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Comment by segfaltnh

10 hours ago

I've never understood how a homeless person with no resources would move across the country for better handouts. Like I'd buy some anecdotal cases but most homeless I see aren't saving enough for a bus ticket.

I've read an interview with a man who panhandled for a period of his life, and his hourly income was higher than that of an average waiter.

Although I don't have official sources, when I observe panhandlers in my city, it seems plausible (even evident) to me that with enough persistence, a homeless person can earn more than a waiter.

Of course, I presume that such money is readily wasted, but I wouldn't dismiss a homeless' income as nonexistent.

  • Youd be shocked to know the amounts of money possible from merely standing holding a sign in the right place. That legendary number however isnt expected and isnt the primary motivating factor. Many areas even for those who would prefer to work are devoid of jobs, especially where other groups not necessarily US born have snatched up all opportunity in whatever skilled labor the person might possess. Also most homeless have no vehicle either. Try getting a labor job without one. The reason for standing with the sign is simple. Severely limited options. And the man is hungry.

get on a train… 1/2/3 stations later they check your ticket, you ain’t got one, you get kicked off… wait for the next train, 1/2/3 stations later they check your ticket, you ain’t got one, you get kicked off. week or two or three later you made it from Augusta Maine to San Diego :)

I would think that it might be easier for them to relocate as they'll have limited possessions to transport. I'd guess they'd either hitch a lift with friends or strangers or they might have a vehicle themselves (e.g. a van that they live in).

There’s a massive number of “functioning homeless” - living in cars, couch surfing, etc. They might have low-pay jobs. Or once had white collar jobs but lost almost everything due to medical problems. These are the ones who might be capable of moving.

But yeah, the stereotypical crazy junkie, probably not. But that’s just a stereotype.

Board a train. That's it. What can they do to you for having no ticket? Literally nothing.

i have a friend who helps the local homeless population out (around 5-10) and they are all on government subsidies. like disability or whatever.