Number 2 in my multipart series, Things for Suckers.
Anyone that gives money to the the United Homeless Organization, or UHO, is an utter chump. I’ve always suspected that it was just a scam run by a bunch of homeless people to get you to give them money. Today, I did some surfing around on the internet and found out I was right.
Basically it works like this: A suspicious individual sits at a table with a water jug with the letters “UHO” on it and begs you to spare a dime, a nickle, EVEN A PENNY! to help the homeless.
So you reach for some loose change, but what you should realize unless you are a complete sucker is that any fool with a water jug could do this, and that your money is not going to help the homeless, but this homeless guy right here. If you really want to help the homeless, try donating to a reputable charity. According to the NY Post, (alt link) 80% of the money goes directly to the guy who is aggressively bellowing at you. Its nothing more than organized panhandling. You have to feel sorry for the homeless people involved in this scam, but the shame goes to the UHO itself, for profiting off of the panhandling of its “employees.” It is a complete racket, and smacks of a pyramid scheme. Someone should investigate their finances.
You are absolutely correct. UHO is a scam. You can obtain their IRS forms from http://www.guidestar.org. They take in revenues in the form of fees, essentially, for letting panhandlers use their name, and they have expenses, i.e., Stephen Riley’s vehicles, Stephen Riley’s computer, Stephen Riley’s phone, etc. But they don’t have any program expenses because…they don’t have any programs! Kind of odd for a charity, don’t you think?
UHO is not a scam… I have worked in the program.. It provides emergency monies for people living on the streets and for formerly homeless person to advocate for the homeless. Unless you have been homeless yourself it is very hard to grasp the concept. So as a homeless person I feel great when I am able to buy something to eat, take a shower, buy my personals soap, toothpaste and clean undergarments And also talk to and help another homeless person. It is more than money in a waterjug its outreach to those who can’t help themselves.
. this program has provided me with valuable information to better myself. There are thousads of homelss persons that dont receive traditional social services. This program
yah, so basically you are agreeing that you as a worker keep most of the money and the UHO actually gets a tiny percentage (which probably covers only overhead (i.e. salaries of people who don’t do shit)) which little of, if any, goes to homeless people. The key is that you’re not helping “the homeless,” just the homeless guy yelling on the street. its a deceptive practice, and therefore a scam.
UHO is a total scam.
I always suspected UHO of being a scam. Thanks for confirming it. My first hints were when the website didn’t work and the poor quality/consistency of the set up they have on the streets.