Female considering panhandling for the 1st time
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Hey there, throwaway account, cuz, obviously. Anyhow, I'm a female, late 40s, applying for disability (3 years now) & am literally destitute at this point. I have an old camper, no gas to even start it, no AC, no propane or fridge, essentially just a shell now sitting in a parking lot. I'm running out of time before they try to come and tow it if I don't "get it out of here soon!". I'm utilizing every resource locally, even have some family locally, but still nothing. Even when they were willing to do something it was always "just enough" to get me thru whatever was happening in the moment. (Kinda feels like prolonging the inevitable actually). I'm needing surgery to fuse my neck which I'm in the process of getting lined up with a surgeon, it just takes forever with Medicaid. So, I can't work, I have kept trying, that's part of my neck issue actually.
Anyhow, I'm realizing that I've gotta do something! I'm seriously considering holding a sign at the side of the road at this point.
However, I've got some things holding me back from actually doing it. So I thought I'd come here to see if others have any insight or suggestions, or....... Should I even try this?
Pride? I'm humiliated. What if I see someone I know? Smaller town type of vibe.
I don't "look" old or disabled. Even Drs keep saying, "but you look so fit". If my looks could earn me money, I wouldn't be here.
Do I stand there, looking sad, do I just wave and smile? I see a lady around town that does it and gives out flowers, I have no idea how she can afford that!
Should I put my cash app handle on the sign too, or is this frowned upon?
I know I'm technically going to be begging, so maybe I shouldn't even bother with worrying about these things. But, not worrying about them, makes me worry even more just in a different way all together!
Anyhow, I've been thinking about this heavily lately and decided to bite the bullet and ask y'all what you think?
TIA for any help or to gimme that push! 👍