Vol

During the summer when the kids are gone, the homeless population dramatically increases around here. Weather is nice, they can sleep outside, panhandling is productive, and for a small portion, they're still looking for the next Dead or Phish show.

Lately, a number of these folks have yelled at me at lights when I'm in my car and don't give them any money. In 13 years, this is the most aggressive they've been. One guy used the n-word last week, even though that's not entirely accurate. It made me feel sad for them. I want to help, but giving them smokes, or money, or vodka won't help, that's for sure. What I will give them, if I have any in my car, is food. And that usually is met with dismay instead of appreciation. As coasting says, maybe pointing them out to services might help some places, but not here. It's very sad. Clearly, the economy is partly to blame.

On a side note, why were you leaving the church gym that late? You have enough clout to have keys to the church?