s/o: Do you give to panhandlers?

HisBetterHalf

If I happen to have some loose change in my pocket I will on occasion, but I never go out of my way to do it.  A few years ago there was a write up in the local paper about a "panhandler" who made nearly $75K a year panhandling.  He wasn't homeless or anything, just thought it was an easier way to make money than getting a real job.  Now I'm very skeptical.  Especially when I see the ones who are clean cut/shaven and in nice clothes!

butterbeansmama

Usually not, but we don't visit downtown too often. On occasion when we are in Chicago or New York City, Dh has given a couple bucks here and there, but normally we don't carry small bills or any cash on us.

AnnapolisLari

No, because years ago I gave to the panhandlers in downtown Cleveland, esp this one "veteran' double amputee.

Well, one morning I went into work early, and saw the 'homeless' guy being unloaded from a shiny new Cadillac, and the person doing the dropoff said "Bye dad, see you at 5."

Screw that. I give my money through the church, where I know it's being used appropriately.

butterbeansmama

Annapolis: I saw that same exact situation when we were in Vegas one year. The next year, my parents went back and the same guy was there being dropped off. Crazy!

Jodi&Joe

About 1/2 the time.

If they have a sign that they are a veteran, usually.

I just gave $13 to one the other day (it was all the cash I had on me).  I know that chances are 1. he doesn't *really* need it or 2. he will buy booze/cigarettes with it or 3. he's scamming me HOWEVER I don't care.  It makes me feel good --- and if someone is THAT down on their pride that they have to stand on a corner and beg for money -- well, I hope that $13 helps them somehow!

YouAreMyILoveYou

Nope. I work in Philadelphia, there are panhandlers EVERYWHERE, and I have never given them a dime.

I contribute to 2 charities through work (weekly deductions from my paycheck) and I volunteer bi-monthly at a kitchen that makes meals for people who are on hospice care and I donate food to them regularly.

I do my part to give back and I don't feel the need to enable people who sit on the street all day while I'm at work.

VivaAmore

I don't. I've offered food but after so many times of being turned down I've just stopped. There are several aggressive homeless people here in Philly. Sometimes it's safer to just keep your head down and move along.

esposa38

I buy dinner every Friday night for someone who lives on my way home. 

happ17

street performers, yes. panhandlers...not so much, esp after today. They get NOTHING.

mikeandmonica

NEVER. I have seen too many stories about the people making $75,000 cash and walking back around the corner to their brand new land rover. Most of the ones that I see here are standing on street corners - there is no way on earth that I'm going to roll down my window to risk letting them try to get into my car. I know that sounds horrible/elitist/whatever, but it isn't a risk that I'm willing to take. Honestly, I give to the homeless shelters/food shelves/united way, and donate my clothing to the veterans, and through my church, etc. - if they really need help, there are enough shelters and other ways to get help in our city that they can go to for assistance.

Angela814

Absolutely not.  I would have lost all the money I made in college if I had done that.  I went to school in the middle of downtown Milwaukee at Marquette.  I think the panhandlers preyed on the rich college kids.  I did help out with other programs for the homeless instead, so those who actually wanted real help could get it.

AZ_Erica

Nope.  If we have food on us, or there is fast food or something near where we can go grab them some food we will do that but never money.