Deseret News | Reader comments: Heat saps the homeless, pleas go out for bottled water

Reader comments
Heat saps the homeless, pleas go out for bottled water

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Jeff P. | 12:31 p.m. July 16, 2008

bottled water? I can't even afford that. What's wrong with tap water? Get a couple drinking fountains.

Anonymous | 12:54 p.m. July 16, 2008

More compassion from no doubt another nasty neocon who view compassion as something "do-gooders" do.

Tap water | 12:54 p.m. July 16, 2008

Forget about donating expensive bottled water. Fill up a bunch of empty 2 liter pop bottles with good old clean tap water and donate them if you want to help.

Comments continue below

Whatever | 1:16 p.m. July 16, 2008

I agree, just set up some fountains in Pioneer Park. They have taken over the park anyway. I would never even dream of taking my kids to this blight on our city. Even better, just expose the city creek that used to run through that area and give them all cups and canteens.

re: whatever | 1:36 p.m. July 16, 2008

"taken over" the park?
As in infiltrating?
Stormed?
Shock-and-awed?
More nasty, neocon terms from nasty neocon people.

Weatherizer | 1:34 p.m. July 16, 2008

Maybe if some of these people did not spend what change they bum off people to buy cigarettes at Jeanie's Smokeshop downtown, they could afford to buy essentials like water, insect repellant and some food.

Dah... | 2:05 p.m. July 16, 2008

The reason they are asking for bottled water is not because of the cost; it is due to the fact that bottles filled with tap water could be tampered with. They cannot just hand out water that is unsealed.

the only one | 2:27 p.m. July 16, 2008

who makes sense is DAH..The savior was homeless also and some of these people are good souls also. think twice , it's just another for u and me in paradise.

Not only the heat... | 2:30 p.m. July 16, 2008

...but heavy alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration.

So if no one would give them money to buy cheap booze at the local liquor store, then they might not need the extra water. Just a thought.

Why not? | 2:31 p.m. July 16, 2008

I hesitate to hand out cash to homeless folks and panhandlers because you cannot insure it won't be used for drugs/alcohol etc. But I think it is a great idea to hand out bug spray and bottled water. (I understand why no home bottled water- tampering and such)

Bottled water is too expensive for my own use, but even I can spare $3 for a flat of water for those who need a drink.

This isn't about enabling the homeless, it is about giving those who thirst a drink. Bug spray to prevent sores and sickness. Have a heart!

Jpjazz | 2:32 p.m. July 16, 2008

We have been educated that bottled water is anti-green and a major contibutor to global warming. Even our city fire fighters were sent to fight fires with a cooler and washable cups rather than be given bottled water. So I ask why then can't the homeless be directed to water fountains, can't they walk to a shelter or public building for this?

Stewart | 2:41 p.m. July 16, 2008

There used to be drinking fountains on every corner of downtown SLC, and all over in the parks so everyone could get a drink, not just the homeless. What happened to them?

Tap water | 2:47 p.m. July 16, 2008

I'm sorry but it is completely ridiculous to pass out $3 bottles of water when tap water is perfectly safe and costs next to nothing.

Many homeless think nothing of picking up a dirty cigarette butt off the street that still has a few puffs left or rummaging through the garbage for a half-eaten sandwich. But now they are worried that a donated bottle of tap water may not be completely sterile? Give me a break!

Compassion? | 2:46 p.m. July 16, 2008

Thanks to Why Not? and Duh.

Flats of water at Costco, Sam's Club, local supermarkets, etc., really don't cost that much for most families or individuals. If you can't afford bottled water Jeff P. I'm sure you live somewhere where water is readily available to you!

Sunscreen and insect repellent are more costly, but I wouldn't want to be out on the streets in Utah without them.

Small (or large) donations directly to the charity with the note that you want it to be used to purchase these particular items is an alternative. If enough donations were pooled then I'm sure it would make a significant dent.

There are men, women, families, children, and teenagers who are homeless. Not all of them are addicts, and even if some are, does that mean they do not deserve clean water and protection from the elements.

This would make a great service project (or ongoing project) for church and civil groups. It could also be adopted by individuals or families.

As Why Not? would say - WHY NOT?

Jpjazz | 2:52 p.m. July 16, 2008

I had been giving the homeless a dollar or two on a regular basis along South Temple. I will no longer do this as I understand that cash ends up buying alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Contributions of time and money to homeless centers and the United Way is the only way to go. Hand outs on the street corners only furthers the problem.

To Why Not?... | 3:02 p.m. July 16, 2008

Why Not Indeed! If awards were being handed out for the most sensible, compassionate and appropriate response to this very simple response from the city, you would get my vote for first place!

The trouble is, my vote and 50 cents won't even buy you a cup of coffee, much less a bottle of water.

Never the less, your comment was right on the mark!

HoseDrinker | 3:02 p.m. July 16, 2008

As a young kid I remember working on yards and going door to door selling. If it was hot, I would go up to a house and turn on a hose briefly and get a drink, then turn it off. I would typically just ask permission after doing the pitch at the door.... I guess now we have to have sealed bottled water.... come on folks think of the costs and the waste!?! How about giving each homeless person a clean 2 liter jug, a mug, and access to a faucet/hose---simple quick solution? Do we really need to hand out bottles?

I make a salary that approaches 6 figures and I don't drink bottled water for crap sakes!

natalie | 3:19 p.m. July 16, 2008

I think our Christ would offer a bottle of water to His brother or sister.

re: re:Whatever | 3:17 p.m. July 16, 2008

Neocon talk? are you completely insane? This is another example of leftist propaganda. All problems go back to George W. Bush. The problem couldn't possibly be because Rocky Anderson had all of the water fountains removed to drive the homeless out of downtown so they would congregate in Pioneer Park. It is a self created problem that he was then able to turn around and use on his political enemies. What a bunch of hypocrites you leftists have turned out to be. Last time I checked George Bush did not make city policy for the last 15 years. Perhaps you should blame those responsible, Dee Dee Coridini, Rocky Anderson and Ralph Becker.

On the water situation, if someone wanted to poison the homeless it seems the free food handed out at holidays would be more effective. Tampering with water? Give me a break.

Has Rocky approved this? | 3:37 p.m. July 16, 2008

I thought there were problems with bottle water and the environment so he passed some kind of city ordinance against it. I am not against the plea; a simple bottle of water could end up saving a lot in medical care and Iï¿½m not really for denying either to those in need. I just hope this is planned as just a temporary quick fix and that some better long term solutions are being planed for by those we voted into office.

Not Natalie | 3:41 p.m. July 16, 2008

I think he would also encourage them to get a job or help ;)

not good times for neocons | 3:45 p.m. July 16, 2008

Once again it is obvious these are not good days for our conservative brothers and sisters.
Some of the nasty comments from them make them seem like they have lost their marbles and are ready to climb up into the bell-tower.

I must say this, however. When you look at who their gurus are: Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, one can understand why they appear a bit disheveled.

I hope they can handle what is going to happen in November. I'd buy stock in any company that manufacturers anti-depressants if I were you.

Dah... | 4:05 p.m. July 16, 2008

The homeless cannot be directed to drinking fountains, because most establishments will not let them in.

There are some homeless that are humiliated with having to live on the streets and wonï¿½t even attempt to enter public places.

People do not always realize how dehydrated they are and that is another factor to consider.

Most of these people are not looking for a hand out they are asking for a hand up. There is an enormous difference. Just think of it this way there are many people who are not homeless today, but tomorrow with one more cost increase (gas, food, ect) and they will be. Not all homeless people choose to be on the streets; circumstances created that reality for them.

Using my own tap, thank you | 4:05 p.m. July 16, 2008

Something tells me bottled water companies are pushing this as much as they can. Bad enough most of them are just tap water with a label as it is.

Read... | 4:31 p.m. July 16, 2008

...Mosiah 4:16-26!! Just a thought!

neocon motto | 4:37 p.m. July 16, 2008

The Neocon motto:
Who gives a rat's [bleep] about the homeless!
They're all worthless drug-addicted bums who hate work and just want to freeload.

Draper | 4:43 p.m. July 16, 2008

As another poster suggested I think it's a great idea to supply the homeless with empty gallon jugs and allow them daily access to fresh water where they can fill them up. One bottle of water isn't enough to get through one day little lone the whole summer. Having a gallon and being able to refill it seems to me to be a much more sustainable and appropriate choice.

amazed in cche valley | 4:47 p.m. July 16, 2008

My brother is homeless in Salt Lake....
I couldn't imagine living the way that they do.
All the people walking by and having food or water and just walking by. How horrible it would be to want a drink or a little food and be ignored because of your life style.
$3 seems so small compared to what we are spending for the internet. We could also buy them a meal or a drink.
I live in cache valley, but when ever I do make it there. I always buy at least one homeless person lunch at that burger king across from the library.It doesn't cost that much and they are very thankful. You don't need to sit and make friends, just a simple "here you go" or even a hello means alot to them.
Could you be in there spot? Could you survive?
I know I sure couldn't.
And alcohol/drug abuse is not always the problem.
gosh look we are talking like "they" are a rat or something.
PEOPLE with hard lives.
HUMANS who made bad choices for one reason or another.
I am thankful for these PEOPLE and there ways and the lessons it teachs me :)

me | 4:55 p.m. July 16, 2008

"They" are people. The point of the outreach is to build trust with people and hopefully help them head in a better direction in life. It isn't just a hand out. If you were on the streets I would give you some water.

Compassion | 5:15 p.m. July 16, 2008

Expressions of Compassion and Mercy would be noble gestures towards those less fortunate. Judgmental attitudes reveal hearts that are frozen and thinking one is better than others. May none of you have to experience life on the streets, even if convinced it could never happen to you.

We are here to become beings of sharing...(regardless of and in spite of religion)

$3 a FLAT | 5:19 p.m. July 16, 2008

It is $3 for a FLAT of 24 bottles. Not $3 a bottle. I see that price in grocery ads all the time.

If you can't drop water or insect repellent off yourself in SLC, follow the website link at the end of the article and you can donate online whatever amount you'd like and even specify how you'd like it used. $10 is enough to purchase 72 bottles of water for people who need.

Name calling and flaming any group of people because you disagree with their beliefs- whether it be the homeless or talk-radio listeners- is distasteful. Let's get out of our own heads and do some good for others, shall we?

Rob | 6:11 p.m. July 16, 2008

One thing not talked about is many of the homeless men and women on the street are mentally ill. That is not something they did. Mentally ill people cannot usually take care of themselves properly. Many times they stop taking medicine when they feel fine and then spiral downward. They did not do anything wrong.

i-survived-roe-v-wade | 6:12 p.m. July 16, 2008

I have to work hard for what I have, which is not much. Why can't people put together effective programs to get these people off the street and STOP giving handouts? Giving can disable....

Utah Dem | 6:32 p.m. July 16, 2008

Does anyone know an estimated number of homeless in Salt Lake? And how much shelter space is in Salt Lake?

amazed in cche valley - several years ago my brother was living in his car in Salt Lake, when I found out I convinced him to move in with my family. Why don't you take care of your family member instead of not being able to imagine how they could live that way?

Phillip Hotchkiss | 6:51 p.m. July 16, 2008

What would Joseph teach us if he were still alive? His favorite song is one of mine. "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief", Hymn # 29. Please read the song. Helping out helps us out. One day we all might need a bit of help. Some did not chose to be there, circumstances brought them.

Chris Plummer | 7:01 p.m. July 16, 2008

Thanks for teh good words Dah, nice to see someone cares. The rest of this rubbish is what I expect to see when I read a Utah newspaper.

fine line | 7:02 p.m. July 16, 2008

last summer as i was leaving temple square a gentleman asked for a dollar which I didn't have. He then asked for a bottle of water which I was more than happy to give him as I was on my way home and had an extra. He was very appreciative. There was a couple that sat on the southwest corner of temple square, one morning on the way to the temple on a hot day I gave each of them a bottle of frozen water. They were grateful.

Today I will not give out any money and will tell the young where the next job fair is. They get ticked. I'm sorry but many of them are too clean to be claiming homeless. There is no reason why they can't get a job since they can spend close to 8 hours a day standing outside in the weather.

On the mentally ill- they would probably be in a home if the housing authority would stop putting illegals and immigrants into subsidized and section 8 housing. I know one person who was number one of the list for 18 months but the immigrants and illegals were taken care of first

Ask SLC mayor | 7:04 p.m. July 16, 2008

Lets ask old Rocky Anderson about donating BOTTLED water. Wasn't he the mayor that stopped the use in city meetings saying its bad for the enviroment. Why can;t they fill there own bottles with tap water at the homeless shelters, city parks, or any place with a public drinking fountin.

zoar | 9:01 p.m. July 16, 2008

ï¿½And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just--
But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.ï¿½ Mosiah 4:16-18

We should all take this to heart.

Jeff | 9:22 p.m. July 16, 2008

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY HOMELESS... all throughout Salt Lake? I moved here from D.C. where the homeless are kept AWAY from the main areas and are kept down in South East D.C. by the river. I move to SLC and they are EVERYWHERE. People always ask me in Utah, oh, how was D.C. and the homeless? I have to keep responding that, after living in D.C. for many years and going in many different areas for work and play, I rarely came across the homeless.

Why do we have so many in SLC? Why do they keep spreading throughout the other areas of downtown? Sorry, but it is a huge social problem. If we want to revitalize the Downtown with Downtown Rising, why don't we start with shaping up messy State Street and the downtown (esp. the LIBRARY for pete's sake).

volunteer | 10:42 p.m. July 16, 2008

First, I wonder how many of you have volunteered in the last two months at an area homeless shelter. There are significantly more newly homeless because of the economy. At the salvation army, they are the ones with a look of fear in their eyes--they and their families. You guys miss the point. Get off your high horse of saving the universe. Second, I believe the health department has something to say about handing out water that isn't sanitary. I know when I've volunteered, we can't refill a bottle brought in by a homeless person because of health code.
And last, remember that a non-profit, like VOA, does not pay sales tax. So, your money buys more water if you donate to the non-profit than if you buy from Costco yourself (and pay sales tax)

Wow | 11:18 p.m. July 16, 2008

I have honestly never seen such mean, judgmental rubbish in my life. At some point, some of you are going to be down on your luck or make a bad decisions. I hope you're blessed enough that someone will just love you and help you out.
Begrudging water has to be a new low.

agree with amazed in cche valley | 11:28 p.m. July 16, 2008

You can buy a bottle of water for cheap, it doesn't need to be the Figi brand at $3.00 a bottle.

And for those whining that they can't afford bottled water for themselves are full of it. If you can afford a computer and the internet to write your comments here, I'm sure you have one buck to spare.

Danny C. | 11:44 p.m. July 16, 2008

Just remember, it could be you someday.

Anonymous | 11:56 p.m. July 16, 2008

You can buy bottled water for less than 3 dollars at Ream's.

Public Places | 12:25 p.m. July 17, 2008

I work security at the Marriott Library on the U of U campus. We ALWAYS have homeless people who come in and use our facilities for the bathroom and water fountain. As long as they don't cause trouble, its all cool with me.

But giving them bottled water? Ok... how about one large bottle per person that they can refill? Why not just water bottles that they can fill up? I drink tap. I fill my used bottles with tap.

Ronnie | 12:27 p.m. July 17, 2008

If it's so cheap and you seem to have it so together. Go to Ream's, buy 100 cases of water and drop it off to the people helping. Then you can tell everyone what a great guy you are and maybe someday you won't be so sad and lonely.

Do something with your nasty self

Chris | 12:27 p.m. July 17, 2008

First off, what the heck Amazed in Cache? If my brother was homeless, I would do everything in my power,including using force to make him come live with me. If you can't be bothered to take care of your blood, why should I care about him? I work at the University library as security, last I checked, none of our homeless "patrons" are the least bit ashamed to take advantage of our resources. They get guest passes for our computers and look at porn, and they bring 40's (thats a large beer for all you Utahns) into the library. Yeah, they're real ashamed of going into public places. If they can bum change and smokes of folks, they should save their cigarette money for a day, and buy a gallon jug of water. Then they can fill that up, if they want, they can even use one of the water fountains at the library. They come up here and harass patrons anyway, they may as well get a drink. I would actually encourage them to use our water. I see plenty of U students, myself included, filling bottles at our fountains. God helps those who help themselves right?

Tina | 12:34 p.m. July 17, 2008

Filling your old bottles with water is bad for you, it breaks down the plastic. Also, how is a homeless person going to carry around with them gallons of water in this heat? Especially when you have the luxuy of cleaning them out.

GIVE MILLIONS OF BOTTLED WATER TO ANYONE WHO CAN'T AFFORD CLEAN WATER.

Liberal Fascist Motto | 2:43 p.m. July 17, 2008

Control every aspect of everyone's life to the exclusion of freedom of independent thought. A boot on the neck for eternity is not so bad, life is only about 50 years after all, expecially once population control is fully instituted.

Men must live free and many of the homeless choose to live that way because they are freeloaders, but no man is worthless. If so called liberals want to change the world then they should begin with themselves and not try to force others to live according to their twisted view of life.

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