These People Are Homless, But Have A Cellphone Darnit!!

[nateDEEZY]

/sarcasm

Washington Post Article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/22/AR2009032201835.html)

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2009/03/22/PH2009032202265.jpg
Homeless man takes a cellphone pic of Michelle Obama.

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2009/03/22/PH2009032202260.jpg

The scenario rankled some conservative commentators, who bemoaned a society where people who don't have homes can afford mobile phones.

I remember finding myself in that position several years ago. I gave a meal to a homeless man to find him later in the alley making a phone call on a cellphone. I thought to myself, ugh I just got ripped off. I think most of us are in that mindset still, if we see a homeless man with a phone we're less likely to lend a hand. Times are changing, or rather have been.
Or take the case of Chris, 42, a recovering crack cocaine addict who asked that his last name not be used because he keeps his homelessness a secret from his employers.

Chris got an entry-level job at Verizon Center last year. He tried to get back on his feet, but each time, he missed calls from his boss, who often dialed a soup kitchen or shelter switchboard. Eventually, he was labeled unreliable and lost the job.

This time, he got a pay-as-you-go cellphone and gave his boss the number. "I live up near the Capitol -- give me a call anytime if you need extra hands," he told his employer, being vague about where he bedded down each night.

[neoserver]

I'm certainly not very surprised. PAYG phones are quite cheap and can cost very little to keep going... It was only a matter of time really.

[Lixivial]

The scenario rankled some conservative commentators, who bemoaned a society where people who don't have homes can afford mobile phones.

Yes. It touched off their little "moral indignation" nerve. It's always nice to watch people take something, that, at first blush, has a sense of irony, to the point of absurdity. But that's OK, because we can play that game, too. Perhaps I'll bemoan a society that drives around in a $50,000 Porsche (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7469735&postcount=215) whining about being overtaxed to the point of being broke.

Just because someone can afford $10/month pay-as-you-go service doesn't equate to them being able to pay anywhere from $400-1500/month for an apartment. And in today's "always connected" world, this is almost a prerequisite. And, unlike some, I fail to find this amusing in any sense (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7491149&postcount=31).

[MacNut]

I they are homeless where does their bill go every month?

[Prof.]

Cellphones are incredibly cheap nowadays. I can walk down to CVS Pharmacy OR Walgreens and buy a pre-paid phone for 19.95 WITH 300 mins of talk time.

[MacNut]

Cellphones are incredibly cheap nowadays. I can walk down to CVS Pharmacy OR Walgreens and buy a pre-paid phone for 19.95 WITH 300 mins of talk time.But if they are homeless is a cell phone the first thing they need? And who are they calling?

[Schtumple]

I they are homeless where does their bill go every month?

You can get online bills, mines done like that, no paper work :)

If you're going to say "But they won't have a computer", libraries are free, and cyber cafes are cheap.

[Prof.]

But if they are homeless is a cell phone the first thing they need? And who are they calling?
Well according to the pics, they're calling other homeless ppl with cellphones, of course.
If you're going to say "But they won't have a computer", libraries are free, and cyber cafes are cheap.
My library isn't free to use the internet. :( You gotta pay a fee every year.

[MacNut]

You can get online bills, mines done like that, no paper work :)

If you're going to say "But they won't have a computer", libraries are free, and cyber cafes are cheap.I'm sure people love a homeless guy going to the library to check his minutes.:p

[Sun Baked]

I'm sure people love a homeless guy going to the library to check his minutes.:p

Every time I go to the library there are several homeless people sitting there, some of them even have their own laptop.

No big deal, a laptop and a cellphone are a small fraction of the cost of a home.

If they were driving SUVs, wearing gold and stopping at a food bank or shelter, I'd be more concerned.

[yoppie]

Considering employers call/e-mail you about potential job interviews, I'm not going to raise a fuss over them having a phone just yet. IMHO phones have become a necessity.

They probably also use it to keep in touch with their social workers.

[MacNut]

Considering employers call/e-mail you about potential job interviews, I'm not going to raise a fuss over them having a phone just yet. IMHO phones have become a necessity.No offense but how many people in those pics look like they are going to a job interview anytime soon.

[Lixivial]

I'm sure people love a homeless guy going to the library to check his minutes.:p

But if they are homeless is a cell phone the first thing they need? And who are they calling?

I they are homeless where does their bill go every month?

No offense but how many people in those pics look like they are going to a job interview anytime soon.

The trolling stereotypes run rampant in this one. I suggest you read the article next time.

[MacNut]

The trolling stereotypes run rampant in this one. I suggest you read the article next time.I would also suggest you don't insult me next time.

Not to berate homeless people but there is a reason they are homeless, we might not know all of their circumstances but I don't see why a homeless person should have a cell phone. Are we going to just give every person in the country a cell phone now because it is a necessity?

[Prof.]

Let's waste this thread b4 it becomes a bigger problem, shall we mods?

[yoppie]

No offense but how many people in those pics look like they are going to a job interview anytime soon.

I was speaking in general but since you want to go there. It's possible. I see people like them working in Wal-Mart (and other big-box retailers), fast-food restaurants, schools (as janitors), and other similar positions everyday.

[MacNut]

I was speaking in general but since you want to go there. It's possible. I see people like them working in Wal-Mart (and other big-box retailers), fast-food restaurants, schools (as janitors), and other similar positions everyday.I'm sure they are those that want to make a better life for themselves and thats fine. But I also think there are those that don't care.

[yoppie]

I would also suggest you don't insult me next time.

Not to berate homeless people but there is a reason they are homeless, we might not know all of their circumstances but I don't see why a homeless person should have a cell phone. Are we going to just give every person in the country a cell phone now because it is a necessity?

You have no clue who these people are or what they did to become homeless or even how long they've been in that position. If they have no access to a landline, what's wrong with them having a cell phone?

[yoppie]

I'm sure they are those that want to make a better life for themselves and thats fine. But I also think there are those that don't care.

Of course there are those who don't care but who are you to take their cell phones away. There are people who go to work everyday and come home to a roof over their heads but they're about as broke as the people in the pictures. The bottom just haven't fallen out yet because they have credit cards to hide the secret a little bit longer.

[MacNut]

You have no clue who these people are or what they did to become homeless or even how long they've been in that position. If they have no access to a landline, what's wrong with them having a cell phone?They might have brought it on them selves, they might have been screwed by the system. If an average joe can't afford a cell phone why should a homeless person have one?

[nateDEEZY]

I would also suggest you don't insult me next time.

Not to berate homeless people but there is a reason they are homeless, we might not know all of their circumstances but I don't see why a homeless person should have a cell phone. Are we going to just give every person in the country a cell phone now because it is a necessity?

Read the article before you continue to ask stupid questions, Jesus Christ. If you would like, I'll create bullet points for you.

-A cellphone is the only way you can call to keep up with your food stamps, your housing application, your job. When you're living in a shelter or sleeping on the streets, it's your last line of communication with the world."

-During a string of attacks against homeless people sleeping downtown in the fall, two victims called 911 for help after they were assaulted, he said.

-Some get their phones from relatives who want to know they have a way of staying in contact. Ronald Collins-El, 45, got one from his nephew. While he stays at the homeless shelter on the campus of St. Elizabeths, he uses it to keep in touch with family members and to organize his numerous medical appointments, payments and bills.

Not relative to cellphones, but technology in general.

-In California? Bloggers there go online to map Los Angeles' friendliest and most posh public restrooms, share tips for street hygiene and suggest ways to avoid chronic sunburns.

[yoppie]

They might have brought it on them selves, they might have been screwed by the system. If an average joe can't afford a cell phone why should a homeless person have one? The average joe can afford a cell phone, he might not be able to afford an expensive, all-featured out one.

[MacNut]

Of course there are those who don't care but who are you to take their cell phones away. There are people who go to work everyday and come home to a roof over their heads but they're about as broke as the people in the pictures. The bottom just haven't fallen out yet because they have credit cards to hide the secret a little bit longer.Doesn't that go to the core of America's problems. People can't afford it but want to live the lifestyle anyways? A person doesn't go broke overnight. Job or no job.

[MacNut]

Read the article before you continue to ask stupid questions, Jesus Christ. If you would like, I'll create bullet points for you.

-A cellphone is the only way you can call to keep up with your food stamps, your housing application, your job. When you're living in a shelter or sleeping on the streets, it's your last line of communication with the world."
The homeless people I am referring to have cut off all communication with the world. They choose to live on the streets for one reason or another. The people in those pictures did not just fall on hard times.

There is a difference from someone that lost their house a month ago and someone that has been living on the streets for 20 years.

[yoppie]

Doesn't that go to the core of America's problems. People can't afford it but want to live the lifestyle anyways? A person doesn't go broke overnight. Job or no job.

It is a problem but who said these people are going out living the life. We're talking cell phones, that's hardly living the life. Have you heard of cheap, pay as you go cell phones?

When you find a homeless person driving a luxury vehicle or using something that requires major cash and you can't get it at a corner store, let me know. I'll raise the roof with you then.

[yoppie]

The homeless people I am referring to have cut off all communication with the world. They choose to live on the streets for one reason or another. The people in those pictures did not just fall on hard times.

There is a difference from someone that lost their house a month ago and someone that has been living on the streets for 20 years.

Aah, you know these people. Do tell. Who are they? How did they become homeless? You should never hold these important details back in a thread like this. It might actually make the point for you.

[Ugg]

Not to berate homeless people but there is a reason they are homeless, we might not know all of their circumstances but I don't see why a homeless person should have a cell phone.

Oh, so now a prerequisite for having a cell phone is not being homeless? What's next, no email unless you own a car?

Do you realize how ridiculous you sound?

[MacNut]

Oh, so now a prerequisite for having a cell phone is not being homeless? What's next, no email unless you own a car?

Do you realize how ridiculous you sound?I always thought you needed good credit to get a cell phone. I was unaware that they just hand out cell phones to everyone.

Email is free, cell phones are not. If a person is struggling just to find food is a cell phone really a big concern?

[nateDEEZY]

I always thought you needed good credit to get a cell phone. I was unaware that they just hand out cell phones to everyone.

Email is free, cell phones are not.

I didn't know credit was required to get a cellphone until recently, when my coworker wanted an iPhone but decided to not switch carriers due to the fact that he has bad credit and was required to pay a deposit of $350+ USD Anyways, yes, prepaid cellphones are quite cheap nowadays.

[obeygiant]

Oh, so now a prerequisite for having a cell phone is not being homeless? What's next, no email unless you own a car?

Do you realize how ridiculous you sound?

Do you really need to go there?

Actually to get cell phone don't you need a home address and a major credit card? To get a cc you need to fill out a credit application. These people may be down-n-out but not homeless sleeping in cardboard boxes.

I think the point is that people who are truly homeless and destitute have other needs besides a cell phone, i.e. food and shelter and safety.

[yoppie]

I always thought you needed good credit to get a cell phone. I was unaware that they just hand out cell phones to everyone.

Email is free, cell phones are not. If a person is struggling just to find food is a cell phone really a big concern?

Welcome to the modern world. Just for you, I googled for a PAYG phone on Wal-Mart's site. For $15 and good/bad/no credit, you too can tote this around.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10714717&findingMethod=rr

Magical, eh. :rolleyes:

[Eraserhead]

I always thought you needed good credit to get a cell phone. I was unaware that they just hand out cell phones to everyone.

How else do the mobile phone manufacturers sell a billion phones a year if the people on $2/day can't buy them?

[MacNut]

Welcome to the modern world. Just for you, I googled for a PAYG phone on Wal-Mart's site. For $15 and good/bad/no credit, you too can tote this around.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10714717&findingMethod=rr

Magical, eh. :rolleyes:So all homeless people should just pan handle $15 a month for a cell phone bill?

[gkarris]

These People Are Homless, But Have A Cellphone Darnit!!

(in condescending school teacher voice...)

... because a regular phone requires you to have "a home to put it in...." :eek:

(kidding...)

[Ugg]

I always thought you needed good credit to get a cell phone. I was unaware that they just hand out cell phones to everyone.

Email is free, cell phones are not. If a person is struggling just to find food is a cell phone really a big concern?

You must live in a very rarified world if you think that. Have you never heard of pay as you go phones?

Email might be free but your tax dollars are paying for the computer time at the library or the homeless shelter.

Where's your outrage over that?



How do you know their circumstances? One thing that has really begun to disgust me with the rightwingnuts is that they are branding everyone with the same scarlet letter. A lot of the homeless out there need a phone for job searches, home searches, to keep in contact with friends and family.

Your Dickensian view of how the down and out should be treated is nauseating.

[yoppie]

So all homeless people should just pan handle $15 a month for a cell phone bill?

15*12 = $180. Where are they going to live for $180 a year?

If they apply for a job and the employer has a way to reach them (like the ex-druggie in the original post) then they can get a job and earn a living to improve their circumstances. If they don't have a phone, the employer may never be able to contact them to let them know that they're hired. If they don't know that they've been hired, then they can't go in and perform the job, which means they won't get paid. No money = no improved living.

No improved living = a bunch of judgmental people bickering over things for which they have no clue.

See how that works.

[Abstract]

The homeless people I am referring to have cut off all communication with the world. They choose to live on the streets for one reason or another. The people in those pictures did not just fall on hard times.


I don't get why someone should be bothered by this. What "should" homeless people be allowed to buy with the little money they do receive? Are they allowed to buy a $1.25 cup of coffee every day, or should their money only be used for absolute necessities? Oh, and is a doughnut a necessity, or should they only be allowed to spend money on food with high nutritional value? :confused:

There are too many legitimate reasons for owning a mobile phone, even if you're homeless. Keeping up with friends, a social worker, potential employers, etc, are all a part of a homeless person's life. Even if they're not looking for a job, I don't think their money is being mis-spent if they think their money is being well-spent. It's not like they're using it to buy crack. Everybody has a need to be connected with other people.

[MacNut]

rightwingnutsThanks for the insult, I will cherish it.:rolleyes:

[remmy]

Did not even need to search - a phone for under £15, seen these in store for £20 recently. http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-7219.aspx


But it gives the chance for a way out, something that I bet was not available to them even 5 years ago.

[Cromulent]

Not to berate homeless people but there is a reason they are homeless, we might not know all of their circumstances but I don't see why a homeless person should have a cell phone. Are we going to just give every person in the country a cell phone now because it is a necessity?

Who said anyone gave them it? What a disgusting attitude to take. Just because they are homeless they must have taken everything they own from someone else or the government.

The fact that they are homeless in the first place is an indication that they have got nothing. NOTHING. And you are complaining about them owning a phone which costs as little as £20? Christ, I've given £20 to a homeless person before because the fact that they are homeless means they need everything they can get. I don't even care if he spent that money on alcohol or drugs. Heck, if I was homeless I'd be drinking and on as many drugs as I possibly could get my hands on just to escape the total and utter hell that their life must be.

[skunk]

So all homeless people should just pan handle $15 a month for a cell phone bill?Homeless people do not necessarily panhandle for a living, some work in regular jobs. Homeless people do not necessarily deserve to be on the street. Homelessness is not a punishment for being lazy. Homelessness is bad enough without being cut off from all hope of medical treatment, social services, friends and family, job opportunities. Being in contact with people can be as important as eating, and being homeless does not necessarily mean you have no money. Do you really not know these things?

Thanks for the insult, I will cherish it.You have made a series of posts which insult homeless people.