Sign takes issue with homeless woman

The corner of Munchy Branch Road and Seaside Boulevard has become the scene of a showdown between a homeless woman and a group of residents who think she should get a job.

Since March, a woman who spoke on condition her name not be used, has stood a few hours a day at the corner, holding a sign and accepting donations from people who drive by. For the most part, she said, people are nice. They give her a little cash here and there; the back of her sign is dotted with phone numbers people have given her to call for help.

But on Aug. 25 she was met with a big yellow sign asking her to “Please move on” in bold letters. Yellow caution tape was placed around the area where she normally stands.

“Help wanted is everywhere. Also, if you need counseling to help you move on, there are plenty of places to go in your nice car,” the placard reads. It's signed by “Working Citizens of Rehoboth” who wish her good luck and God bless.

The group of unidentified members notes it wishes the local police would address panhandling at the corner.

The woman said she tore down the sign and the tape. Since then, she said, no one has reposted the sign, but someone did put more caution tape in the area.

On most days, she said, her boyfriend drops her off at the corner when he goes to work.

His work is sporadic, though, since he lost a construction job in Maryland last winter. Homeless, the two moved to the area. They lived in a tent for awhile, but when that was taken, she said, they moved into her 2002 Toyota Avalon.

“I don't want people to be mean and down on me,” she said. “I'll talk to anyone. All they have to do is ask.”

She said she doesn't beg for help, but gladly accepts whatever anyone offers. On a recent hot, muggy day, she graciously accepted a dollar from one car driving by, and gave a sweet smile and thank you to a woman who passed her a bottle of juice. “I can only stay out here for a couple of hours, and then I have to go somewhere and cool off,” she said.

Money helps pay for gas, food or cigarettes, she said.

She is hesitant to talk about herself but becomes more relaxed and amiable the more she does. She is optimistic about finding a job soon. She said she has applied for several jobs and is hoping one will pan out.

Finding affordable housing has been the hardest part for her and her boyfriend. “We're looking, but we haven't found anything yet,” she said.

Until then, she said, kind words and help from strangers have buoyed her spirits. Positive interactions far outweigh those who yell insults at her, she said.

“This is just a stepping stone until I can find something else,” she said.