Do you give money to panhandlers?
32%
Yes
68%
No
WINNER
32%
Yes
68%
No
Just giving money is not truly helpful. If you want to give them a sandwich or a cup of coffee or a warm coat on the other hand . . .
Reply ReplyTried that once and he spat on the sidewalk and walked away. THAT is why I NEVER try anymore and just donate clothes, etc.
No, they can get a job. If they can run to your window for change, they can run to a grill and flip a burger.
Reply ReplyNo! I am a firm believer in Darwin's theory of evolution. The weak fall apart and will drag us down if encouraged to continue on.
Reply ReplyI feel they don't put it to good use, more often than not. I would rather give money to someone whom I know needs help but doesn't ask.
Reply ReplyI also believe many of the panhandlers misspend the money. Instead I have given money to the breakfast place I frequent to be used for some of their customers they know live on the streets
Reply ReplyI give through reputable charities. I don't think that person with the sign is anything more than a panhandler. I have seen too many of them drive up to their 'post' in late model expensive cars.
Reply ReplyMost of the panhandlers are there because they WANT to be on the streets. There are charities that will help folks who don't want to be on the streets.
Reply ReplyHomeless causes: losing a job during a recession, bankrupt due to medical expenses, husband leaves wife & kids. Show me 5 people who have chosen to be homeless. I've been close more than once.
Since the pan handlers want handouts and not a hand up (help), no. I do however regularly give to my local food bank. I prefer to support families who've fallen on hard times rather than the drug and alcohol addicted street junkies inhabiting "the jungle" in our city parks and sidewalks.
Reply ReplyThe vast majority have chronic substance abuse problems. When hungry enough they will seek out a shelter that will require they work on them.
Reply ReplyMany times I've seen them amass a pile of fast food & groceries... and then hand it all to a van that comes by to pick up their loot and drop off a new panhandler to take their place AND sign. I'd rather give my money to the food bank.
I would rather give to an established charity so I know my donation is being put to good use.
Reply ReplyI live in a very expensive city and like most others, I trade the majority of my waking hours for money to help myself survive, I cannot afford to give my money away.
Reply ReplyI will give food or help with transportation to a shelter, but will not help stray panhandlers as I don't have a way to know if they are just using us
Reply ReplyYou are blessed to live in a place that has no panhandlers. We have lived here 20 years without them until about 5 years ago some of the time near the dntrancd of our local grocery store. I don’t give money to them ever but I do give to charities that help these people.
Not all the time, but sometimes. Everyone falls on hard times. It's our job to lift each other up.
ReplyWhen I am able. We all are just one bad day from their place. Be grateful for your blessings and help someone survive.
ReplyMy family once lived in a truck. It's hard to get help without a permanent address. My husband panhandled for food and someone gave him a job. I will always pay it forward. Kindness people!
ReplyIf I have cash to share, yes. It would not take too much for most of us to face the same situation, and kindness is in short supply these days.
ReplyI always feel that I do not have any idea what their situation is like. If they are willing to humble themselves enough to stand on a corner and beg for money, then I am not above giving them some.
ReplyOnly military
ReplyWhen I have cash on me I will
ReplyI think you should every so often based upon your own judgement.
ReplyNot always, but I usually check if they need something or if they want some new stuff.
Reply