What is your reaction to panhandlers?

[SpeedRacer 1]

I used to live in a kinda crappy neighborhood in southeast Baltimore. But it was right next to Fells Point, so on the weekends all the college kids would drive down there to party & barhop.

There were always these panhandlers that would hang around down there, always saying, "spare some change for the homeless?" to these middle class college kids.

Another group would position themselves on either end of the Inner Harbor footbridges, so they could hit up the yuppies who parked in those parking lots & walked across those bridges to get to the business district. I figure if these guys averaged 5 cents per person (ie 5 people walk over the bridge, one guy hands 'em a quarter) they could probably get about 60 bucks a day just from rush hour foot traffic going over those bridges.

As it turns out, most of these people are not homeless. They lived in either the projects or cheap apartments nearby. The local police actually have videos of these guys leaving their homes in the morning, going out to their cars to get blankets (so it'll look like they slept on the streets) andthen walking over to Broadway to start panhandling.

Another bunch has started this thing where they walk around with a clipboard (so it'll look official) & claim that they're collecting money for a woman whose 5-year-old daughter was killed in the crossfire between warring drug dealers. Problem is, they never change their story (they say it happened "6 weeks ago", but then I went back there 2 years later and they were using the same line).

So anyway, I think it is wrong to become bitter or cynical about this, but I think it is also wrong to deal with problems like poverty & homelessness by just handing out money to anyone who randomly asks for it. I give money to the St. Vincent de Paul society, which runs shelters & kitchens, but I do not hand out $ on the street. I think if you do, chances are, you are only feeding someone's addiction, or you're just paying them to stay right where they are.

How do you deal with panhandlers?

Speed Racer
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[sinker 0]

my wife and I would keep food in the car, like granola bars and the like and offer them to the panhandlers... some gratefully accepted, others rejected... the rejectors I think were more in it for the cash to maybe supply an addiction or whatever.

I read of someone recently who took the tact that he'd rather always give $ if he had it for fear that he might miss the one person who might REALLY need it...

-the artist formerly known as sinker

[Muenkel 0]

Spending so much time in NYC growing up, I learned to not even make eye contact with them and keep walking. I always felt guilty about that, because I have been given so much in life and never experienced what it was like to not have food on my table.

So, instead when I became an adult I have given to multiple charities that I know are reputable such as the St. Vincent dePaul's society. I have also given randomly. Hearing of a family who couldn't make a mortgage payment one month, I've taken care of it. Just a few months ago, there was a woman on line in the supermarket who did not have enough food stamps to cover her groceries, so I took care of the balance. Atleast in these two examples I knew they went to a true need, rather than feed someone's addiction. There's always charity that can be done, but you have to be prudent.

One of my favorite things to do, which actually is probably evil, is feed a parking meter just before it expires and the meter maid is about to write the ticket. I know it completely pisses them off, but who knows...maybe the violater was delayed in the market paying for someone's groceries.

I do always say a prayer for the panhandlers though.

Chris

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Chris

[TitaniumLegs 8]

I used to carry McDonald's gift certificates just for the purpose. They're pretty hard to use for anything other than McD's. That practice stopped when I got food poisoning from the local McD's and because I ran out.

I stopped handing out anything to the "homeless" because as has been pointed out, they often aren't. There is always work to be had. It's just a matter of what you're willing to do, and what you've made yourself qualified to do.

I now give a lot more to registered charities, and I do it through their web sites or through acquaintances doing whatever-a-thons.

I remember all the delinquents in high school who thought it more important to work on their car or smoke pot than go to class or even show up for tests. Now these are some of the people who want me to give them handouts, either in the street or through welfare. Sorry. You made your bed, you sleep in it.

(>o|-<

If you don't believe me, ask me.

[MC208B 0]

I usually ignore them. Gave some really old guy a buck yesterday, hope it helped him

[wmw999 2,534]

Probably 9 times out of 10 I go past (of course, I often am driving past, so it doesn't matter). Street performers, no matter how often, I very regularly give to. They're working for it.

Every now and then I get a feeling that it's time to give to a particular person, and I do.

Another good organization is America's Second Harvest; they coordinate a lot of the food pantries across the country.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[jfields 0]

I've seen and heard too many stories like what SpeedRacer described to give money out. Also, I don't want to reward that behavior, as it isn't really helping towards any long-term solution for the individual.

I do give to charities that help the poor/homeless and volunteer some of my time to a local soup kitchen (DC's "So Others Might Eat"), which does a good job of getting food and shelter to those that need it without contributing to their problems, like giving them cash would.

What really annoys me is supposedly reputable organizations that train people to be panhandlers. For example, local schools trying to raise money for some trip or program by sending kids out with cups and signs. I find it incredibly irritating. Is that what we want to teach in school? How about holding a bake sale, a car wash, or selling overpriced pizzas or something. At least there, they can offer a product or service of value and receive payment for it. I will never give to "organizational panhandlers". Personal pet peeve of mine.

[Harksaw 0]

I have a hard time believing that they can't find work anywhere. Good work, yes, can be hard to find. But I think that anyone working for a supermarket that's begging for employees would make more money than panhandling.

I also see people from Mexico pay lots of money to come to America and live in overcrowded houses and work in lawn care and construction harder than anyone I've seen so they can send money back to their families. (Yes, they're here working legally.) If they can do it, I dont see why able bodied people already here can't do it.

The problem in my opinion, is that many (most?) homeless people are mentally ill. I have donated many volunteer hours helping homeless organizations, as I have met some of the people in these programs and they are typically laid off from their jobs and needing temporary help. I have no problem giving a hand out to people trying to help themselves. But I dont think that donating to panhandlers helps anyone.

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I started skydiving for the money and the chicks. Oh, wait.

[Marz 0]

Quote

I remember all the delinquents in high school who thought it more important to work on their car or smoke pot than go to class or even show up for tests. Now these are some of the people who want me to give them handouts, either in the street or through welfare. Sorry. You made your bed, you sleep in it.

OUCH!!!!! Pretty broad generalization there!!!!!

I happened to be one of those delinquents in High School. I had a juvenile record a mile long for truancy, possession and theft, but I got my act together at 18, and now I make a better salary than alot of people I knew that were on the honor roll! Keep in mind that Bill Gates is a college drop-out!

Marz

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Did I just kill another thread?

[AndyMan 7]

I live a few blocks from Union Station in Chicago. I used to always walk to work, but now I walk through downtown at least twice a day for other reasons. I get asked for change about 6 times a day, More when I walk to work.

I will not, do not, and have not given change to homeless people. The last time I saw someone actually give change, it was a couple of high school girls right out side the train station. A local cop observed the transaction, walked over, put his hand into the "homeless" guys back pocket, and pulled out 3 rocks of crack. He told the girls "this is what you're paying for". I was amazed that the cop was that confident, he didn't have any doubt the guy was using the money for drugs, it just took him a few moments to figure out where he was hiding the drugs.

I do live by the train station, and people asking for help getting home comes with the teritory. While I'm completely unwilling to help street people looking for a handout, I am very willing to help people get home.

Usually those looking for help getting home need a few bucks for commuter rail, I'll hand that over pretty quickly. I once bought a ticket to Cleveland for a guy, tho... Fortunately that doesn't happen too often.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[turtlespeed 226]

I did a search for it, but could not find the article. So I have no back up for this.

Anyway, in Miami, they did an investigative story. They followed a "street Beggar" and watched him throughout the day. A the end of the day he got into his almost new car, and drove home to his 90 thousand dollar house. Where his wife had just returned from work in her late model BMW 325i. He changed and actually gave an interview and said that he usually made about 50 to 60 thousand dollars per year doing this.

Again, I'm not sure when this story was published, I am sure it is true, but I cannot provide proof. I just remember reading it and discussing it when I llived in Miami...so it would have been in the early 90's.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Marz 0]

Talk to any street performer... Believe me, performing on the street can be a pretty good living!!!! It put me through college!

[Vallerina 2]

Most of the time, I won't give money or food to homeless people. If I have an extra yogurt or cereal bar, I'll hand it out. There are a few homeless people that I do give my spare change to occassionally. One of them is Leon. It seems like everyone knows Leon. The cops that direct traffic know him. People that walk on by know him. I've chatted with him several times, and his attitude on life is incredible. He's told me about how lucky he was to get into the homeless shelter for a few freezing nights last winter. He loves beautiful mornings in Chicago. He still loves life, and I am amazed by that, because I'm not sure if I would have that same enthusiasm if I were in his shoes.

The other homeless guy that I like makes a new sign everyday. They're always political, and they're usually pretty funny. One sign basically said that Bush should give him money and not spend it on a war. I had to agree with that, so I gave him some change.

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning

[wildblue 7]

Don't forget stealing silverware from the hotel so the homeless guy could eat your leftover dinner! You're a regular Robin Hood!

I usually won't give them money - unless they're pretty convincing with their story. If they're close to a resturant, I will ask them if they want a sandwich. I usually don't buy the 'need money to get home' bit. I heard that from one guy - something about his friend who drove a truck dropped him off and his keys were locked in his car, and he needed a ride or money for a cab to his house, etc etc etc... pretty elaborate story, very believeable - until I heard the exact same story from the guy over a year later.

it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality

[PhillyKev 0]

I ignore them. I donate food, money and time to the local food bank.

Usually, don't feel too bad becuase most of them are obviously crack heads or con artists. But some of them, I feel bad for. For instance one guy who obviously is slow and claims to be a vietnam vet. He's a nice guy. I usually give him directions to the food bank, but I'm not sure if he understands them. I'll occasionally buy him a sandwich.

[andy2 0]

who cares what they do as long as they dont hurt anybody. I like to give them any food that I have on me whenever Im carrying something (like a nutrigrain bar, or power bar, or a sandwhich, etc etc). Other than that I won't give strangers money who I have no idea what theyre going to use it for.

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let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[goose491 0]

Quote

Talk to any street performer... Believe me, performing on the street can be a pretty good living!!!! It put me through college!

Spent a month and a half in Japan with my martial arts instructor... Hmm, things were a little more expensive than anticipated (I was 14). Played a little guitar on the Subway and wondered why we didn't just quit our jobs lol.

Most of the time, I walk on by. I live right near the T dot and spend a lot of time there obviously. Personnaly, I feel like dropping a quarter here and there is just pointless. From time to time, a 'homeless' will catch my attention. He/she will speak to me. Sometimes, I feel compelled and leave them with ten or twenty bucks. I have to feel in my heart that the money will go to good use. I tend to try and do it unnoticed... truthfully, I feel guilty even typing it here (must be a catholic thing lol). I've often given out food or articles of clothing.

As a kid, I'd look away from the 'bums'... especially the ranting ones. Now, when I'm walking along, I'll often stop for the 'rantings' If I'm entertained, I give. I never pay sgeedgy (sp?) kids though...

My Karma ran over my Dogma!!!

[chuteless 1]

Last week, a person ignored a panhandler, and was stabbed in the back.Torontio the good?

If you want to see poverty that really deserves a handout, you'll find it in Quito Ecuador.

I was walking there with my army escort, and an old woman in rags said something to me in Spanish. The soldier made threatening sounds and we walked past her for about 30 feet, and I told the soldier in my little bit of Spanish" 1 moment senor" and I walked back to the woman and handed her a roll of Ecuadorian money. I dont know how much was in it, because I wasnt familiar with the currency.

The soldier got peeved with me, and asked me why I did it.

I told him God had blessed me with the job of training their Special Forces, so I was just passing some of it on.

He shook his head...either in disbelief...or disgust.

[TheAnvil 0]

Depends on the city and what they're doing. In Memphis, where FedEx is ALWAYS hiring, I don't give them anything. I usually got called a racist for not doing so, and chuckled my ass off.

Most of the time I'll throw some change their way if they're not being obnoxious.

I give to charities regularly, so I don't feel badly when I don't.

Vinny the Anvil
Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL
JACKASS POWER!!!!!!

[Designer 0]

Ignore them!

[whocares 0]

I am from Chicago also. I asked my father this question some 28 when I was a kid going to work with him for the day.

The bums where everywhere. Pops told me straight out if someone is just asking for a hand out keep on walking, if someone is playing an instrument
or juggling, doing something productive then flip a few coins.

I have done this for 35 years now...

[AnnieB 0]

I don't normally give to the people on the street. My husband and I give regularly to charities. BUt every once-in-awhile I feel the need to give a couple of $$'s here or there.

My husband, who is pretty outspoken on his views of panhandlers, surprised the heck out of me a couple of weeks ago. We were traveling over to Marina and had stopped for gas, a man approached Tom for a donation for gas and Tom gave him a few dollars. When I asked him about it later, he said that he just felt that the man was being honest, that the man appeared embarassed to be asking, not a usual demeanor from the panhandlers we've seen around Fresno.

Annie

A sweet sound descends
Through blue skies and clouds above
Whispering my name

[Michele 1]

There is a lady I've walked by.

She lives with her suitcases on a folding chair under a tree, with her shopping cart next to her. She wears dresses exclusively. They are not new dresses, or even clean, really, but there is an air of former class in their cut and style.

She sits there, day in and day out, through the 104 degree heat, the cold chilly mornings. She sits there, watching the cars go by. Watching the people walk past. Watching the world revolve. The tree she sits under isn't very big. Occasionally, I will see her fanning herself, creating a small breeze, designed to cool herself in the brutal summer day. I have never seen water or food with her.

I wonder, what does she see? What does she think? Why does she sit, day after day, and what led her to the street in Burbank? What is her story?

One day, I walked past her. A tired look in her eyes, she nodded and smiled at me. I said "good morning", and she replied "good morning, Miss". Nothing else was said. Dignity rolled off her, and, once past, I stopped and turned to look. She was watching the street again, as if I were a ghost. Or as if she was.

She was, in manner and person, unobstrusive. She was quiet in herself. She was trying, as best she could, to survive the day unnoticed. She is a large woman, but in her presentation to the world, it was easy to not see her, to register her only on the level of awareness on which the trees live...as a fixture, as an "unseen", someone who didn't count.

Except - she does count. She has a heart, a soul. A mind, a heart. She has needs and wants - even if they are so small as to be insignificant to me, they are hers, and all she has. And she sits there. Waiting. For something, I know not what, nor whom, but she is waiting...

And on this day, the day I walked past, I brought back more than I had intended. I gave her two sandwiches, and a large soda. I brought them back, and, as she refused to meet my eyes, and as she had not asked for anything, I set them on the concrete next to her chair. Not saying anything, I walked home.

Several hours later, I drove past her. She had moved her chair into the shade of the tiny tree, and was eating.

I was pleased. The ghost lady, at least for one day, was seen, noticed, and cared for.

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[Jib 0]

I gave a guy $2 for a couple hotdogs from a street vendor 30' away. He walked across the street and bought some crack. So, now, I don't give them anything unless I happen to have some food on me.

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[mcrocker 0]

If they are disabled/semi-disabled, old enough to be vietnam vet. I give them $5-$10 and thank them for everything they have done for this country. If they are young enough to get a job I ignore them. I have offered jobs to young homeless people but they never show up for the interview. I'm not going to work extra hours so they don't have to. If they have a closing pin necklace I take them to the nearest DZ and buy them a jump ticket.