There are thousands of individuals, church groups, and non-profit organizations that provide much
needed assistance to many, including the low-income and disabled as well as the homeless. There are
many people who have little themselves but yet give whatever they can to help others.
Unfortunately, there are also a great many who take advantage of the situation for profit. There are the
predators that feed off the homeless and less fortunate while pretending to be "churches" or "programs".
While some simply don't accomplish what they promise to generous donors, there are those who leave
the homeless in an even worse condition after making use of them.
needed assistance to many, including the low-income and disabled as well as the homeless. There are
many people who have little themselves but yet give whatever they can to help others.
Unfortunately, there are also a great many who take advantage of the situation for profit. There are the
predators that feed off the homeless and less fortunate while pretending to be "churches" or "programs".
While some simply don't accomplish what they promise to generous donors, there are those who leave
the homeless in an even worse condition after making use of them.
| The Predators |
One of my first experiences with those who search out and make use of the homeless was a
few years ago in Pinellas Park FL. I had just left a Christian mission, where I was able to take a
shower and get some dinner. While walking down Park Blvd I passed a couple people asking
for money for a mission. I quietly told them I couldn't give anything. One of the people asked
me if I was homeless, to which I replied "yes". Right away he told me that they could have
someone come over right away to drive me to their "mission". It didn't sound right to me for
many reasons. They were trying to pick up homeless people, just blocks away from a Christian
mission, but didn't want to go there to talk to anyone? I didn't accept, fortunately.
Later I learned about what their "mission" was. They called it the Deeper Life Church, located
in Tampa FL. The place was run by a person they called the "Bishop". Later I found out, in
news articles, that they kept people in very poor conditions, and took their food stamps while
only providing minimal meals. Those who wanted something better were made to go on
fundraising (panhandling) trips, as far as Texas and Tennesssee. Four people died in their
"care" in vehicle accidents. They apparently raised millions of dollars in the process and lived
in luxury. Finally the couple running the "mission" pled guilty in court for trafficking in food
stamps and dealing in stolen property.
few years ago in Pinellas Park FL. I had just left a Christian mission, where I was able to take a
shower and get some dinner. While walking down Park Blvd I passed a couple people asking
for money for a mission. I quietly told them I couldn't give anything. One of the people asked
me if I was homeless, to which I replied "yes". Right away he told me that they could have
someone come over right away to drive me to their "mission". It didn't sound right to me for
many reasons. They were trying to pick up homeless people, just blocks away from a Christian
mission, but didn't want to go there to talk to anyone? I didn't accept, fortunately.
Later I learned about what their "mission" was. They called it the Deeper Life Church, located
in Tampa FL. The place was run by a person they called the "Bishop". Later I found out, in
news articles, that they kept people in very poor conditions, and took their food stamps while
only providing minimal meals. Those who wanted something better were made to go on
fundraising (panhandling) trips, as far as Texas and Tennesssee. Four people died in their
"care" in vehicle accidents. They apparently raised millions of dollars in the process and lived
in luxury. Finally the couple running the "mission" pled guilty in court for trafficking in food
stamps and dealing in stolen property.
Most of those who live off of the homeless are not so obvious, or extreme. Every Christmas
there are people all over ringing bells with little kettles asking for money, but where does all
that go? Just try to go to one of their "rescue missions" and tell them you're in serious need
and find out for yourself. Where does all the money really go? In the county where I live there
are several local groups that actually do more good, and without panhandling in front of stores.
there are people all over ringing bells with little kettles asking for money, but where does all
that go? Just try to go to one of their "rescue missions" and tell them you're in serious need
and find out for yourself. Where does all the money really go? In the county where I live there
are several local groups that actually do more good, and without panhandling in front of stores.
A few years ago a "church" (with a sheet metal building they called a cathedral) confronted me
with the idea that they would give me, and a few others, training in electrical work and find us
jobs. They even offered to put us up in housing temporarily as long as we did whatever they
said. Being homeless at the time with no job, how could I refuse? If I had any idea what was
coming I would have had nothing to do with them.
I told them I had no identification card or anything to work, but they said "no problem". Looking
back on it I should have known it was totally phony right there. I also said I already had training
and experience in electronics, and could get work if I only had the opportunity.
There were classes in electrical work, sort of. An instructor talked to the people about some
electrical installation information, though there were no tests. All anyone had to do was attend,
sit and listen, and graduate. The "graduation" was being paraded in front of two Sunday
services as the "new graduates". They had hoped that the local press had been there to
photograph the great event for publicity, but no one showed up.
Later we were shown our new housing, a very old trailer in a run down trailer park. Who did I
get put into housing with? Active drug addicts that couldn't possibly do the work that was
planned. And the jobs that were promised? There were no jobs at all, but we did perform one
major function. We were publicity for the "church" so they could get loads of donations for all
the good they did for the community. I wonder how much they made off of us.
I had no choice but to go back on the street, but kept at trying on my own anyway and kept my
eyes open for possibilities. A few years later I was back to work, in spite of being deeply
discouraged by being used and manipulated by them.
with the idea that they would give me, and a few others, training in electrical work and find us
jobs. They even offered to put us up in housing temporarily as long as we did whatever they
said. Being homeless at the time with no job, how could I refuse? If I had any idea what was
coming I would have had nothing to do with them.
I told them I had no identification card or anything to work, but they said "no problem". Looking
back on it I should have known it was totally phony right there. I also said I already had training
and experience in electronics, and could get work if I only had the opportunity.
There were classes in electrical work, sort of. An instructor talked to the people about some
electrical installation information, though there were no tests. All anyone had to do was attend,
sit and listen, and graduate. The "graduation" was being paraded in front of two Sunday
services as the "new graduates". They had hoped that the local press had been there to
photograph the great event for publicity, but no one showed up.
Later we were shown our new housing, a very old trailer in a run down trailer park. Who did I
get put into housing with? Active drug addicts that couldn't possibly do the work that was
planned. And the jobs that were promised? There were no jobs at all, but we did perform one
major function. We were publicity for the "church" so they could get loads of donations for all
the good they did for the community. I wonder how much they made off of us.
I had no choice but to go back on the street, but kept at trying on my own anyway and kept my
eyes open for possibilities. A few years later I was back to work, in spite of being deeply
discouraged by being used and manipulated by them.
There was one organization that actually helped me to get back to work. It wasn't until I had
been there for a while though that I realized that the pastor who ran it didn't want homeless
people there, as they were primarily seeking people with addictions which could provide
on-going government funding. After a week or so I started working, went by all the rules, paid
$550/month for room and board, and finally got on my own. I didn't speak in tongues or wave
my hands in church, and they never considered me as anything more than a poor hopeless
pagan (i.e. Lutheran), but at least they didn't throw me out.
been there for a while though that I realized that the pastor who ran it didn't want homeless
people there, as they were primarily seeking people with addictions which could provide
on-going government funding. After a week or so I started working, went by all the rules, paid
$550/month for room and board, and finally got on my own. I didn't speak in tongues or wave
my hands in church, and they never considered me as anything more than a poor hopeless
pagan (i.e. Lutheran), but at least they didn't throw me out.
There was one "program" on 28th St. in Pinellas county a few years ago that permitted
homeless to take a shower and gave coffee, donuts, and a sandwich for the homeless who
came by. About a year later, when I found the data online, I looked up the budget. About
$75,000 per year! That was for maybe a dozen persons per day, and the food was already
donated for free by others! The director had a nice new SUV though. The "program" closed
after a while since not enough people showed up to justify it's existance, even in one of the
poorest neighborhoods in the county.
homeless to take a shower and gave coffee, donuts, and a sandwich for the homeless who
came by. About a year later, when I found the data online, I looked up the budget. About
$75,000 per year! That was for maybe a dozen persons per day, and the food was already
donated for free by others! The director had a nice new SUV though. The "program" closed
after a while since not enough people showed up to justify it's existance, even in one of the
poorest neighborhoods in the county.
I must emphasize that there are a lot of people out there that will work tirelessly to do whatever
they can to help others. There are churches that serve free meals continually without putting
special conditions on those being helped. Some churches will even help people with car repair
bills and emergency expenses, without asking anything in return. But beware, there are some
predators out there too. Those who are very clever in making almost everyone think that they
are doing good work, while making money off generous contributors.
Please don't give up on helping, just be careful who you give money to. Best thing to do? Get
involved youself and see what's being accomplished. Legitimate organizations will welcome the
help and assistance, and be open to volunteers. The phony ones spend all their time hiding
the facts, and many finally end up in prison for fraud or tax evasion.
they can to help others. There are churches that serve free meals continually without putting
special conditions on those being helped. Some churches will even help people with car repair
bills and emergency expenses, without asking anything in return. But beware, there are some
predators out there too. Those who are very clever in making almost everyone think that they
are doing good work, while making money off generous contributors.
Please don't give up on helping, just be careful who you give money to. Best thing to do? Get
involved youself and see what's being accomplished. Legitimate organizations will welcome the
help and assistance, and be open to volunteers. The phony ones spend all their time hiding
the facts, and many finally end up in prison for fraud or tax evasion.
 | |  |
There are plenty of organizations out
there happy to take your money saying
that it's to help the homeless. But where
does the money really go?
Some actually just use the homeless for
profit, and don't care the least if their
"clients" live or die. All they care about is
getting paid. The more homeless there
are, the greater the profit potential.
there happy to take your money saying
that it's to help the homeless. But where
does the money really go?
Some actually just use the homeless for
profit, and don't care the least if their
"clients" live or die. All they care about is
getting paid. The more homeless there
are, the greater the profit potential.
While many missions or churches preach the word of God as would be expected, often it gets
very confused when they depend on donations from people with extreme views. As much as I
would like to see Christian teaching available to the homeless, the word that is preached
sometimes gets very blurred by bigotry.
At one mission I've been to they invite various people in to deliver a talk, lasting about a half
hour before the meal. Typically it's the straightforward kind of salvation message, but then
some other times it gets very strange. I remember one time when the preacher kept yelling real
loud "David danced, David danced....". I don't know if anyone present had any idea what that
was all about. Anyway, food was served and those attending had a good dinner, and a chance
to take a shower. It helped the homeless especially since no one else would provide access to
a shower in the area. They preached a message that the primary donors apparently wanted to
have preached, and people were helped, but was it really truthful to the hundreds who donate
expecting a basic salvation message and a meal?
very confused when they depend on donations from people with extreme views. As much as I
would like to see Christian teaching available to the homeless, the word that is preached
sometimes gets very blurred by bigotry.
At one mission I've been to they invite various people in to deliver a talk, lasting about a half
hour before the meal. Typically it's the straightforward kind of salvation message, but then
some other times it gets very strange. I remember one time when the preacher kept yelling real
loud "David danced, David danced....". I don't know if anyone present had any idea what that
was all about. Anyway, food was served and those attending had a good dinner, and a chance
to take a shower. It helped the homeless especially since no one else would provide access to
a shower in the area. They preached a message that the primary donors apparently wanted to
have preached, and people were helped, but was it really truthful to the hundreds who donate
expecting a basic salvation message and a meal?
I've been helped in various ways by many churches, in meals, temporary places to stay for the
night, clothing, and so on. Not just Christian churches either. A few times I spent the night at a
Jewish synagogue where they also gave lunches for those coming there and made people feel
welcome. I've seen many different denominations helping people without ridiculing them.
night, clothing, and so on. Not just Christian churches either. A few times I spent the night at a
Jewish synagogue where they also gave lunches for those coming there and made people feel
welcome. I've seen many different denominations helping people without ridiculing them.
Any comments? email me at:
clyde@homelessamerican.com
clyde@homelessamerican.com
| homelessamerican.com |
I've found that the staff or clergy in some programs will ask their clients lots of personal
questions as "counseling services" which they then charge the government for. In legitimate
churches a person can talk to a pastor or priest without worrying about it becoming gossip. Not
so with these self-made ministers.
questions as "counseling services" which they then charge the government for. In legitimate
churches a person can talk to a pastor or priest without worrying about it becoming gossip. Not
so with these self-made ministers.