thedailywhat:

Where Are They Now of the Day: “He could not whip me that day, cause God gave me the strength to handle my affairs”: Vietnam veteran Tom Burso, AKA Epic Beard Man, has been homeless on the streets of Oakland since January.

He released this PSA detailing his daily struggles in hopes of finding a permanent housing solution.

[reddit.]

I’m reblogging this in hopes that some of you may change your minds about homeless people.  No one wants to be homeless.

It’s not something that can easily be changed.  He will never get hired.  

We are lucky that we do not live on the streets.  That is not a choice that everyone has.  Some people are born into poverty, but we were not.

We do not deserve a place to live any more than this person does.  Be compassionate.  

Begging is not a legit form of work.  I understand.  Begging is degrading for those who have to do it.  They shouldn’t have to beg.  

And when they do panhandle, it’s not up to you to decide what they do with the money you give them.  They’re human, they can figure out what they need to do with the money.  Sometimes yes, they do buy drugs; that’s only to cope with living on the streets.  It’s hard to end an addiction when there is no one there to help.

Homeless people are sometimes hesitant to join the mainstream world, even when they have a valid opportunity.  They feel judged by us.  They do not want to be us.  Understandable?  

Yes.