there's no point, since 75% of them are crazy and unable to use modern day technology while the other 25 are just too lazy, spending their days lounging, begging for money, and smoking
It's a common misconception that all homeless people are crazy and or lazy. Some have just had bad luck in life and have landed in the homeless catagory. And it's not that hard to check your voice mail and use a phone........ A great step forward for Google and the city of San Fransisco.
I dont see how having cellphones can get them back on their feet. Wouldnt it be better to offer them a job as janitor or something would be more helpful ?
The world is dependent on communication. They can apply for a job, but never get feedback since they don't have a way of keeping in touch with employers. This project gives them the ability to communicate with others and possibly get back on their feet if they are willing. Think about how many times you need to use a phone or an email address. Homeless people don't have either of these.
hahaha! i live in SF and maybe i'll keep an eye on those homeless people. i might even find some of them with cell phones! whose numbers would they have though? maybe some other homeless people at other places around the city and talking about where a safe and good place to sleep is. At least Google is giving them a chance to get their life back together.
i agree with khaotic, this is a brilliant idea and ye tbh very few homeless ppl are actually crazy. most of them have either ran away from home at a young age or just in a crisis. u get some ex-lawyers who are homeless sometimes. though those ppl usually get back on their feet after a short while anyway. i like this idea. i wonder if they get free mobile phone then with infinite credit. that would just be marvellous.
@khaotic I agree. There are many circumstances that contribute to a person becoming homeless. People shouldn't allow themselves to be confined by stereotypes and generalizations but instead broaden their perception of not just the world but the very society they live in. Kudos to the owners of Google for helping the fellow man and women. This strategy helps those that helps themselves rather than helping those that don't want to help themselves. Good idea.
A person that helps him/herself is a person that works for what he/she has/had rather than waits for hand outs.
Hmmm ... what will these homeless be putting on the voicemail -devil "I'm not home, please leave your message after the beep" -bigsmiles-bigsmiles-bigsmiles
this is a great idea. much props to the thinkers at Google. i think the momentual effect to the homeless community would not only be in the encouragement to more finanically-stable; but allow many of them to seek emotional comfort from friends and family that they have lost touch with over the years.
It's like the old saying, "Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach him to fish and he'll eat for the rest of his life.". However, I don't see how giving the homeless free voice mail would help but who am I to question google?
