's hard. It's a never ending cycle. The govenment is set up so that homeless stay that way. They are set up for failure. It's very sad.

Where I live there are at least a dozen places that help you out. They give you a contact number they give you clothes they give you a place to shower. SO there is no exuse what so ever about getting a job. Plus there is a worker shortage here so a lot of people who could clean selves up for free at these places that offer showers can probably get a job on the spot. Ive had about 8 jobs and most of them have involved being hired on the spot. So I also adhere to the idea that if you want something bad enough you find a way. So there is seriously no reason why they shouldnt get a job..unless they are mentally incapable..(mental illness) or else they are really old alcholics or paint sniffers who can not function in society..but i think that eighty percent of the people who ask me for money are more then able to work so I say no. To bad. I have a baby to support and i had to work and not to support them. Im sure the bums can go to any church and find aid if needed or be referred to somewhere that will help them out like the sally anne.

anyone who WANTS a job can get a job.....assuming the "bum" was not mentally ill, he could get a job just like anyone else....as for cleaning up his act...there are tons of social service agencies to help him with that...he could stay at a homeless shelter or halfway house so as to have a residence or phone number, and agencies like the salvation army have programs for getting clothes to people entering the work force.....where there is a will there is a way.....or he could always work as a day laborer....

That's a THINKER question.Really by the grace of God I'm not there.I live on minimum wage(inCalifornia).I stay one pay check away from this.There is shelters that get the poor off the street,and cleaned up for interviews.I believe they have an address there also.I really don't know---I give to them every time they ask---------Very good question.