S.A. wrote on Jul 26, 2008 8:39 AM:
Did you know there is a new population of homeless living in the parking lot of Walmart? They are individuals who have lost their jobs in this troubled economy and have saddled themselves with $600/month payments on fancy cars like Mercedes,BMW and SUV's, required for their previous positions? No kidding, they are living in those cars and passing out resumes while networking in the parking lot. Afraid to let their cars go back to the lenders because they would then not qualify for a car of any kind, there they are. Let this be a lesson to all of us to live within our means. Several approached me and we discussed the situation. They admitted coming here from Bend and Medford.
Experience wrote on Jul 24, 2008 12:01 PM:
Having been the Executive Director of a national award winning agency providing services to the homeless, the issue is not one of those forced into homelessness, but rather those who chose homelessness as a lifestyle. Fully 80% of those would rather maintain imappropriate or illegal habits rather than focus on becoming self sufficent. They are the aggressive ones, the ones causing the vast majority of problems. Typically those wanting to get back on their feet find the way to accomplish that through effort and time.
Lynn R wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:11 PM:
Thank you Joeseph, this was more my point, I wasnt trying to come off as heartless, more as that these guys have choices...Im not saying it would be easy but if you want something bad enough you could use resources available to make it happen....
Joseph wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:20 AM:
I lived on the street after I lost my job and was evacuated from my apartment after 3 months of my savings was depleted. When I was homeless I took showers at the Boat Basin, cost .25 By the way, a forward address to: General Delivery works fine. I received my unemployment check and IRS check and got back on my feet. My girlfriend work at 2 different motels and walked to both jobs. We lived in my car and I did odd jobs like at fish plants until we got enough money saved up for desposits and apt.
The whole idea here is if you want work, you can usually find it. There are lots of ads at The Employment Dept.
Bayside wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:59 AM:
I see a few have suggested the sympathizers invite a transient to live with you for a while. You know, just til they get back up on their feet. I bet nobody has taken up the offer. If you really feel so sorry for them, why not practice what you preach?
Ignorance is bliss wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:27 AM:
Some of you I wish you knew what it really feels like. I was Homeless at the beginning of this year and lived in a shelter. The Mission is not all most of you make it out to be. Granted they offer a roof over your head, a place to sleep and something to eat (The essentials) They do not provide what is really needed to get you on your feet and put you to work. That would be a job. For those of you that think it is easy to find a job while homeless think about this, Put yourself in there shoes. How do you fill out an application for work when you have no residential address? Why do you return an application to an employer without a telephone number for them to reach you if they are interested?
Ignorance is bliss wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:24 AM:
Some of you have very valid points regarding the homeless. Some of you I wish you knew what it really feels like. I was Homeless at the beginning of this year and lived in a shelter. The Mission is not all most of you make it out to be. Granted they offer a roof over your head, a place to sleep and something to eat (The essentials) They do not provide what is really needed to get you on your feet and put you to work. That would be a job. For those of you that think it is easy to find a job while homeless think about this, Put yourself in there shoes. How do you fill out an application for work when you have no residential address? Why do you return an application to an employer without a telephone number for them to reach you if they are interested?
Rocco wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:12 PM:
You folks had better get a handle on this problem fast. The word on the streets in Portland is to head for Coos County, the folks there are suckers
Tony wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:08 PM:
Judge not lest ye be judged yourself right, what does the bible say about if a man steals your coat, give him your hat as well. you people got a lot of nerve man cause Jesus himself was a homeless man who wandered around with nothing but the clothes on his back.
joan wrote on Jul 22, 2008 8:01 PM:
How mean and intolerant are people? The majority of homeless people are not homeless by choice; these people suffer from drug abuse and mental illness. Would you want to live on the street without a shower, a toilet or a clean, warm and safe place to rest at night? Show some compassion!!!!!!!!
They are dishonest people wrote on Jul 22, 2008 7:53 AM:
I actually know someone who brought a couple of them home and tryed to give them somewhere to sta for a few nights and gave them money that they were sapposed to do some yard work for and they took the money and ran,never did any work.A tall red headed guy that I see people giving money to all the time.Jokes on them! He was once in Burger King braging about how much money he was making at the corner of Wal Mart.He is choosing is path and the people ar enablers!
Adopt a transient wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:01 PM:
To the sympathizers who are truly clueless to the dynamics of our transient population... try this.
Offer a couple of them to stay in your house or yard for a few days. You'll have a new perspective following your little experiment I'm sure.
Remember that the vast majority are there by choice. The overwhelming majority would not take a job if you offered it, and would not take shelter if offered it. They are perfectly content collecting benefits, panhandling, and stealing. It is, and has been often times for many years, their lifestyle.
Lynn R wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:33 AM:
Are you people serious? Make a camp for these people? These homeless people HAVE SOMEWHERE TO GO IF THEY WANT TO STAY OFF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL!! They CHOOSE not to follow the rules of the shelters provided for the homeless people that are "down on their luck"! They would rather CHOOSE that way of life instead of using the tools provided for them (that we all pay for out of OUR hard earned paychecks) So NO, I have no PITY for them, clean up, sober up, use the resources at hand to better yourself and quit begging on our street corners! Yes, times are hard, and are going to get harder, so do like I do and take care of yourself and your own, and quit begging for the money I work my butt off for!!
CB Employer wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:27 AM:
Well, as for these shelters.... I have tried to hire many people from these shelters and the shelters won't let them in after a certain time or out after a certain time, so they have to make a choice, sleep in a warm bed and not work, or work and sleep out in the cold.... Maybe the shelters could support these people in getting employment a little better.
The majority of homeless in our area scare me wrote on Jul 20, 2008 11:21 AM:
The HOMELESS they have approched me and my small children as we have tryed to leave stores,followed us to our cars begging for money,I couldn't even shove my kids in the car fast enough!Thats NOT a good feeling! I had one approch my car at a stop light and ask for money and when I told him I wasn't.And don't even get me started on their pets.I do feel everyone needs a friend,but their are leash laws that everyone is expectedto obide by and that does include the homeless also! One homeless mans dog not on a leash two diffrent times jumped on my car and left scratch marks down my door.Who was going to pay for that? A bum? Another let their dog dart out into the street in front of my car,when I was traveling about 35 and I had to slam on my brakes and all the cars behind me almost hit me.It almost cause me an my children to be in a very bad accident.These people who are homeless need to have respect for other people.We have all had hard times! Grow above and byond them and stop maing a specticle of yourselves!
Get smart wrote on Jul 19, 2008 8:25 PM:
We need to be correct in our terminology.
Wikipedia describes the following: Hobo is a term that refers to a subculture of wandering homeless people.
Hobos differentiate themselves as travelers who are homeless and willing to do work, whereas a tramp travels but will not work and a bum does neither.
Greg wrote on Jul 19, 2008 5:42 AM:
Let's ask California residents to pay for it due to the effect of them moving up here and driving up the real estate prices which have contributed to some of the homelessness. The ordinary person living here cannot afford to buy a house or raise a family here.
Better look elsewhere wrote on Jul 18, 2008 1:35 PM:
I don't think the Kowells will help.
I saw a young man sitting on one of the benches at the entrance of The Mill, and he was being asked to leave.
Ten Commands wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:30 AM:
To Shameful, America is not the only country in the world with homelessness.
And believe me, we are NOT a christian nation any more.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1561549/Japanese-underclass-%27lives-in-internet-cafes%27.html
Oh Yeah wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:24 AM:
I remember, prevailing wages, Unions, and law suits!!!!
Remember wrote on Jul 18, 2008 6:51 AM:
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's most successful effort to find alternative employment for the enormous number of young men whose chances in life had been derailed by the Great Depression. Over six million young men served in the CCC from 1933-1942, dramatically improving the nation’s public lands while also receiving food, housing, education, and a $30-a-month stipend that many sent home to help support their families.
Let's repair the rail lines, sewer improvements, and how about that $5,000,000.00 McCullough bridge paint job?
Coos Bay Resident wrote on Jul 17, 2008 2:59 PM:
Sorry folks the homless people are to to stay no matter what we say or do. I do like the idea of the tribe giving them some where to camp out on.
been there wrote on Jul 17, 2008 2:23 PM:
if you think about it...we are all one paycheck away from being homeless- have you noticed an increase in the amount of families that are homeless now?? i think they should be allowed to camp- but set aside places in the campgrounds-where there are wastebaskets and bathrooms for them.. that is why most are filthy, and not by choice! it's because we keep pushing them out of the way hoping they'll just disappear..and cut resourses to help them, just to drive it in they aren't wanted around... really sad!
granted some have problems that need to be addressed, but we keep ignoring it. just keep in mind- the economy is getting worse, any one of us could be next-they used to have a decent life-remember that..especially the christians out there-you are taught to help these people and more often than not it's you that try to hide them away- because they look dirty or god forbid they smell....
Me wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:17 AM:
I like that one about the "tribe". they have plenty of good land for them. We keep on giving and giving and giving......
Shameful wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:58 AM:
Just a Loafer - your story is an example of why this country needs universal health care. No one should lose their home or be forced to file for bankruptcy because they or a member of their family got sick. We should be ashamed that the "richest nation in the world" can't take care of its people....and a Christian nation too.
Under estimated wrote on Jul 17, 2008 7:45 AM:
When a person really has no where to go, there is always Coos Bay Mission.
But the objectives there are to find jobs and don't drink or drug!
When it starts raining, the weather cools, and the available camps by the liquor stores close down; they will go back to the valley.
moonpenny wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:25 AM:
"just a loafer"
There are a few things missing in your story. First, the courts wouldnt demand you pay if you didnt have the income to do so. If you lost your house, it probably was because the hospital put a lein on it and forced the sale. More than likely you were depressed and probably didnt care much after all you had been through. But your on a computer now, so you must of realized your situation and fixed it.
They can too.
just a loafer wrote on Jul 12, 2008 8:03 AM:
After working for GP for 41 years my wife and I HAD IT Made!. 3 years later my wife died of cancer. then our son was hit and killed in a crosswalk. The hospital bills were over 200,000 dollars and we were forced by the Court to pay. I lost my house and ended up on the street and found that people could care less . Maybe you might want to think about how close we are to HOMELESS
Alrighty Then wrote on Jul 12, 2008 12:47 AM:
Mike I don't enable these folks, I don't give them money. They have the ability to go to the shelter, get cleaned up, and go apply for jobs. They don't get anything from me, but if they ever again (because they have) try to break into my home...... I will do the same thing to the next one I did to the last one. I earned what is mine, I work.
Citizen wrote on Jul 11, 2008 10:40 PM:
I guess we can try to read their minds and otherwise make assumptions. After all we are all so busy with out own lives. We all know if we don't take care of ourselves we'll have to rely on somebody else to feed and shelter us. As for the arguement they choose the lifestyle I could see that. I read these posts and want to leave society also.
Samuel wrote on Jul 11, 2008 10:09 PM:
You know I have read all of the comments that all in the area have stated. In my book they all have merit and make sense. However the bottom line is the Economy! Next up, Jobs!, Then Housing. If this area would provide these essentials and set asside the fables and falsehoods of the environment being affected, and other crap that they can think of not to progress and move forward, then maybe the transient problem would slowly but surely disappear. The Government can give money back, lower interest rates, and even cut taxes, but at the end of the day it all doesn't mean a darn if there are no jobs for these people.
flipper wrote on Jul 11, 2008 9:11 PM:
Ever heard the term "Don't Throw Your Pearls Among Swine"? There are some genuine people who need a helping hand but,most are just in rebellion against something.Parents,society,God and if they want a different life,then "Nothing in your Life Works until You DO"!
casey wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:34 PM:
To the last person that wrote that just because they are homeless, dont mean they are thieves, your right, not ALL are, but most are. We have caught 2 stealing right out of our vehicles, with no care. They have to make there living somehow, and stealing is part of it, just like the meth addicts around here. Some have mental issues, that society wont take care of, just let them run the streets, and make it someone elses problem.So anyways, its a no win situation, unless there is a place that will treat addiction, mental illness and a homeless situation all in one, for FREE.
CONCERNED wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:34 PM:
Well we better figure out something soon, with the way the economy is going theres gonna be more homeless people!
JD wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:23 PM:
I will not post my property with signs. I do NOT have to.
If I want someone removed, I expect police support without being told to first put a sign.
Removing someone who refuses to leave private property is the job of the police and we can all expect them to do it, unless of course we buy into that silly argument that we must first put up an ugly sign.
Intolerance begins here - the transients can expect no welcome wagon.
to CB Lifer wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:16 PM:
Great idea, if you are going to be the one baby sitting them. Get more than 4 or so of them together, add alcohol to get them to the typical .30+ blood alcohol level, and you will be breaking up fights constantly, and eventually dealing with a homicide. The reason if it wasn't obvious already, that they live in small camps out in the woods, is that they do not mesh well with society. ie. they will kill each other if living in your compassionate little "happy camp."
types of homeless wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:12 PM:
First of all, I have compassion.... however....
There are two distinctly different types of transients I have dealt with.
Type #1: For whatever reason has found him/her self homeless. Lives in the woods, disposes of their waste, has a campsite that looks like one you'd rent at Sunset, and buys essentials using whatever form of assistance they are on.
Type #2: Ravaged by substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Spends whatever assistance they have on alcohol/cigs/drugs, and steals essentials. These camps are not fit for an animal to live in, because they throw their trash, feces, jugs of urine, IN, and ALL AROUND their camp. If there was a dumpster 10 feet away, they would not use it. When LE boots them they do the same elsewhere. Tickets mean nothing to them, never pay them, and rarely have any consequences. These are also typically your aggressive panhandlers.
Sadly, Type #2 outnumbers the first type 10 to 1.
As a law enforcement officer, I have plenty of compassion for type 1, but much less for the 2nd.
Delwin wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:08 PM:
Check out the woods above pony creek road in NB, right across from Pony Village. They've been hanging out up there too. Jess,as far as what Ghandi said, this ain't India.
coastal friend wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:31 PM:
Most of us do find ourselves torn between compassion and responsiblity for others. So many of the homeless have chosen to live in this manner, not all, but many.
Those of you who claim that we are not showing enough compassion, an idea.
Why not take them into your homes or if you live in rural areas, create a homeless park for them. Then in six months, let us all know how well it is working for you. Maybe then, we would revisit the issue.
To CB Lifer Jess B wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:02 PM:
The homeless DO have a place to go..the shelters. Problem is they are not allowed to use drugs/alcohol there and are asked to leave if they do. The people that don't use the shelters are generally ones with alcohol/drug addictions. Why build a campsite for the people who refuse to stay straight and get real help? This information is straight from a man who has sincere compassion for these folks and runs a shelter. There's nothing you can do for the addicted if they're not willing. You should never give money to people holding "hungry" signs. They don't want to buy food (they can be fed at the shelter and through programs), they want drug/alcohol money. I feel for all the homeless but giving them a campsite is not the solution.
ononomous wrote on Jul 11, 2008 4:41 PM:
Maybe the "tribe" has an area they could open and provide tent camping for these "less fortunate" of our society.
They seem to have the most inventive ideas of any group in the NB/CB area, and make things happen.
Please wrote on Jul 11, 2008 3:28 PM:
Many of the people begging on the street corners are not homeless. Follow them at the end of the day and you will see most of them going to a nice home. They make a living off your sympathy. It is better to give to an organization that feeds the homeless rather than hand over your hard earned dollars to these pretend street people.
Kaye wrote on Jul 11, 2008 3:18 PM:
The problem with providing camp sites for the homeless is that as soon as some person or organization assumes responsibility, they are liable for everything that comes out of it.
Who wants that?
Also, I'm sure it will only increase the problem, by making our area more attractive and getting even more transients to spend a nice summer on the coast.
compastionate person wrote on Jul 11, 2008 3:11 PM:
We need to find a place for them to stay legally. I'm so tired of people thinking all of these homeless people are bad news. The world is changing, not for the good. More and more people are getting affected by the gas prices and the food prices going up. The housing market is going up, and people are getting forced to sale their homes,jobs are cutting down to 4 day work weeks, and things just are getting worse.. So the people who say that they have to go, what are you going to say to a family that has no where to go, because they are down on their luck. Get out of here you don't belong? Or put them in jail? Come on you people get A HEART. More people need to stop judging and show a little more compasion and start making a solution to an issue that will only get worse before it gets better...
Mike wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:50 PM:
CB LIFER, JESS B, ALRIGHTY THEN are you folks familiar with the word "ENABLING".
It is destructive to them as well to hand everything on a platter.
At least two of the panhandlers you see near Taco Bell and OFCU in Coos Bay make nearly as much as I do working a 50 hour week. They are shams.
The others may be viable but there are services galore to help them. I know this because I pay one third of my hard earned paycheck to help them out.
Rick James wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:39 PM:
They have choices and they appear to choose the homeless lifestyle. There is one guy in particular that disturbs me. He sits on the corner near Fred Meyer begging for money while listening to music on his I-pod. I-pods cost money and each song loaded onto it costs money so it appears he chose to listen to music instead of shelter. So I hardly feel bad for someone who makes poor choices.
NB Neighbor wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:21 PM:
NB Police also need to contact the Albertson's manager and have the dumpster locked... the homeless make the trek behind the store to get the expired food that is thrown away... the proximity of the liquor store also is a key factor why the Bi-Mart area is so popular...
Flyer wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:39 PM:
CB Lifer-
The problem is these people don't want to live out of town. Otherwise they would already be living quietly in the thousands of acres of nearby forest and not bothering anyone.
OH Ya wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:31 PM:
Well those of you with compassion give me your address. Last year I went out on my deck at 6 am to feed my cat before work and found that a transient had camped out in my carport that faces my house! My dogs (who had followed me out on the deck) went after him and he left a bunch of litter down the driveway to the street. I live alone in the north county area - the dispatcher thought it was funny - never saw a sheriff. I think he followed my little solar lights off the highway - those got removed. No respect for personal property - last week I had a guy looking around for a BBQ - because they forgot theirs in town - he didn't ask to borrow mine - he was just wandering around.
Alrighty then wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:04 PM:
Moon:
Just because they are homeless doesn't mean they are thieves.
CB lifer wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:03 PM:
Why can't the community get together and provide a camping area for the homeless? Give 'em sani-cans and a simple place to pitch their tent, away from the "elite" of the area. Give a little compassion, let it be just outside of town or something. Somebody could come up with a decent idea, not all of them enjoy being homeless!
And Jess B. -by some of the comments, we do not measure up well. It's sad.
Blue Eyes wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:00 PM:
In the last few months I have seen an increasing amount of transients walking along Woodland Ave. One afternoon, I saw 2 of them exiting the forest area near North Bend Medical Center. I think this area along with the hiking trail near the hospital should be looked at. As a homeowner in the area I personally don't like it.
Jess B. wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:43 AM:
Well, lets all take a page out of history and follow the example of Vlad the Impaler (look him up). We'll just invite all the poor, sick, lame, and homeless eyesores in the community to a big feast, then lock the doors and proceed to burn the hall down. Problem solved. No more eyesores in the community. Jeez people, have a little compassion. Mahatma Ghandi said, "A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." How are we measuring up?
Kay wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:39 AM:
“We don’t want any person illegally there ... who could adversely effect the mood and lifestyle of the residents and people who shop in the center,” he said.
moonpenny wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:14 AM:
The transients need to go. You cant go to Fred Meyer or the stores on the opposite corners without transients on at least 3 of the 4 corners.
After hours several stand inside the entrance to Oregon Community Bank. Because of that, I changed banks. Im just not comfortable taking cash out of my account with them standing feet away from me. They approach in parking lots, on the street when your waiting for the lights, can you imagine if they come up to you when you have withdrawn money from your account. Dont give me this crap that they are down on their luck. If they want change in their lives they will make it. But im not going to end up being a statistic.
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