I'm really bothered by this - need suggestions

[DebbieB]

Do you know where the homeless shelter is? I would talk to them.

 

[KiKi Mouse]

Do you know what shelter Mom is staying at? Do you think if you went there and spoke to somebody you might be able to find out more and what resource would be the best fit to help the kids?

I wouldn't feel bad for calling CPS. It wouldn't be forever if Mom can get on her feet and proviade for them.
I remember seeing a story on CNN? about a foster family program that places children temporarily into a loving home with the expectation that the parent(s) work at getting job etc. it involves both families and I thought it sounded like a good idea.

My heart breaks just hearing these stories.

 

[clovergirl5]

I agree with all the pp, op. Sad situation but like the others said, its about the welfare of the kids until mom can get back on her feet. You are saving those kids--if that makes it any easier to make a decision on what to do. Giving groceries or $ is a short-term fix. I would be calling CPS. to you for caring.

 

[sbell111]

Perhaps I msunderstood the OP.

As I read it, the woman claimed that she was homeless because she didn't have the money for bus fare. The OP then gave her $300 for bus fare. The woman (and her children) are still in the area presumably living in the street.

By my read, the OP was scammed.

 

[dismom2]

Next time you see her, ask her what she did with the $300 and why she didn't get on a bus and go 'home'.

It really bothers me to see kids begging. Here in America there are government programs set up to help people, to keep them from being homeless and starving.

Somebody told me that when kids are removed from a parent who can't take care of them, they try to place them with a family member until the parent can get on their feet. So, if this is true, it's not like they will adopt the kids out and the mother won't be able to see her children again. There is a process that has to be gone through.

The way I feel is that kids do not belong begging on the street. They would be better off living in a home and living a normal life like other kids until the mother gets help. And there is help. She has to help herself.

I used to give panhandlers/beggars money, and sometimes still do, but not very often anymore. I've seen programs, and read many news stories that proved that these people make a lot of money. What do you think they are doing with all that money?

And I can't tell you how many times (weekly) I hear the exact same story from a homeless person. How is it that they all have the same story. If you start asking a lot of questions, they get nervous---because they know they are feeding you a BS story, and most people aren't going to actually pry and ask for details. In fact, most people just hand over money, thinking they are helping, but have no idea if that money is going for drugs, or whatnot.

If you really want to know her 'story' ask her for details. Also, ask the shelter she is living in. There are so many resources for her---she just has to take advantage of them. If she doesn't qualify---there is a reason. That reason usually involves substance abuse, mental illness, or a lack of cooperation/not following the rules. Does she really want to help herself and her kids?

 

[NY Disney fan]

Thank you again everyone. If I was scammed, I am not bothered by that because I would have been more bothered if I saw those kids faces and just walked away. Plus I'm a firm believer in "the man upstairs" watching over these transactions. If I see her today I am going to pry her with questions and get to the bottom of this. Hopefully she can help me to help her and the kids. That's all I want to do.