The LBC Caller on Homelessness Who Left Listeners Livid
LBC listeners were furious with this caller after she said people shouldn't help the homeless because it's their own fault.
Karen said: "We don't want to see anybody cold and tired and hungry. But we need to address the underlying issue.
"A lot of these men and women are a quarter of my age and are begging for money.
"I get it every night when I get home and I have to cross the road because it drives me mad."
Another caller Ajay, who volunteers with the homeless, told her that it is only a minority of homeless people who are begging, but most are desperately in need of help.
But Karen responded: "I'm sorry, that is the issue. Get up and get a job.
"I've worked since I was 15. We're exhausted, but we have to keep going to pay for our debts. You have something called self-respect and you don't go in a doorway asking for money."
It got even angrier after that LBC listeners were furious.
What a horrible woman. Listen back to yourself Karen. @lbc @NickFerrariLBC
— sj (@SamJenner77) October 11, 2018
Ghastly Karen. I've volunteered at Crisis at Christmas - many homeless have severe mental health problems and would not be able to hold or keep a job. Could she not try a little empathy? It goes a long way.
— Joanna Hughes#FBPE#withEUinSpirit#DeeplyUnhelpful (@HugsJoJoJo) October 11, 2018
But she did receive some backing...
@LBC @NickFerrariLBC karen is so right we get beggers in holloway then u see them get they benefits and buy drugs off dealers i have witnessed this and the council and the police dont care.
— James Balchin (@b28f9218139f48f) October 11, 2018
Loved Karen can she become a regular
— Mary Bate (@MaryStaffaangel) October 11, 2018