I actually wrote this post back in October, but never published it.
My wife and I have lived in RVA for 2 years. Prior to that I was here at VCU between 2002-2005. I like the small town feel of the city combined with the exciting music scene. One thing that I have grown to despise is the ever growing homeless poulation. Now before I continue I warn this may get controversal, but if you have some issues I suggest you read this. One morning after dropping my wife off at work, I go to the local Mickey D's drive-thru to grab some breakfast. As I was waiting, my vehicle is approach my a man missing most of his teeth and the few that remained showed why the others were missing. He reeked of trash and looked the part except for this emaculate blazer he was wearing. My window was open and he had already caught my eye before I had a chance to pass him. He walked over and gave me a 10 minute life story as to why he needed a few bucks. I politely declined, but now I had lost my appetite looking into his mouth. I felt somewhat bad that I didn't help him, but right afterwards I felt angry. Why does this man think it is appropriate to harass me while I wait for food?
My time in RVA has taught me that there are a million stories that homeless people will tell you to try to get money from me. I can remember one instance in which a guy told me his car broke down and he needed exactly $14.77 so he could get it fixed. Reluctantly I agreed and gave him this money. Five minutes later, I drive around the corner and see this same man driving off with a woman in his vehicle. I was infuriated. I was a struggling college student and you basically stole from me. Unfortunately I have become completely desensitized by the homeless. The first couple of months I encountered them I felt genuinely bad, but now I avoid them like the plague or the po-po. You can't drive through downtown RVA without experiencing them and I have become a pro at dodging them.
To a certain extent I almost feel like something should be done about it legally. Why is ok for me to get harassed on a daily basis, because I may appear to have money? I know there are varying levels of "hard times", but no one gives me a dime. I have worked for everything I own and it still really isn't enough. I hate to be selfish, but sometimes you have to look out for number one. Now it is not to say in the future I won't give back, but I think right now it doesn't do any good. All they are going to do 9 times out of 10 is continue bad habits whether it be smoking or drinking. I'd rather get to a point which I am stable and donate money to an organization or charity.
I would just like to go to B Dubs for once without someone trying to sell me a paperclip necklace or a dude tellin' me he just lost his job and needs a few bucks. I know times of tough, but there are tough for me too. I would like to go to out with my wife in peace. I would like to not have to keep my guard up just to go grab a bite to eat. So why can't anything be done about this? I can get restraining orders on people, but I can't get guarded from the homeless? Richmond police can tear gas kids for being a little rowdy after the Final Four loss, but you can't protect me from a couple small black dudes harassing me, while walking down the street, for some change? And I dare not step foot in Monroe Park. I remember when I was a freshman in college, they said avoid Monroe Park at all costs. To this day, you won't catch me near it unless there is an event going on there.
-R
