NEEDCOM: FOCUS GROUP: Workaholic

NEEDCOM:

Some people say panhandling is not work, it's lazy, and people just do it because they don't want to get a job.

ROBERT G:

First of all, I disagree with that. The reason I disagree with that ... In order for me to get a job, I have to have a place to live. And if I don't have a place to live, I have to get some type of assistance, even if it's only temporary. How am I gonna get a job if I have no place to live? And in order for me to have a place to live, I have to have some type of income. In order for me to have some type of income ...

I'm not talking about welfare for the rest of my life. I'm talking about temporary assistance so I can get a place and go LOOK for a job.

There are a lot of people that just panhandle because they don't really want to work. If I can find a place to live, and get myself together—I mean as far as being able to take a shower every day, 'cause you got to keep your physical appearance up when you go to work. But as far as working, if I ever do get myself together, I'll guarantee it. When I work, I become a workaholic. I'll out-work anybody in NYC, whether it's sweeping sidewalks or working in a restaurant.

People seeing us and think we're doing this cause we want to. Now I'm getting all emotional. That's one question that really hurts me. "The only reason them bums are out there on the street is because they don't want to work." Well, give me a job. If somebody came up here now and said, "You can report to my office at 8:00 tomorrow morning and I'll give you a job," I'd be there at 7:00 when the doors open.

NEEDCOM:

To me, it seems like panhandling is not easy.

ROBERT G:

You know what it is, Honey? It's survival. I'd rather do this than rob or hurt people, or steal from people.