Tweets I sent while doing StreetWatch homeless outreach this past week:
23 Mar 2012: Talked to homeless vets dishonorably discharged for mental illness/addiction related issues. Not eligible for VA treatment.
23 Mar 2012: Hanging out in the shade behind a store talking with 4 homeless guys about jobs, family, military & cops.
22 Mar 2012: Ever wonder about the permits the homeless people on the corner are wearing? Panhandling 101, Greensboro Style http://bit.ly/GNaBY9
Background: Several people we saw this week had panhandling charges. There are lots of rules and it can get complicated.
22 Mar 2012: Homeless lady went to jail for panhandling without permit. Got out. Went back to her corner. Same cop saw her. Back in jail within hours.
Update: Second arrest was for Failure To Appear on an earlier charge.
22 Mar 2012: Humbled by compassion of property management staffer for homeless men whose camp has to go. Doing his job as mercifully as possible.
22 Mar 2012: Grateful for Greensboro Police officer who took homeless man to rehab in January; visits him, stays in touch with family.
21 Mar 2012: Talked to a homeless guy today who sold his bicycle for $2.50 to buy a 40 oz beer. And it seemed normal to him.