Indigent.
Homeless.
These are the words to describe an expat that I got an email about. The American Expat no longer has a place to live. He no longer has money for food. He has been scammed. He has been ripped off. He made a lot of mistakes. But, even though he should have learned his lesson by now, he continues to make the same mistakes.
Last week I got an email from a LiP Reader, and he was asking me how he can help this indigent expat. I hear about these cases all the time, at least every week, sometimes every day. But, can you help people like this? Should you help? In some cases, these guys will only take your money that you are offering to help and go out and spend it on more booze and women. You would think that they would have learned by the time they are in this condition, but I find that few have learned a thing.
Watch my LiPCast today and see what you think about helping an indigent, homeless expat.
Spot on, Bob. Experience is the best teacher in these instances.
Too, the Bureau of Immigration would be more than happy to help through deportation and black listing.
It may sound “uncaring,” but one cannot successfully care for a person who doesn’t care for him/herself.
Hi Paul. I think, actually, it is more caring to not give a guy like this money. Giving money only perpetuates his suffering, especially since he has already displayed that he will only use the money to further his problems.
Hi Bob,
I guess it must be the worst predicament on this planet a person could find themselves in.
But which are the genuine cases and who will go to the nearest bar, too hard to tell. So what do you do, give P50 and get away from him as quickly as possible? or offer to buy him a meal? there are certainly no shortage of con artists around.
What you say in your video is exactly to way it should be done, I couldn’t agree more.
Regards
Jack
This guy was given P60k by one fellow that I know, and he squandered it. So, for this guy, there is no question. But, yeah, you just don’t know for sure on others.
An expat who is indigent should not be here, period. He should go to the embassy and ask for help to get home. God knows, there are already enough poor Filipinos here in need of help who, unlike the expat, may have no other options.
I totally agree. The embassy won’t always help, but often the will. It is always worth a try.
Hi Bob,
I agree with you. Good advice!
Peace
Jay
Bob;
I would offer a ride to the US Embassy in Manila, if he refuses that he really doesn’t want help. I would bid him a fond goodbye and finish living my life without him in it. .
Sounds like a plan, Paul!
Absolutely correct Bob. My late wife used to work at our parish rectory. The parish bought scrip that could only be used at local businesses, the gas station, a restaurant, etc. At least once a day someone would come to the rectory door asking for money and then they would angrily walk away w/o the scrip. The just wanted the money to feed their current bad habit of the day.
You cannot help these people. At least on a one to one basis you just do not have the ability to help. They need professional help, but only when they realize they need that kind of help.