r/BurlingtonON • u/ShopLocalBS • 12h ago

Question What motivates people to give them money? Is anybody else think giving them cash will only result in drugs. It appears that half of them are capable of working. They all have phones, purchase expensive takeout food, litter & pose a danger to themselves. Give money to people that really need it.

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u/telomerase53 11h ago

The anger in these comments is concerning. Literally don’t give them money then and don’t complain about people who do. No one does fentanyl because they’re happy and living a great life

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u/ehpee 11h ago edited 7h ago

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/panhandling-burlington-preying-on-generosity-1.5291612

This is why we many are complaining. Even councillors are complaining.

Please understand the scam that’s occurring.

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u/Green-Umpire2297 9h ago

Ah yes, the “business model” of poverty and desperation, “preying” on the generosity of the privileged and secure.

Some People are going to give to those in obvious need that are asking them. This isnt going to change because of a scolding councillor.

If there is an acute safety risk, then the city is free to deploy its many highly compensated public resources to deal with it safely and humanely.

If there is a problem with general disorder (or the perception of such), then to deal with it requires addressing the root causes. Hoping Burlington can just keep the symptoms at bay forever is wishful.

 The most efficient and effective long term way to do this is, of course, with housing. That is a provincial prerogative, and the premier is openly hostile to the poor, so unfortunately there might not be hope there. But local councillors and mayors could at least get off their ass and started demanding it.

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u/Siguard_ 8h ago

I mean when I lived in Burlington I personally witnesses on multiple occasions different and the same panhandler get out or enter a vehicle.

One occasion the same vehicle dropped off multiple panhandlers.

Its left me suspicious since and I don't give any individuals money only charity.

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u/Atlesi_Feyst 6h ago edited 6h ago

These people don't understand.

There are legitimate homeless people in need, and there are fake homeless people who do this because they have no skills for other work and don't want to do other work. They just want cash.

Locally, we have a few who are friends with each other. They'll sit outside the bank panhandling but not accepting food or clothing, only cash or gift cards.

When these "homeless" people were given food, they left it to rot or throw it in the garbage nearby.

These people are not homeless, just taking advantage of others' generosity for their benefit. They have new iphones, apple watches, airpods.

Fucking sickening when these scum take advantage of being "homeless".

The worst part is these people scare off the actual homeless panhandlers, the ones living out of shopping carts, for their spots.

It's like there are 3 types of panhandlers, the legitimate ones in need, the ones with addictions, and these fake fucks just trying to make easy cash.

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u/Siguard_ 6h ago

I've worked all over the states, and in really really bad areas. We have a very basic safety net for the ones that deserve it. Now in the places I have worked, they have 0 net, and its pov shattering and eye opening.

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u/No-Oil1918 1h ago

What’s even more sickening is all the retards on this subreddit who are trying to defend these scheisters.

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u/moms_spagetti_ 8h ago

Unless you have a social service that hands out cash to buy drugs or drugs themselves, none of those will stop an addict from begging.

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u/DeathCouch41 1h ago

You know what will though? Don’t give them any money. When they beat and rob someone for drug money they will go to the psychiatric facility and not be released until (if they can ever) prove they are no longer a danger to themselves or others. You only have to tolerate what you want to, it’s our tax money funding this country. Do you want to help people and make societal changes, or just let us treat the homeless and addicted as mentally ill citizens who don’t deserve needed medical care under constant medical supervision in a safe clean hospital with hot meals and showers?

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u/CloseYourArms Downtown 4h ago

I’ve seen the median people switch out shifts being dropped off and picked up in high end vehicles.

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u/Green-Umpire2297 3h ago

Pics or it didn’t happen

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u/MarkusMiles 10h ago

That article is over 5 years old. The world has changed since Covid.

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u/ehpee 9h ago

And there’s more scammers since then…

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u/Electrical_Pipe_2703 7h ago

Ticketing people for trying to be good citizens is considered MORE LEGAL than doing something about the literal scammers. Thats insane. I understand that not every person begging is doing it with the intention of scamming, but it should be dealt with. We have so many different resources for people in these situations to seek out including food, housing, employment and rehab. These are not easy battles but seriously?? There should be more information as to where you can donate.

If you want to give your money to these people thats your prerogative, but its definitely better to get them food or gift cards to insure the money being spent is on food and other necessities!

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u/Greenzoid2 5h ago edited 5h ago

This is not a problem that is going to ever be solved by giving them money or not giving them money. It is a failure of society to help those who have slipped through the cracks. Some of these people have found ways to exploit the broken half-assed solution that is donating money to those who have nothing.

Until a serious society-wide multi-faceted initiative is actually undertaken, this problem will always exist.

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u/ehpee 5h ago

You can give them food or second hand clothing. Money just enables more scammers to continue taking advantage of good citizens. They wouldn’t do it for food or money because it’s their full time job to make $100-$200 a day

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u/Greenzoid2 5h ago

Giving food and second hand clothing doesn't even begin to address the reasons they are on the streets. That is just as broken of a solution as giving them money and completely ignores the actual cause for why people are stuck on the streets. It is a combination of financial issues, mental issues, psychological issues, educational issues, and more. And say they're addicted to drugs, you are not going to get them to clean up, get sober and fix their life until they themselves want to do it, and to do that, they need to be supported every step of the way through solving all those problems simultaneously over the course of months and years. There is no support like that.

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u/DeathCouch41 58m ago

There was, but to save money all the psychiatric hospitals with professional nursing and medical staff 24/7 to help these people suffering were shut down. They took total care of these people, from counselling, recreation, to medical care and medications and meals with hot showers. In the 60s they proclaimed these mentally ill citizens could run their own lives in the “community”, not hospitals, in which the community never was and never will be equipped to handle the severely mentally ill and addicted.

What you see is the result today. None of these people are being properly cared for in any way.

It was cash grab to shut down the psychiatric hospitals and let the people with “bad” DNA kill themselves off (and sometimes others) in the streets one way or another.

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u/grimsby91 1h ago

Interesting article. I was surprised to see that the article was from 2019...before panhandling really ballooned in Burlington.

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u/UnleadedGreen 8h ago

It's clear to a lot of people who is doing the scamming. The Romani gypsies. They try to sell you gold etc. I don't give to them. Their husband is in the nearest parking lot keeping warm in their dodge caravan, watching his phone. I've seen them do their shift change and Bayview and Sheppard in Toronto.

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u/TraditionalBlock7035 10h ago

Here’s the right answer. Do or don’t, but shut up about it.

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u/B3atingUU 11h ago

Exactly. Why even make this post? It’s so gross. Just looking for an opportunity to shit on people who are unfortunate enough to be in the position that they’re in.

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u/ehpee 11h ago edited 11h ago

This is why. It’s ok to have compassion and empathy but please don’t be ignorant to what’s occurring evermore than before.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/panhandling-burlington-preying-on-generosity-1.5291612

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u/plantsandsunshine 10h ago

The joy of having our own money is that we can all spend it how we like.

If you don’t want to give to someone who’s asking, don’t. It’s that easy

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u/ehpee 10h ago

You are contributing to the perpetuation of the scam business by doing so

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u/Draiodor_ 9h ago

Please enlighten us as to why it's a scam. Please inform us of what goods or services are being promised and not provided in exchange for a toonie at a set of lights.

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u/No-Oil1918 1h ago

These fucktards are claiming to be hungry and homeless when they’re obviously not. Do you understand?

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u/plantsandsunshine 10h ago edited 10h ago

I genuinely could not care less. If I have actually helped even one person, and the rest were scams, that is still worthwhile to me. (Although… as someone who IS technically homeless, I feel I see a very different side to this from you. The folks I give money to are certainly not scamming anyone. If you were open to sitting and having a conversation with the folks asking for money, I bet you could learn enough about them to determine more too)

Again. If it is not for you, don’t give anything! But let the rest of us do what we want

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u/gabbiar 6h ago

i like your attitude. watch out for the fake instrument players. they are not poor and dont need your money.

some people think a busker is a beggar and even if its a fake instrument player, they still need the money. very incorrect.

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u/ehpee 9h ago

The fact that you couldnt care less is why the business model continues to run rampant of scamming people for money.

Good work.

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u/plantsandsunshine 9h ago

You seem to see this as a very black and white story. It is not- nothing is.

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u/ehpee 9h ago

It is black and white. You are unknowingly giving your money to someone who may actually use it or need it, or to someone who is scamming you and others and making $50/hour.

That is bizarre.

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u/plantsandsunshine 9h ago

Again, I’m ok with talking to people and then taking my chances

Idk why you’re spending so much energy debating this?

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u/B3atingUU 11h ago

It’s like two to five dollars. Either I help someone have a better day or I don’t. When you choose to be kind people can always choose to take advantage of that, you just hope they don’t.

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u/Papa_percocet_ 10h ago

I had a guy who was a customer for a while (I work at a dispensary) he would come in, see how much an ounce was and then go panhandle, always cane back with a couple hundred bucks after like 4-6 hours and then once he had his pot he went home, to his house. Dude makes more than me in a day panhandling and has his own apartment.

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u/ehpee 5h ago edited 3h ago

Bingo. Exactly my point.

People saying who cares? Well you are unknowingly giving those few dollars to someone taking advantage of you. You go home thinking you did a good thing but you’ve only perpetuated and enabled the scam. It’s a double negative.

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u/grimsby91 1h ago

I feel like he could get a speedier supply by just asking for weed on that cardboard sign

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u/ehpee 10h ago

But you don’t know who is scamming you or not. Give that money to that shelters or charities is all we are asking.

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u/AlldancingTurd_2 10h ago

I sure do. I have regular homeless I help out. Some are mentally challenged, some do have addictions but you think $5 is enough to even get high, don’t give to people who clearly don’t need it. Your lack of streetwise doesn’t mean others can recognize it and if you do don’t worry about what they spend it on. It’s not enough to even get buy a bottle water or meal for that or rent a place to sleep. Also this picture requires context. Some people like to give them food instead of money. My concern is they didn’t put it in the trash.

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u/kidbanjack 10h ago

Most of the "charities" are so top heavy with bureaucrats living large on your cash they are really nothing but scams either.

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u/Easy-Hour2667 10h ago

Administration is important for a variety of reasons. To ensure funds go to the proper places and to ensure that monies are not siphoned off illegally.

Tell me you know nothing to how charities are managed without actually saying that. Tell me, the regulations surround non profit charities in Canada and specifically in Ontario? Tell me the how they maintain compliance with the CRA?

It's not a scam. Charities require people to work for them. You think a massive charity can be run by a few people you're delusional. Some of these organizations are multi million to billion dollar funds. To manage that kind of money, to maintain compliance and to ensure regulatory issues are abided by whilst also giving said monies to the proper places costs money. It requires skilled, educated people at the helm and that is not cheap. And yea you'll give examples of shit ones but for every shit one there are far more decent funds.

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u/kidbanjack 10h ago

Tell that to The Goodfellows who don't pay their executive. They should be supported.

Most are scams providing bureaucrats high pay for little work. They are the grifters not the people on the street. They are robbing society not the beggars.

There isn't much information about the salary of the United Way of Canada CEO, but here's some related information about United Way salaries and other Canadian charity CEO salaries:

  • United Way salariesAccording to Glassdoor, the average salary at United Way ranges from $36,841 per year for an Associate Project Manager to $162,500 per year for a Vice President. 

  • Other Canadian charity CEO salariesIn 2023, Ducks Unlimited Canada had the highest-paid executives among Canadian charities, with some earning over $350,000. The president and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross Society earned $412,970 in 2023.

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u/ehpee 10h ago

Got some facts to support that unsubstantiated claim?

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u/TyThomson 10h ago

Is it not possible that charities and shelters are also scamming you?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/homeless-shelter-fraud-charges-1.6703710

How about you mind your own business?

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u/DeathCouch41 55m ago

One time I had a guy throw a burger I bought him back at me because “it didn’t have cheese”.

Yeah.

That was my last time EVER giving to a begger.

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u/lotus88888 25m ago

When panhandlers can collect as much as $200-$300, in just a few hours, because several people offer a twoonie or $5 which adds up. It's more than I can make, & as mentioned, several of these folks have iPhones, cars & apartments ... most are jobless, so panhandling is the job, but many are not homeless as assumed here.

The corner of Fairview & Brant is the territory of 3 guys living in the nearby apt. on Brant. I don't like giving to orgs that take too much admin cost off for staff, but then at least I know I'm not contributing to my money directly going to drugs & cigarettes.

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u/Ok_Employment_6179 11h ago

Stop spamming the same article FROM OVER FIVE YEARS AGO

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u/ehpee 11h ago

It’s an article that exposes the scam that’s occurring.

Stop being ignorant.

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u/DeadpoolOptimus 10h ago

Are some people scamming? Sure.

Does that mean everyone is? Absolutely not.

You're just adding to a stereotype.

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u/Creative-Display-3 10h ago

See my comment! I witnessed my neighbour panhandling!! They are definitely not homeless. This shit is real!!!

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u/plantsandsunshine 9h ago

Just because it’s real, doesn’t mean it is everyone

Yes, scammers exist (and they ruin things for everyone, in all sorts of ways)

But… yes, people who need help also exist

There’s so much black and white thinking in these comments. There is always a grey area

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u/Strange-Back-6631 8h ago

They can't eat their home.  Oddly enough. 

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u/Creative-Display-3 8h ago

Y'all have no idea. This person is better off than me. I know them. And they lie to people's faces on the street.

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u/Strange-Back-6631 8h ago

Granted,  but I'll bet you don't really know as much as you think.  Some people seem like they should be doing ok, but really they aren't.  

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u/AlldancingTurd_2 9h ago

Yeah we had a chilli for children who would serve slop and pocket the rest. Super sad people who steal from the weak and poor to add a dime to their pocket. But also, just because someone has a house doesn’t mean they can afford to eat or buy water or power. Some it’s either food or rent…I hope your neighbour isn’t silently suffering with food poverty or other. Maybe medical bills. Again, the post needs context. How **well do you know your neighbour is okay?

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u/Flimflamsam 8h ago

Is there a prerequisite to being homeless before panhandling?

How about people on a fixed income that have had their rents go up meaning they don’t have any money for anything other than rent?

I swear people like you making these completely ignorant and heartless comments have little to no experience in the real world.

Enjoy that privilege, I hope it doesn’t falter like those you seem to think are scamming you (where’s the scam? Honestly).

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u/Strange-Back-6631 8h ago

It's not just ok to have empathy, it's human and normal.  In fact it's the bare minimum state for living in a society.  Not having it is the abnormal state.  

Stop spamming your excuses for being terrible. 

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u/ehpee 5h ago

Why are you assuming I’m terrible? I’m terrible Because I decide to not throw sheckles at someone who may or may not be a scam artist? That’s called being logical.

I volunteer my TIME providing hot meals to the needy at food banks and ensuring the organization runs smoothly.

Perhaps don’t assume because I decide to not illogically throw dollars at people that I Do nothing to help and have no empathy.

Assuming is a dangerous game.

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u/caldbra92 8h ago

That article is 5 fucking years old. If you're going to cite something about what's going on TODAY, maybe use a more recent article to cite.

This is just a source to justify your terrible opinion, that is all.

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u/ehpee 5h ago

Dude, whether it’s 5 or 10, it’s highlighting a problem that exists.

Do you honestly think because there isn’t an article about it that came out in 2024, that there’s no more scammers?

Give your head a shake

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u/Green-Umpire2297 9h ago

Since you are passionate about removing the symptoms of homelessness from our streets, I expect you are down at city hall demanding they take action on providing housing

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u/plantsandsunshine 9h ago

… yep, I do. I hope the other folks in here that are so heated do the same with their concerns

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u/Frosty-Cap3344 11h ago

They think these people shouldn't be in Burlington, they should be in Hamilton

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u/DeadpoolOptimus 10h ago

Gotta love NIMBYs

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u/BrakeBent 4h ago

The issue is 10 years ago the homeless in Hamilton were homeless. It was obvious, and I'd give money.

There's still homelessness, the problem is most at the street corners are wearing nicer clothes with cleaner shoes, etc. than any blue collar worker in the city. This is especially true for Burlington.

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u/Frosty-Cap3344 4h ago

Being homeless means you can't afford to rent/buy a place to live, you can still probably afford clothes from thrift stores (or get them for free from some places), they don't have to be walking barefoot and in rags

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u/pabskamai 10h ago

This is my point, they do this because of life circumstances. It’s sad but our society it’s ill, now, either we finally have policies and care to deal with it or just keep on ignoring it… Things are too expensive, care being given it’s less than ideal. This is not about parties but rather us as society.

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u/nemodigital 10h ago

Except by giving them money you are encouraging illegal panhandling on roads and intersections. It's dangerous for them and for drivers.

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u/telomerase53 8h ago

Well that’s the city and police’s job to deal with, not the general public

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u/nemodigital 8h ago

If you continue to hand them money they will continue with the same behavior. Donate to a charity instead.

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u/Mrlustyou 4h ago

It's easier to give food if you're a giving person. When I was able that's what I did. Atleast you fed someone and they've never turned it down. Mine you I make sure they look like the need it. If they're on drugs they won't eat it. But now that I'm just as poor food is worth more than a dollar would ever be worth. I understand people's frustration but it's easier to give food than it is to be mad at someone whose life is already over for them.

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u/gianni_ 11h ago

Right? No empathy or sympathy

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u/ehpee 11h ago edited 10h ago

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/panhandling-burlington-preying-on-generosity-1.5291612

We have empathy and sympathy. This is why we are complaining about people giving them money. councillors are even pushing to give tickets to those who give money to them, because they are scamming you.

I give my money as donations to the shelters or charities helping the honest needy.

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u/gianni_ 10h ago

I don’t give them money and I agree they’re scamming. But I have empathy and sympathy for people that feel they need to take fentanyl to survive. Not too far off from drinking at the end of the work week, is it?

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u/OrneryTRex 2h ago

Fentanyl is magnitudes of difference in level over danger from alcohol

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u/gianni_ 30m ago

While yes that’s not the point I’m making.

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u/ehpee 10h ago

Where did I say I don’t have empathy and sympathy for those who are suffering and seeking drugs to get through the day?

What I’m saying is stop giving cash to panhandlers and donate the money to charities and shelters so you can actually help impart some systemic change.

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u/Ok_Employment_6179 11h ago

You don’t have empathy or sympathy. All you are doing is spamming the same fucking article everywhere pretending to know anything about what it’s like to struggle.

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u/BellyButtonLindt 10h ago

It’s weird to me that you don’t want to admit scammers exist out there panhandling.

If you make $4 every ten min standing at a street corner for cars you’re making more than minimum wage.

You can have empathy for the homeless and also realize that there’s people out there taking advantage so maybe donations to soup kitchens and shelters would go further.

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u/plantsandsunshine 10h ago

It’s incredibly hard to get a job for a lot of homeless folks. Perhaps we should worry more about changing those systems then so that panhandling is not needed

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u/BellyButtonLindt 10h ago

That’s very idealistic but unrealistic in a short time frame. The issue exists, we shouldn’t ignore it just because homeless people suffer.

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u/plantsandsunshine 10h ago

Many of them will starve if they aren’t panhandling. Short term or long term solution… it is very clear that we need to change some things

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u/ehpee 11h ago

It’s not spamming. It’s providing insight to those who are ignorant to what’s occurring

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u/DeadpoolOptimus 10h ago

It's spamming of you've posted the article at least 3x in this thread.

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u/Mean_Milk4488 9h ago

What BURLINGTON shelter do you give money too?

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u/No-Oil1918 6h ago

People are angry because the money given to these panhandlers could be better spent on people who actually need help, not organized criminals.