HOMELESS: Look out for fraud

I wasn’t going to write this letter, but after watching TV last night regarding the homeless taking advantage of the government system, I had the unfortunate situation of actually befriending one of these people.

“Hypothetical” situation and person: Let’s say I know of a person, an alcoholic, that lives in the same apartment complex as I do. The free programs he is receiving are:

• Rent (for two years)

• Food/Misc. assistance

• Furniture

• Utilities

• Free cell phone

• Dental work

• Health/Medical

And he even got his pet for free or at a very low cost. They even provided employment and a support group or whatever help you may need.

But there are rules to be followed such as not to have any homeless or any persons in the home at any time, go to the support groups, keep employed even if it’s part-time and improve your situation.

He has had several of his homeless friends stay with him at one time or another and he didn’t stay employed, even part-time (he says because he is an alcoholic).

As I was going into a store I noticed that this person was sitting outside on the sidewalk, with his pet, wearing an Army camo jacket, knapsack and cap that had the word “veteran” on them. I also noticed that he had a cardboard sign. There was a gentleman giving him money. As I was leaving the store, I went over to say hello. When I was walking up to him, he folded the sign and hid it behind him (I could only see a couple of s’s, could be homeless or assistance). We only live a short way away and on the way home I was growing angrier by the minute. This whole time I thought he was working somewhere.

*In the past I would ask him how he is doing and he would say that he made $50 in two hours! Better than working a job.*

I was outside shoveling snow when he walked by me. I told him that it was a disgrace and crappy to present himself as a veteran. He stated that he never did say that he was a veteran. Which he is not. I also told him that my father served in World War II and I told him I saw him hiding his sign. He said that it read, “Assistance Needed.” How much assistance does he need?

He walked to his apartment. I notified the programs and they said that nothing could be done.

So how does one report such fraud? Please make the public aware!

TANIA ROBERSON

Coeur d’Alene