43 Percent Of This City’s Long-Term Homeless Have At Least $20,000 In The Bank

[aGameOfThrones]

Thirteen out of 30 residents who have stayed at two Portland, Maine homeless shelters the longest have at least $20,000 in their bank accounts, while one resident has $161,000 in liquid assets, according to a shocking new report.

The state’s Department of Health and Human Services uncovered that surprising fact during an audit it conducted of Portland’s General Assistance fund last month, the Portland Press Herald reported.

The health agency analyzed the records of 90 shelter residents at the Oxford Street Shelter and Family Shelter and picked out the “Top 30 Stayers” based on how many “bed nights” they’ve spent at the facilities.

Included in the 43 percent of the “Top 30″ who have more than $20,000 in cash — and besides the resident who has $161,000 in liquid assets — is one man whose bank account sits at $92,500.

The audit was undertaken as spending on the General Assistance fund — a state-mandated program that helps residents with food, shelter and utilities — increased from $5.6 million in 2009 to $10 million last year.

http://news.yahoo.com/43-percent-cit...021619091.html

[Zippyjuan]

I suspect that Main is not typical. For starters, the survey only says there were 90 homeless people in shelters.

[UWDude]

Some people are just really cheap. They don't spend money, even on rent, but they will save every penny, and they bum off other people all the time. I am sure these people smoke snipes and bum every cigarette, and have done so for 15 years.

BTW, I occupied, (I know, evil socialist movement), and I learned a lot from it. One thing was, there is always plenty of food for the homeless. In fact, whenever I see a bum with a sign that says "hungry", I get kind of mad. But there were many, many different types of homeless people.

Also, there are rich homeless, but they are psychotic, they may have 250,000 from a trust fund or inheritance, but they actually have no idea how to spend it. They don't know how to rent a house, or be a tenant good enough to stay in an apartment, certainly don't know how to hold a job, or buy a car, and of course, most are raging alcoholics. But there are homeless that have no idea about the concept of money. I know it sounds crazy, but there are.

Occupy was a begging boon for the homeless. They got lots of money for cheap booze. Monarch Vodka was the preferred drink of most. And I saw their signs, not exactly honest.

Of course, this story is a small percentage of homeless. Many do go hungry, many times because they have lost their welcome at free food places. Even though these places try to be open and caring, (especially churches), the homeless person themselves eventually feels shame and regret for their outbursts, and banishes themselves from a soup kitchen etc.

And even if they do have 250,000 in a bank account, or are the son of a rich Arab family, (I've met both, and had no reason to disbelieve, the son of the rich family was completely, and utterly schizo, but strong willed). That doesn't mean they lead any kind of easy life. So how much they have in their account is pretty much pointless.

And also, I know many of you are thinking, "they don't work, and take welfare", well, many do not, at all. Many find the idea of help from the government repulsive, or they are hiding from the government, be it bills, or delusions of persecution, or pride.

[Brian4Liberty]

Someone who was familiar with shelters once told me there were people that were regulars, and that they owned and drove fairly expensive vehicles. Probably had big banks accounts too. But they would spend the night, shower, and eat at shelters. As UWDude said, it is hard for someone in America to go hungry if they are anywhere near civilization (and charity and shelters). One problem is they don't have a place (or desire or knowledge) to prep food, so they need to be given prepared food, ready to eat. As a gross generalization, people in that situation for any period of time generally have some form of mental illness.

[amy31416]

I've been volunteering at a charity food bank--man, it's hard to deal with knowing that some of these people don't need charity and probably have far more stashed away in the bank than I do.

I just keep my mouth shut, believe it or not.

[Brian4Liberty]

I've been volunteering at a charity food bank--man, it's hard to deal with knowing that some of these people don't need charity and probably have far more stashed away in the bank than I do.

I just keep my mouth shut, believe it or not.

Especially at Thanksgiving, it's almost a tradition in some communities for people that have no need whatsoever to go get their free turkey.

[amy31416]

Especially at Thanksgiving, it's almost a tradition in some communities for people that have no need whatsoever to go get their free turkey.

I'm really fond of charities, but you're right. Many of these people have a kind of habit where they go to several different places during the week to get free things. There are people that show up with smart phones, nice cars, etc--I just don't know how they live with themselves.

However, there are a some people who show up who you know really need the help and that makes it worthwhile.

[oyarde]

I'm really fond of charities, but you're right. Many of these people have a kind of habit where they go to several different places during the week to get free things. There are people that show up with smart phones, nice cars, etc--I just don't know how they live with themselves.

However, there are a some people who show up who you know really need the help and that makes it worthwhile.

I always found it was worth it for those truly in need , and it is not tax dollars . For others , just a habit ,but most of them are mentally ill in some way even if nobody realizes it .Maine , pfft , not like most places , clearly some tax increases will fix them , LOL

[RonPaulIsGreat]

Ain't murica grand.

[PRB]

They could've just said that the city has only 30 homeless people. But that's not true, this is 30 people who live in the shelter. So the headline of 43% of the homeless population wouldn't be true either. Damn mainstream media lies, they're starting to catch on the technique employed by Michael Snyder & ZeroHedge

[Danke]

I just keep my mouth shut, believe it or not.

[morfeeis]

Especially at Thanksgiving, it's almost a tradition in some communities for people that have no need whatsoever to go get their free turkey.

I knew a person that would get two or three and then sell them, we don't speak anymore....