Dear Abby

Dear Abby

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Dear Abby Asked by Dear Abby
1/12/2021

Do you give money to panhandlers?

32%
Yes

13

68%
No WINNER

29

32%
Yes

13 Comments
Rachel Rank
2
Rachel Rank

Not all the time, but sometimes. Everyone falls on hard times. It's our job to lift each other up.

Reply
Fozzie Bear
1
Fozzie Bear

When I am able. We all are just one bad day from their place. Be grateful for your blessings and help someone survive.

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mishaunique
1
mishaunique

My 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!

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Sophie Norton
1
Sophie Norton

If 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.

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Joan Johnson
1
Joan Johnson

I 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.

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BJ Arey
BJ Arey

Yes, I agree. We don't know how or why someone is on the streets. $5 or $10 is going to break me.

Robin Cassidy RN
0
Robin Cassidy RN

When I have cash on me I will

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Theron Wilson Tacker
0
Theron Wilson Tacker

I think you should every so often based upon your own judgement.

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Ruben Espinoza
0
Ruben Espinoza

Not always, but I usually check if they need something or if they want some new stuff.

Reply

68%
No

29 Comments
rover6rover
2
rover6rover

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
L Leone
L Leone

Tried that once and he spat on the sidewalk and walked away. THAT is why I NEVER try anymore and just donate clothes, etc.

Blaine Derouen
1
Blaine Derouen

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.

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Kazu Hidaka
1
Kazu Hidaka

No! 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.

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Fozzie Bear
Fozzie Bear

We all are only one bad day away from losing everything.

Jane
1
Jane

No. I don’t trust them at all. If they are really needy, they can get assistance places. I’m generous to charities I support and trust but never to panhandlers.

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Susan Webber
1
Susan Webber

I 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.

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L Leone
1
L Leone

I once felt bad for this sad man I saw asking for handouts, and I missed him at the light. Circling the block I saw him run across the street to get into a BRAND new car. I said NEVER again!

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Shod Thomas
1
Shod Thomas

I don't trust them to do the right thing with what they are given.

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Joseph Lee
1
Joseph Lee

Most have checks from the government, food stamps and drug addictions

Reply
mishaunique
mishaunique

Wow. You are sorely misinformed.

Lee Miller
Lee Miller

No, they don't have any of that. :(

Diane Murphy
1
Diane Murphy

I 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
Michele Jordan
1
Michele Jordan

I 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.

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Carl Evans
1
Carl Evans

Most 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
BJ Arey
BJ Arey

Homeless 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.

Mahta Mouse
0
Mahta Mouse

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
hale1730
0
hale1730

A hot meal or warm clothing helps them in the long run.

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michael rice
0
michael rice

The vast majority have chronic substance abuse problems. When hungry enough they will seek out a shelter that will require they work on them.

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Connie Lowry
0
Connie Lowry

I will buy food for them but not routinely give money.

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Mahta Mouse
Mahta Mouse

Many 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.

Robert Davidson
0
Robert Davidson

I would rather give to an established charity so I know my donation is being put to good use.

Reply
Stephanie Sarnoff
0
Stephanie Sarnoff

I find them hopelessly sad and cannot bear to interact with them.

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Robin Kennedy
0
Robin Kennedy

I 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.

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Aino Welch
0
Aino Welch

I 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

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Kate Winfield Olsen
0
Kate Winfield Olsen

I live in a very small town and we have no panhandlers

Reply
Jane
Jane

You 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.

j d
0
j d

I used to until I was in a store watching the same guy I just gave money to buy beer and cigarettes. Why not food?

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Jane
Jane

Well......they have addictions. I feel bad for them. Yes it would bug me to see them spend money that way.

Jan Eidson
0
Jan Eidson

Not any more offer food and refer to services.

Reply
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