Way to Russia Talk Lounge

robheb · Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:56 am Post subject: Homelessness in SPB?

Hello.

I am visiting SPB for just two days: 19 and 20 February. I have never traveled to Russia.

I am always interested in the homeless and/or disenfranchised populations of the places to which I travel. I communicate with them as much as language barriers allow and do what I can financially to make at least a few hours of their lives more pleasant.

Is there a gathering place of sorts that would be safe for an American to visit and meet some people I could assist with modest financial gifts? Women and children ideally. I am talking about gifts of $10 or $20 USD and I enjoy giving the money directly to the individuals.

I will be staying at the Angleterre. All input appreciated.

Thank you.

MikeFlorida · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 5:06 am Post subject:

Not to be rude but I think you will find few Russians will find your post offensive. I am American and I KNOW we give gifts to unfortunates(I do too) but you will find most Rfs dont take kindly to any suggestion that there are homeless people in their city. It is a throwback to pre glastnost times in my opinion when if you SAID something didnt exist..it OFFICIALLY didnt exist(get it?)My friends in SPB took a very dim view of beggers, the disabled AND handouts.

That said officials in SPB have more or less kept beggers away from tourist areas. In an entire summer I only found them at Alex Nevskogo Convent and in front of the bus stop area on Liteny north of Nevsky Pr. at a church whose name escapes me at the moment.

I was however approached by soldiers,,daily,,asking for money.keep in mind MANY workers and soldiers have not been paid in months...so even IF you give a gift, be discreet about it.

Vic · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:40 pm Post subject:

MikeFlorida · Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:06 pm Post subject:

I assure you they WERE soldiers. If you think everyone in RF is getting paid "on time" you are way out of touch..

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blaked · Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 12:37 am Post subject:

A great 10-20 dollar gift for a homeless Russian is a bag of heroin. These are generally easy to come by and can be exchanged for other useful things (televisions, clothing, sex) by people in need, who consider heroin part of their every day life. Clean needles are also available without a prescription, but gift wrapping is usually not available.

Vic · Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 9:32 pm Post subject:

I assure you that they were not soldiers on active duty. And you should get your facts straight if you think they were not getting paid on time! They GET PAID ON TIME but they don't get paid much. Different things. If you are talking about soldiers (serving their 2 years) asking for cigarettes, than you should be too worried Wink

Vic

nicmac · Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 4:12 pm Post subject:

Hi,
I found there were more beggars in Montreal and New York City, than St Petersburg. It is not for me to comment on the lack of sensitivity of your request, nor on how or why you do what you do with your "charity" .... but I would give the money to an orphanage or other similar organisation.