Store Clerk Speaks out on Helping the Homeless
By: Kristin Anderson
Updated: January 7, 2013
"It's like a bar tender kind of thing. Because so many people come in and tell us their life story," said a convenience store clerk, who wishes to remain anonymous.
In fact, this convenience store clerk has formed many friendships with the homeless people in Abilene. And like many on South First, she tries to help out as much as she can.
"I think the acceptance of them and everything is because we see them every day and we hear them speak," she explained. "Honestly, when you hear someone speak, you have emotion."
She's been working at the local store for a year. And in that time, her perception of homeless people has changed.
"Now that I'm at a convenience store, I'm noticing that. I've noticed that if i see them on the street I'll say 'How are you doing?'" she said.
But she also experiences how other people treat the homeless. Including this weekend, when a cab company refused to pick up a man in a wheel chair just because he was homeless.
"I was like, it's cold outside. It's a Saturday night and it's busy and he's in a wheelchair wearing dark clothing. I don't want to have him, have what happened to Tina Brown happen to him. And he blatantly said it. He goes, 'I don't care. It's not my problem, I could care less.' And then hung up," the store clerk explained.
While the cab company has the right to refuse service, the store clerk says that everyone should remember that just because some people are homeless doesn't mean they should be treated differently.
"They're human beings," she explained. "They're human beings just like your mom, your dad, your sister or your brother. Why would you treat them differently?"


