I don't think this is a "Bricktown" specific problem. In fact, I'd say it's more of a citywide problem, particularly west downtown where many of the local homeless shelters and agencies are. I live in west downtown and know about the problems bandnerd and Midtowner mentioned. That whole intersection at Reno/Classen/Western is a nightmare. You can't go to any of the fast food restaurants or the Valero gas station without getting hit up at least one time every time you go there. Often, you'll get hit up multiple times. The same goes for the 7-11 at NW10th and Western although it's getting better there since the police like to hang out there alot. As many of you know and should know, the city has been working on plans to tackle the homelessness issue in OKC, and budgeted for the next Fiscal Year about 4 times more than normal to help with the problem.

I have to somewhat disagree with Midtowner's comments. This statement is pretty much U.S. specific. Just by living in the U.S. you're one of the wealthiest 2 percent of people in the world. We often take for granted that most of the world is living well below the U.S. standards of poverty and often don't know where there next meal, shelter, etc. is coming from. Look at many Asian and African countries as an example. But I do agree, there are too many agencies, and other public assistance, not to help one get back on their feet, but as Misty said, it's more of a simple solution. It's often a deeper issue at hand, addiction, mental illness, etc.

On the Bricktown note, I got hit up on Main street in a dark corner with my wife a few weeks ago after we ate at the Bricktown Brewery. He asked if he could have money to eat, etc. Honestly, I don't often carry cash in my wallet (many times for this reason since I get hit up living/working downtown daily), but I do offer to get them help and solve their real need. I offered him our leftovers from the Brewery and he gladly accepted. I let him walk off and went to my car and we got in. We waited a few minutes and drove in the direction he was walking off to. Sure enough he was vigorously eating the food and probably really needed it. It's people like this I don't mind helping. It's the scammers that do give the real homeless a bad rep. I've talked to several "homeless" downtown and offered to buy them lunch, once at the west downtown Taco Bell and the guy refused and refused, and then finally told me what combo meal and extras to order him. I said if you're hungry enough, I'll order you a few items but you can't demand all these things. He said okay, so I ordered and came out with his food. He was long gone a few blocks down the road. I said man why did you run off after hitting me up for food, money,etc. Anyhow I gave him the food and I ate it. I see this guy almost everyday. He won't be getting assistance from me again with that attitude.