Tony

Youve seen him before: the homeless guy at the highway off-ramp holding a cardboard sign, panhandling. As he walks down the row of cars, you avoid eye contact at all costs out of fear he might approach your window. You look straight ahead and hope he doesnt see you, hope the light turns green soon.

Ill admit, Ive done the same thing, and I was homeless myself just 14 years ago.

The next time you find yourself in this situation, Id like you to remember Tony.

Tony is an off-ramp panhandler. He lost his job and he openly admits he struggles with a drug addiction. Ive talked to Tony maybe half a dozen times, and each time he was sober. Any formerly homeless addict will tell you that it is not easy to live without a home and stay sober.

Tony admits that panhandling off a freeway exit is humiliating. He knows hes capable of doing more with his life. But given the economy and his personal struggles, he feels it is his only option.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• mark
• horvath
• homeless
• homelessness
• poverty
• invisible people
• laist
• invisiblepeople.tv

[rickygervais1776]

If you sign up to die for America than you should not have to pay for another thing the rest of your life.

[cdw100]

It refers to holding out a pot to collect charity.

[MissEmmaxxx]

what does it mean when he says pan handling thank u? x

[NewWaveFan1]

@annmendosa bevcause they don't care about the citizens just themselves, a lot of greedy people in the U.S.A.

[annmendosa]

why this goverment ignore persons what happened many persons

[Alana8480]

I never treat homeless people rudely. Everyone has a story. It's not for me to judge, only to help. If I were in their shoes, I'd want someone to help me.

[GeLsEnKiRcHeN95]

It makes me sad how vets are treated.... they shouldn't be treated the way they are, they have already paid their due of being treated bad... it also pisses me off when homeless people claim to be vets to get sympathy... i came across a guy who was maybe 30 and had this story about how he lost his credit card... and is currently serving in the navy.... when i quizzed him he told me he was an E-9 Officer and he couldn't show me a military ID because he left it in Iraq... don't be fooled.

[BlackMask2012]

I'm a vet myself, to all the new vets out there please use your GI Bill and go to school at least you will get an education and 3 years getting paid after you leave the military.