Hi Marion:
As to the brother in the wheelchair:
That is a tough one. Most of the guys and gals who live on the street in the parts of New York that I frequent, know me, and I know them on a first name basis. Most of 'em call me Professor, though they know my name... Fact, once a new fellow on the street was hassling my wife. About six homeless neighbors surounded him and began yelling, "Hey! That's the professor's wife leave her alone..." One, Vinny (see Indian Musician in Hospital post, around Christmass last...) told him "You don't hav enough manners to live on the street..."
But that is it, it is all about manners back and forth. Some guys just can't be dealt with and you have to avoid 'em.
On the other hand, don't judge a guy without tallent as a Bum, it is just another derogitory term and it is sometimes applied to those of us who busk by those who don't know how hard we work.
Way I'd go about it is, introduce yer self to the guy, if he is a smoker, give him a fag. If not, some nutural thing, NEVER money, never booze. He may or may not give you his name, but always treat him like the a nieghbor, and be frank. Once you have gotten to talk to him, tell him his "act" is bad for buisness, and ask him if he has an idea how you both could get by. If you start right off, and tell him it is your spot you got there first, well, expect a lot of four letter responces.
Good luck, keep on keeping on...
Larry