Canada

[ToddStarnes]

[Spider]

It is an issue. Not as bad as places like NYC, DC, or Boston, but still.

Its what happens when services are provided to them. They show up. They can be made to go away by starving them out, closing shelters, and letting the cops beat the shit out of them until they limp out of town for greener pastures. A lot of people seem to like that answer.

Mostly people just don't like to have to see them, be reminded they exist, that poverty happens. They call it a "quality of life" problem, that they have to see and be aware. Where its a real problem IMO is when you've got guys piled up around your business, detracting customers, blocking entrances, littering, shitting in the gutter, etc etc. But panhandlers and such have been part of the fabric of urban life as long as there has been urbanity. Thousands of years and no meaningful solutions. At least none even remotely humane.

[Saz]

[ToddStarnes]

Nyc and dc homeless are harmless. It's bad in Philly but nothing like SF, Seattle or Portland.

I've no problem with panhandlers nor do I need them beaten and violently removed.

But people who harass and get in your face and give you shit should be beaten and removed (violently if necessary).

[Saz]

[Spider]

[Spider]

[ToddStarnes]

Do you work downtown?

I hadn't even googled or read the stories about businesses in Portland having to shit down or move because of homeless. That's wild and should not be accepted in a civilized society.

[Spider]

[Kane]

Maybe the West Coast just handles 5150's poorly? How's the east coast on mental care?