I was both pleased and saddened to read Larry Simoneaux’s guest editorial concerning panhandlers using cardboard signs at intersections (“Shift change on I-5 leaves one leery,” Jan. 12). I was pleased because more people need to be leery.
For several years I did volunteer work with the down and out of our community. At different times, I became acquainted with two chronically homeless young men. Both of them had few social skills and came from tough family situations. They also were either mentally or developmentally disabled in some form or another.
These young men had good hearts, but very poor role models. They had no family to help them, or had worn out their families’ welcome. At different times, each told me about a new living situation. They described a man giving them a place to live in exchange for work.
Their “work” was standing at intersections with cardboard signs. Their benefactor would give them signs in the morning and drop them at busy area intersections. When picked up later, all their spoils went to their benefactor, and he would “take care” of them.
This sounds too “Faganesque” to me. Two unfortunate, lonely, homeless men were taken advantage of. A statement made once by one of them was: “He said I can make more money at this than any job.” But in a few months they were homeless again, describing their benefactor as a “very bad man.”
Though it is good to know others are becoming aware of this abuse, I was also saddened reading Simoneaux’s article. It reminded me of the individuals who continue “prostituting” the vulnerable right here in Snohomish County. It, too, reminds me of the importance of supporting organizations like the Everett Gospel Mission and Compass Health and the need for more caring people to make lasting relationships with those less fortunate.
Everett
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