Controversial Facebook Photo Sparks Debate Around New England’s Homeless Problem

Andrew LaVerdiere uploaded this photo of a homeless man at the Walmart in Brunswick, ME yesterday and it has already sparked a big debate.

One Facenook photo has perfectly captured the debate swirling around our nation's homelessness problem, and a lot of people are speaking out about it.

Andrew LaVerdiere posted the picture above on his Facebook page and it has already gotten over 13,000 shares in under 24 hours. The photo shows a homeless man with a sign asking for help outside of a Walmart in Brunswick, ME, joined by a man holding a sign that the store is hiring

His captions reads "Just saw this in front of the brunswick Walmart."

The picture has probably captured the public's attention because it perfectly showcases the homelessness debate. There is most certainly a problem and many are calling for support, but others insist that these people pick themselves up by their bootstraps and get jobs.

Maine and New Hampshire, much like the rest of the country, have a major problem with homelessness. There are already efforts to curb panhandling in New Hampshire, the most recent being the punishing of drivers who stop to give money or items.

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Do you know someone who needs help? You can find a list of homeless shelters in New Hampshire here, and New Hampshire Employment Security here.