It seems every time I go to the store there is someone standing outside that asks for money. Usually I don't mind and many times I help the person out even knowing the money won't be used for what they said it will be for. The problem I have is now they are getting cocky, now they ask for a certain amount of money not the usual spare change. If that isn't bad enough they don't say thank you or God bless you any more, I had 2 people look at the change I gave them and look at me like "what is that it". I don't want nothing in return but for crying out loud is a simple thank you to much to give.

I'm usually very charitable but I'm done helping those who don't help themselves. This attitude they now have that they are entitled to your money disgust me and I'm done being generous. I think the solution is to once again make being poor hard for them, only then might they get the motivation to get up and make a better life for themselves. I'm sure I am not the only one seeing this trend, is anyone noticing this as well?

What stores are you talking about?

Quoted from JackBauer

What stores are you talking about?

Usually the Stewart's shops are the worst, especially the ones on Brandywine and Nott Terrace.

I've heard that about the Rite Aid at State and Brandywine.  

I used to have to put up with it downtown when going to SEFCU (no I don't work for the state), by the time you drive around for a place to park and then walk over there, and the downtown bums pester you, well, thank goodness for their Niskayuna branch.

And tons of them over by Bank of America.  And the young girls with their brood in strollers and the "F" this and "F' that.  

It's called implosion. More and more people at the bottom seeking less and less funds. Schenectady County has the highest unemployment in the region. Metrograft has been a total failure with no jobs created and no trickle down. More car break ins and robberies-that all go unsolved and most unreported. Food pantrys with huge lines and greater demand for basic staples.

     People from other Counties avoid Downtown like the plague. If you ask what they go to Schenectady for-2 reasons-both illegal. Its funny watching the audience after a musical. They literally run to their cars to get out of Downtown. It's feets don't fail me now time. It's not just more panhaddlers but they are more aggressive.

You should see what happens when a bum tries to game me for money.

Wait until they build the huge Y residence on Broadway. Then DSS clients can game Y residents and vice versa. What kind of DEM moron would proposing putting 185 more indigents on Broadway? Who is supporting this insane proposal? If they build it you won't be able to drive on Broadway-the buses and cars will be backed up all the way up the hill. Enough is enough. Someone over there better wake up.

yup happens alot at the two Stewart shops you mentioned. I think I have heard everything about why the money is needed. Once a guy said he wanted to get food, so I said ok lets go inside I'll buy you a hot dog and coffee, nope he didn't want that said he wanted to go to the chicken store across the street and wanted the money, I said I don't think so.

Then the stewarts on nott terrace there was always this young guy asking for change, said it was his birthday and he wanted to call his dad. come to find out from store employees he was a crack head with a baby at home and he was known for selling his food stamps and letting the baby go hungry.

And then the stories of a sick child in their car that is broken down in another area of Sch'dy. I HATE when they use that.

also have been asked to give rides when I had my car, of course I didn't.

I don't mind giving out some spare change once in a while, but I'm on a limited income and am always getting hit up outside of stewarts. There are so many asking its hard because you don't know who might really be in need.

Sometimes I see them coming up to me and know they are gonna' ask, so I look at them and say "Excuse me - do you have any money I can use because my car broke down and I need 20 bucks to get home because my baby is home sick alone?" I just beat them to the punch as soon as they open their lying, lazy, human debris mouths. As soon as their lips part I beat them to the punch. When they catch me off guard I tell them just to go fock themselves and get a job with my finger jabbing in their direction, they usually grumble and then I heap on the insults and move in their direction. None of them want to get beat up or sent to jail but they sure know how bold they can be without pushing it. Always remember that lying and begging us what they do for a living so they usually have a pretty good touch.

I am disappointed so many of you people go along. If none of you complied, they would go somewhere else or actually be forced to get a job.

I used to love to watch the guy that used to "patrol" Price Chopper in Colonie.  He would stand there with his sign begging for money when people hit the red light at the entrance.  Or he would stand outside the store.  Either way, at about 7pm, he would then walk over to Kmart parking lot and get into a car that was a lot nicer than mine.  Come to find out, he was making a ton of cash there and had a house and a real job working nights.  Nice scam.  

Years ago, some friends and I used to meet at the DD in that area for coffee and chit chat.  There was always a lady with her "shopping cart" that would come in and get a coffee and sit for a while til they kicked her out.  Then an hour or so later, she would return with some change to get another cup.  This would go on for hours and days.  This was a real person, in real need and she would only come in when she could buy something so they had to let her stay.  One night we started chatting with her and she told us her story.  She really was homeless and cold.  One of my friends was a desk clerk for a hotel and had her go for an interview.  She now works in the hotel as a room maid and has been there for all these years.  She just needed the help getting somewhere.  Its those people that I would gladly help.  

Look for coupons, coupons for free stuff, or buy a book of coupons for a McDonalds, and hand out something like that when they ask for money.   Those who are really hungry will be grateful, might even in a small way acknowledge their gratefulness, then they will go and get the sandwich or whatever from Mcd's or which every place you have a coupon for.

DOn't give people money

Quoted from Gemini

I used to love to watch the guy that used to "patrol" Price Chopper in Colonie.  He would stand there with his sign begging for money when people hit the red light at the entrance.  Or he would stand outside the store.  Either way, at about 7pm, he would then walk over to Kmart parking lot and get into a car that was a lot nicer than mine.  Come to find out, he was making a ton of cash there and had a house and a real job working nights.  Nice scam.  

Haha probably the same guy who used to do the same at Colonie Center, like clockwork he would be out there with his sign. As you mentioned he would stand right next to the light so you would have to confront him When I used to work on Wolf road I would see him every time I past, sure enough people were giving him money.

A lot of the homeless are pretty much hanging at the shelters on the cold days.  They can get a meal there and be warm.  They wont be standing outside freezing unless they want money.  Chances are, give them the coupon and they will say no.  They want the cash to spend somewhere else.  And if they have a child in a broken down car somewhere else, why doesnt someone call CPS to check up on that child left alone?  You know they are BSing.  

Just got hounded by a bum at the Stewarts on Nott Terrace.  This ticks me off no end.  This is my neighborhood and it is going down so quickly.

I don't see a resolution. The employees there already have their hands full just doing their jobs.  It is a busy place.  They can't possibly go out and chase these low lifes away all the time.  This is such a low priority issue with our PD calling them wouldn't work besides all they would do is tell the jerks to move on and they just come back.

Would be interesting if the PD actually started arresting them for pan handling but then the courts would be full up and the judges ticked off.

I am curious did one of the corner stores on Albany Street close just seems the Nott Terrace Stewarts is getting more and more busier. Starting to be like the Stewarts on Brandywine which I wouldn't get caught dead in.

How about everyone calling the spd every single time someone is approached by a 'panhandler'? How about everyone calling the spd every single time someone just 'sees' a 'panhandler'? If panhandling is a crime....call the authorities. Light up those phone lines!!!

The city folks are becoming too sedate with a feeling of hopelessness with this crap. Get on the phone....call the spd.....for EVERYTHING..... all the time!!!! There is nothing to lose but something to gain!!