Discussions

Reading this thread sure goes a long way in opening someone's eyes about what kind of community Brandon, MB is.  
 
The poor people of Brandon, those with mental illness, addiction problems and just bad luck, talked about like they are sneaky liars by what I'm sure equates to the cream of Brandon's crop.  
 
You say you see these people begging for money, looking for help and getting in to cars nicer than your own...where? If there is a panhandler in Brandon that is driving a luxury automobile, they must be finding great success with their location, so where is it?  
 
It's lies like these that enforce the stigma attached to these people.  
 
You think that a homeless person buying booze or drugs with the money you give them is reason to quit giving?  
 
Addiction isn't something you can solve by cutting it off, and isn't a reason to turn your back on people.  
 
These are the unemployable, these people who may have no employment history, may not have a clean pair of clothes, may not have a reference to speak of, may not have a high school education, may not have the sheer physical ability to avoid their addiction long enough to get through an interview, who may not even have the means to put together a resume.  
 
All of this in a city that is so up it's own, that it's difficult to find employment WITH the appropriate means. These people are without.  
 
Love everyone, and love them in whatever way you can.  
 
You people on here scoffing at the homeless, or the needy, give Brandon a black eye, and you should feel so much shame for your attitude toward these people.  
 
It's sickening.

Any cheese come with that whine.

lot of people in our city get the help they need! Social assistance pays for a lot, food banks, there is Samaritan house and the 7th. street access centre.  
 
What else do people want? Free booze and drugs for the addicts? Come on!

I have a job doesnt pay enough, i am saving, i do have a vehicle, i am saving for a trip to ontario so that i can see my dad, donations would be great and thanks to all those who have gave its still saved in my pouch...i treat everyone as a friend just a quick friend asking to donate to my summer. I dont drink dont do drugs. There hope that helps for all those "curious" ebrandoners....and sure its an adventure too im not a very social person so it helps with my confidence...going to be making a speach soon so trying to feel comfortable around people.  
 
Like the other guy said we all can choose to give ir not dont have to sit their and judge your just wanting your questions asked so there ya go.  
 
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They seemed to have set up on 18th and Trans Canada. I really think this is a dangerous distraction and should be banned and they should be fined. It's that same greasy haired dude with a girlfriend now. Working two corners.

TinyHouses said "I have a job doesnt pay enough, i am saving, i do have a vehicle, i am saving for a trip to ontario so that i can see my dad, donations would be great and thanks to all those who have gave its still saved in my pouch...i treat everyone as a friend just a quick friend asking to donate to my summer. I dont drink dont do drugs. There hope that helps for all those "curious" ebrandoners....and sure its an adventure too im not a very social person so it helps with my confidence...going to be making a speach soon so trying to feel comfortable around people.     Like the other guy said we all can choose to give ir not dont have to sit their and judge your just wanting your questions asked so there ya go.     . "

im not curious but my morals say a trip to visit your dad is not something i'd ask for help for nor donate to, if you have time to stand on the corner then you have time for another job to help fund the cost (im looking for help, pm me if you want to earn your way)

traveller said "    TinyHouses said "I have a job doesnt pay enough, i am saving, i do have a vehicle, i am saving for a trip to ontario so that i can see my dad, donations would be great and thanks to all those who have gave its still saved in my pouch...i treat everyone as a friend just a quick friend asking to donate to my summer. I dont drink dont do drugs. There hope that helps for all those "curious" ebrandoners....and sure its an adventure too im not a very social person so it helps with my confidence...going to be making a speach soon so trying to feel comfortable around people.     Like the other guy said we all can choose to give ir not dont have to sit their and judge your just wanting your questions asked so there ya go.     . " im not curious but my morals say a trip to visit your dad is not something i'd ask for help for nor donate to, if you have time to stand on the corner then you have time for another job to help fund the cost (im looking for help, pm me if you want to earn your way) "

if you didn't have the money for a trip you just didn't go, not any more I guess!  
 
Nice of you to offer the guy some work!

Its fun and if you have a good heart like some people do they will understand and help you out . I dont have money for alot of things some people are more better off then some... ... im so down and out of my luck right now....living in my truck isnt very comfortable i can tell you that. Waiting for mb housing...im trying...not like im just being lazy...panhandling is actually pretty hard when you go hard... i feel like a homeless vietnam veteran and i can tell you there is alot of them...the systems will fail...people dont see that..not un this small community.yet....i was going to make a sign that says stop consuming start surviving. Or help me out so i dont have to stand here any longer. Lol. I wont be there for ever just to help out for now i dont see the big problem...buddy there at the corral centre dollar store gets away with it and he sits there drinks all day. ...

This is very sad that you choose to panhandle. I understand you live in your truck and that is horrible but if you have time to pan handle you have time to get a second job as many people do. Why should people fund your trip to see your dad? You give the people who are doing it to survive and have nothing a very bad image. Also why not give up the luxury of internet or your cell phone, you clearly have one of the 2 if your on here, or why not sell your vehicle and get something cheaper or sell your vehicle and rent a very cheap place or a room in someone's house. I personally will never give money but will give food. even if they are full now they can eat it later. But you give the people who really need the help a very bad image by pan handling to save for a trip in my opinion.

TinyHouses said "Its fun and if you have a good heart like some people do they will understand and help you out . I dont have money for alot of things some people are more better off then some... ... im so down and out of my luck right now....living in my truck isnt very comfortable i can tell you that. Waiting for mb housing...im trying...not like im just being lazy...panhandling is actually pretty hard when you go hard... i feel like a homeless vietnam veteran and i can tell you there is alot of them...the systems will fail...people dont see that..not un this small community.yet....i was going to make a sign that says stop consuming start surviving. Or help me out so i dont have to stand here any longer. Lol. I wont be there for ever just to help out for now i dont see the big problem...buddy there at the corral centre dollar store gets away with it and he sits there drinks all day. ... "

priorities are not a trip.  
 
Priorities are spending the time you are panhandling looking for a job. Finding a place to live.

link below to a global story on panhandlers in Winnipeg. Said it's not illegal to do but there can be a fine if stepping off the curb:  
http://globalnews.ca/news/3563493/more-panhandlers-in-winnipeg-some-with-homes/?utm_source=GlobalWinnipeg

I have limitations i understand your concerns . I dont have to panhandle... no one does...but its just temporary...cant sell my truck due to bank loan...getting a place soon hope it gos well... and its not just for my trip... i need repairs and a tent... jobs are scarce for me ..no education (working on it)...pregnant LOL ...dont think ill be panhandling very long just for quick cash until i get my ducks in a row..

I am like many on here and have a problem with it. I work 2 jobs...one full time to ensure my bills are paid and one on the side for extra money for extras and unexpected costs in life. I put this money away and that is what I use to take trips. If I knew someone was panhandling to pay for anything other than the basics in life, I probably wouldn't donate  
I had no problem finding a second job...I just went and looked. My second job requires no extra skills just showing up. There has to be some out there that anyone can get. It doesn''t take a college education to flip burgers or make a coffee. I know people who have worked for these companies for a long time and they were offered education incentives, some benefits and while the wage wasn''t great (I only make minimum at my second job) it is a wage. It is money coming in on a regular basis. People who were loyal and stayed with the company for an extended period of time were offered some advancement opportunities.  
I guess like many here I don''t get the panhandling thing when there is options available. I didn''t like living from pay cheque to pay cheque so I did something about it. I still struggle sometimes when there isn''t many hours available at my extra job but I do what I have to do. I guess that is why people panhandle to do what they have to do.  
 
Edited by wheatcitygirl, 2017-06-29 13:12:25

It's unfortunate how many people on here care so much about how these people choose to live their lives.  
 
You have a choice, give or don't ad either is fine. But to come on here and write your own sob story and tell these people to pick themselves up by the boot straps is just adorable.  
 
Maybe they do have time to get a job, but it's none of your business.  
 
Awe, poor you, you work two jobs. So do a lot of people, some work 3, I'm sure there are even people that work 4. But what does that have to do with someone that wants to ask others for money?  
 
Just sad how heartless and self-concerned the people of Brandon are.

Very sad that there is so much judgement. Give or don't give. I give because I give. If they buy booze or cigarettes with it then so be it. We often give to the guy at Dollarama. My daughter asks for change to give to him the second we pull in the parking lot. It's about the happy feeling we get to give to those less fortunate than us.  
 
We all need to have more compassion to those around us. If you don't want to give that is fine.

I was stating that I didn''''t understand it. I, like everyone else, has bills to pay to live like I choose to live...so I work two jobs. I happen to enjoy working my second job as it is fun, gets me out of the house (that my first job pays for) and gives me a little extra cash.  
No sympathy requested or required. I just said I do what I have to do...maybe that is what these people are doing. No judgement. If that is what they have to do to survive good on them. Would I finance someone''''s trip no...if i knew that was what they were asking me for money ... no.  
I have worked more than 2 jobs when I needed extra money. I was stating in my post that there are other options. Now I work 2 jobs and volunteer. That is how I choose to use my time.  
I think my question was isn''''t there other options that panhandling??? Is it worth it? Would it not be better to have steady income instead of relyingn on the kindness of strangers?  
So no you don''''t have to cry for me. I am doing just fine living how I decided was best for me. I work hard for my money. If these folks decided this was best for them I wish them luck (no judgement).  
I think you jumping on me because I stated that there are other options than panhandling was a little short sighted as well...just saying.  
 
Edited by wheatcitygirl, 2017-06-29 14:13:39

Reading through the comments I can't help but chuckle, all sorts of people giving solutions to a problem, that is only a problem to those giving the solution.  
I was one who drove by two of the panhandlers yesterday and didn't contribute, somedays I do, somedays I don't, nobody swore at me for not, and no dirty glances, so all's well.

Johnbisonbear said "    traveller said "    TinyHouses said "I have a job doesnt pay enough, i am saving, i do have a vehicle, i am saving for a trip to ontario so that i can see my dad, donations would be great and thanks to all those who have gave its still saved in my pouch...i treat everyone as a friend just a quick friend asking to donate to my summer. I dont drink dont do drugs. There hope that helps for all those "curious" ebrandoners....and sure its an adventure too im not a very social person so it helps with my confidence...going to be making a speach soon so trying to feel comfortable around people.     Like the other guy said we all can choose to give ir not dont have to sit their and judge your just wanting your questions asked so there ya go.     . " im not curious but my morals say a trip to visit your dad is not something i'd ask for help for nor donate to, if you have time to stand on the corner then you have time for another job to help fund the cost (im looking for help, pm me if you want to earn your way) " if you didn't have the money for a trip you just didn't go, not any more I guess!     Nice of you to offer the guy some work! "

yup, my family lives in BC but i only go when i can afford it, years ago people came from all over to work the land and never seen their families again, maybe got a few letters, we have no idea how lucky we are even the poor dont have to go with nothing

don brown said "Reading through the comments I can't help but chuckle, all sorts of people giving solutions to a problem, that is only a problem to those giving the solution.   I was one who drove by two of the panhandlers yesterday and didn't contribute, somedays I do, somedays I don't, nobody swore at me for not, and no dirty glances, so all's well. "

some of the panhandlers do get mad at you when you say no but i think the main problem is that people feel guilty not donating, then, when they think about it, they feel taken advantage of because if the panhandler is not truly starving then they wouldnt have donated(or felt guilty)but, because they dont know what the situation is they assume all panhandlers are starving so they have a moral dilemma and guilt and such so they fell its morally wrong to ask for money on the corner, especially for a trip  
 
my take on it is that the government services handle those checks(as crappy as they may be) and since taxes that i pay into support those services i have already given to those that are in true need and i will keep my change for my own vacation, if i ever get another one lol, i dont like the guilt they try and lay, and i usually dont believe their story either so i will not give and dont think people should encourage that kind of "work"

I've never been asked for money by anyone that wasn't obviously a drunken idiot that was just acting like an idiot (not a panhandler or homeless person), said no and been responded to with anything other than "Thank you" or "God Bless."  
 
You people on here should be embarrassed that this is how you choose to look at other human beings.  
 
And as for fining them, for sure, what a genius idea. Let's fine people that don't have any money. That'll make the 'problem' go away.  
 
Realize that our legal system - generally - can be very accommodating to people with little to no means, and I think you'd get laughed out of any conversation with that plan.

MLA said "This is very sad that you choose to panhandle. I understand you live in your truck and that is horrible but if you have time to pan handle you have time to get a second job as many people do. Why should people fund your trip to see your dad? You give the people who are doing it to survive and have nothing a very bad image. Also why not give up the luxury of internet or your cell phone, you clearly have one of the 2 if your on here, or why not sell your vehicle and get something cheaper or sell your vehicle and rent a very cheap place or a room in someone's house. I personally will never give money but will give food. even if they are full now they can eat it later. But you give the people who really need the help a very bad image by pan handling to save for a trip in my opinion. "

Hey, if you don't want to offer help, then don't. But who are you to tell a person not to ask?  
 
You contribute to Brandon, MB being viewed as a backwards redneck town.

TinyHouses said "I have limitations i understand your concerns . I dont have to panhandle... no one does...but its just temporary...cant sell my truck due to bank loan...getting a place soon hope it gos well... and its not just for my trip... i need repairs and a tent... jobs are scarce for me ..no education (working on it)...pregnant LOL ...dont think ill be panhandling very long just for quick cash until i get my ducks in a row.. "

so, you say it is just to get some quick cash to get your ducks in a row  
 
I believe you first post was so you could take a trip.  
 
which is it?

maybe not such a bad gig. Make your own hours, no accountability, and if you get a good day, you could make more than someone making minimum wage, because you are not getting deductions taken off your free money.

I gave when I can.. because I want to. Selfish reasons really.. I can't imagine it feels good to stand on the side of the street asking for money and putting yourself out there.. I imagine it is usually a la

I give when I can.. because I want to. Selfish reasons really.. I can't imagine it feels good to stand on the side of the street asking for money and putting yourself out there.. I imagine it is usually a last resort..  
I have helped at the food bank. Do people realize how little a family of one gets every two weeks? It helps but it is not a solution to rely on to survive for food.  
If it is for addiction that doesn't bother me either. I don't have the resources to help someone over come their addiction and if that is what they choose to do, to get through the day without becoming extremely ill.. that's what they choose.  
If you don't want to give.. don't.. but I for one am not going to tell someone how to live their lives. I am so far from doing my own life perfect that just wouldn't make any sense.

I do not have a lot of money and am unemployed at the moment due to a layoff and Brandon is expensive I do whatever I have too to eat and have food when my kids come just saying at least they are doing something and trying

Adam said "link below to a global story on panhandlers in Winnipeg. Said it's not illegal to do but there can be a fine if stepping off the curb:   http://globalnews.ca/news/3563493/more-panhandlers-in-winnipeg-some-with-homes/?utm_source=GlobalWinnipeg "

The link below is from the City Of Winnipeg 311 website. Sorry, I wasn’t able to locate anything for Brandon yet I would imagine the by-law would likely be similar.  
 
Of particular note, is item 6 of the attached.  
 
6. No person shall panhandle from an occupant of a motor vehicle which is:  
(a) parked:  
(b) stopped at a traffic control signal: or  
(c) standing temporarily for the purpose of loading or unloading.  
 
So from reading this, I would believe being approached in a parking lot or standing at the lights of a street corner is illegal and there is a penalty for doing so. However, if one has to panhandle to live, then how do you expect them to pay a fine? Really appears to be a by-law on the books to appease the public yet serves no purpose if it is not enforced.  
 
http://clkapps.winnipeg.ca/dmis/documents/docext/bl/1995/1995.6555.pdf

There is a difference between being in trouble and needing some cash and Standing at the corner by corral centre for the last 3 summers.. That kid has been there for the last 3 summers... He Has a different sign off and on and has different people with him once in a while...

That is completely not doin what is available within three years there's bound to be a job come up I would take what u can

About the people who can't find work, sit at home, submitting resume after resume online because they can't afford gas. Nobody complains about them because they are not visible to the public. It is an extremely heartless world and it gets worse everyday. Are these "panhandlers" harming anyone's well being. Go to your job live in your home and leave people alone. Be happy with what you have. Until you have walked in other people's shoes........  
Don't judge.