I live in an area where the drug abuse is so freaking sad on top of all the opportunity liars. For weeks he has been sitting at the garbage can at my job with a sign saying "veteran need help." Im the manager I just ask him to put the sign away it away but I'm not making him leave but I am not allowed to have anyone at the door asking for anything. I've been repeating myself for weeks every time I see him. Yesterday he was there again with the sign and I told him I'm feeling disrespected that in explaining the same thing to him every time. Then I asked him if he's really a veteran or just some guy with a sign. He's from the marine Corp medically discharged for the refuse of medication because he rather choose the alternative of talk therapy because he has had friends die in explosions 3 times in bagdad. I told him with genuine understanding that I really thank him for his service referencing standing up for his medical decision. I asked him why he is being treated so bad because it's cold outside and he's sitting by a trash can wearing a sheet. He said that they aren't treating him so bad and then he realized and told me that he's been on a 90 day housing waiting list but it's been over 90 days. I told him what I've been going through working a store with a pharmacy and what's gone on with my medical descion. Then I let him know that obviously there is no infiltration happening because obviously that would be crazy and reminded him that I am a civilian. I told him I wish there was more that I could do for him but he told me I'm doing very much and thanked me. I can't stop thinking about this guy. It makes me so freaking sad. All I can do is hope that the conversation I had with him gave him his hope boost.
I also did tell him I do feel bad I keep getting on him about the sign but he reassured me he understood that I just do what I have to do at my job.
That sounds good.
It's easy for me to be generous with your time and money - I understand that... You said you are a manager. Is there any mutually beneficial job the veteran could be employed to do for you? A gym membership is all he'd need to have access to hot showers and a place to groom himself.
Hmm that might not be a bad idea. I don't know how he would feel if I just threw him some quick small cash. I rather give him a larger lump at once. Maybe next week if he's still around and I'm able to hand him a stack. I would think the VA would give them gym passes. But then again a 90 day waiting list and it's been over 90.
My bosses don't let me do the hiring. I'm "too nice" according to the hiring ones even though I've seen over the years I have been very nice and real with drug addicts around here and I've seen some of them get their life together and even just come in to thank me just for being kind.