Panhandling

[sweeps]

Does anyone here give to panhandlers? Every day I have to walk around these same 5-10 panhandlers on my walk from the commuter train to the office. It's amazing to me how many people give money to these guys. They have to be pulling in decent money. Not to mention tax-free.

Don't get me wrong -- I know there are needy people out there, and I donate my time and money to various organizations to help. But these guys aren't mentally or physically disabled. They obviously have the ability to stay "on the job" all day every day from morning to night.

I guess I'd like to open a discussion as to why people give money to panhandlers. It just encourages them to keep standing in your way and laying on the guilt. Plus if you donate to the United Way, a shelter, a food pantry, etc., these guys are likely double-dipping. Please help me understand.

[Snoopy2645]

Re: Panhandling

Well I have only seen panhandlers once in my life it was in NYC & I was 16 I really didnt have anything to give them but I remember my dad giving to some if we asked for directions they gave us the directions my dad would give them some money.

I did have an opinion on these people but I guess until we have walked in thier shoes I hate to judge now. I used to be quick to judge everyone who came my way but now my thoughts have changed as I have gotten older & had more experiences I know not every situation can possibly be the same.

[marglo]

Re: Panhandling

This seems to be a part of life any more at least on the west coast. We see them often both here at home and when traveling.

Sometimes I give, sometimes I don't. I try not to judge them but at the same time there are some that I am more likely to give to so I guess I do in a way. I don't like it if they get pushy which has happened a time or two in Berkeley, CA.

I have to admit I am more likely to give to the older or disabled, but I will also give to young seemingly healthy people who ask if I have some cash which is not often. I guess it depends to some extent on my mood, how much I feel I can spare and also how they act. If they are polite etc, and not just calling out, hey lady, got some change etc. I have seen young people curse someone who gave them money because some coins fell on the ground! I would not give to someone who acted like that.

I am sure at times that my money is likely to go for alcohol or drugs but I figure that is not my responsibility ...my part is to give not worry about where it is going. There have been times when I have been asked for money to buy something in a store (in one instance it was a drugstore and I think he wanted to buy something like toothpaste), so instead of giving him the money I went into the store and bought it for him.
Most of the time I just give them money though.

[meaghanchan]

Re: Panhandling

I don't give to panhandlers, as a rule. As many as there are who legitimately need the money to eat, there are just as many who have drug or alcohol problems. It's better to give money to a cause where you know where it's going, whether it's a soup kitchen or the United Way, Salvation Army or Red Cross. I feel more confident that it's not being spent on alcohol or illegal drugs.

[Miz Pat]

Re: Panhandling

I give to the ones that seem to truly be unemployed. There but for the Grace of God go I.

[jmjj215]

Re: Panhandling

I put my family in serious danger helping a panhandler and vowed from that day forward I would be charitable in other ways.

[shengmei]

Re: Panhandling

My fiance once tried to give money to a panhandler. He took out all the money from his wallet (he had just taken out $200 from the bank). The guy grabbed all the money and run.

Three months later, we saw the guy getting arrested (robbery?).

DO NOT DO IT. We had to eat ramen for a month.

[barbara L]

Re: Panhandling

I give to them if I have change. I've even talked to a few. I had one tell me he was an alcoholic and was looking for his next drink. Another told me he had cancer and was being treated at the county hospital. His was a mess. I give him change every time I see him. One was a foster kid who aged out.

I'm not really religious, but sometimes I ask myself it is a test. I mean what if when I walk or drive passed that man or women, he/she will be with St Peter at the gate? What if they were sent to to teach me mercy? Hopefully I've lived righteously enough to get to heaven, but it wouldn't hurt to have a few golden stars next to my name.

[baselle]

Re: Panhandling

Our here in Seattle we have panhandlers who sell Real Change newspapers. I buy a paper from them if I can see their badge. Otherwise, it depends on whether I have change specifically in my pocket and what I see.

[Tree0164]

Re: Panhandling

I worked in Boston for over 10 years. I didn't give to them. I chose to donate my time and money in other ways.

[CheaplyClever]

Re: Panhandling

I give to the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels. As a general rule I stay away from panhandlers. I do have two quick stories:

About 5 years ago I saw a guy at a Florida beach with a sign that said, "I won't lie I want money for a beer" I gave him $5.00. I liked his humor and honesty.

A man was holding a "Homeless-Need-Work or Food" sign and my dad stopped and talked to the guy. Told him he needed an immediate helper for a fairly simple job that would take about 4 hours. He offered the guy $250 cash and a meal. The man refused.

[Fern]

Re: Panhandling

"But these guys aren't mentally or physically disabled. They obviously have the ability to stay "on the job" all day every day from morning to night."

Unless you had an extended conversation with them, how would you know they weren't mentally disabled? And there are many physical disabilities that cannot be casually detected. MS comes to mind.

That being said, i don't give to panhandlers, for all the reasons stated above.

[Dingoluv4eva]

Re: Panhandling

I guess its a better paying career move, than working minimum wage at some convinience store..

these guys work on commision.
u got good people skills. but no degree, a criminal record, and a bad habit.

become a panhandler.

6.75! an hour.. they'd laugh at you.. give me a buck, give me a buck, give me a buck.. some of these guys on bar and club nights prolly pull in 20 an hour. "give me some change, u know u'll get lucky" "lovely lady u got there man, give me some change, c'mon impress the girl with your generosity"

"I like that shirt!" "u see i'm your only true friend here, now give me some loot!" LOL

hell some drunk might even give them a ten instead of a 1 didnt even know.

[sweeps]

Re: Panhandling

Unless you had an extended conversation with them, how would you know they weren't mentally disabled? And there are many physical disabilities that cannot be casually detected. MS comes to mind.

I guess we could argue about what constitutes a disability. Anyone that can stand outside from 6am to 6pm every single day and convince hundreds of people to hand over their hard-earned money has the "ability" to work for a living.

[cicy33]

Re: Panhandling

When we lived in New Mexico the first thing the army does is has a briefing with all the new families that move there to tell them not to do it cuz most of these people make more than you do. I have a habit of looking at their shoes and clothes. I find it amazing that someone who is begging for money can afford brand new nikes. Of course maybe he was given them. I have been in and am in stressed financial situations. But I would not allow our home to be taken away from us. give me a break, if you know and you do, that you are getting so seriously behind that you are in trouble, GO TO MCDONALDS AND GET A JOB, at least it will hold you until you get back out of the hole. I really don't think anybody wakes up one day and has no home, job, or food. That is a process. and no matter what my children will not go hungry, I am not to good to work for mcdonalds. I did it before. I don't mean to be heartless toward the homeless but unless you are handicapped or disabled in some way you can work. somewhere. there are always jobs.