This time of year we typically see a rise in people asking for money/spare change from citizens on the street. There may be a number of reasons for the increase in panhandling during these months; cold weather, likelihood of getting more favorable response during cold weather, proximity to the holiday season creating a more charitable mood, and economic factors. But there is no doubt in my mind that giving money to people begging on the street is a bad idea. Statistics show, and my experience shows likewise, that most panhandlers use that money to sustain themselves in an addiction. You are most likely enabling behaviors that are destroying that person, drug and alcohol addiction. There are many great ways to help the poor while ensuring that you are helping them get on their feet. I am attaching a link to a website that touches on this, but I’m very interested in your feedback. What do you think? http://www.popcenter.org/problems/panhandling/
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I rarely give to panhandlers unless I am prompted internally to make a gift at that moment in time. However, I do make gifts to charities that serve the poor and needy in the community. It is also helpful to know about a few community resources that a person in need could be referred to for assistance.
I think it is an interesting article. I totally believe it is better to contribute to a nonprofit than to give to panhandlers. Yet, when I am faced with a panhandler, I give about half the time. I’d prefer to make to mistake of giving when I shouldn’t than to not give when I should have. In other words, it is awful to feed someone’s addiction, but I would even feel worse about not helping someone in true need who asks me for help. I do not believe panhandling should be outlawed, but I do feel all of us should be careful in our giving. I used to carry a list of addresses and services for the homeless to give to panhandlers, and I should really start doing that again.
I have never posted on this blog, but feel so strongly about this kind of situation that I had to add my 2 cents. I try to always have nutritious, ready-to-eat foods in my purse and car. That way if I encounter a person in need of help, Ican
feed their need of food without the risk of feeding their addiction if they struggle with drugs or alcohol. I usually carry dry dog food samples from the vet for man’s best friend.
I’ve always hoped to begin a TRM program to visit corner panhandlers and offer our unique Christ Centered services: As was stated in the website you cited,
Solutions:
“Providing adequate social services and substance abuse treatment to reduce panhandlers’ need to panhandle. To address some of the underlying problems of many panhandlers (e.g., substance abuse, lack of marketable skills, mental illness, inadequate housing), police may need to advocate new social services, or help coordinate existing services.109 Police can be and have long been instrumental in advocating and coordinating social services for panhandlers, and in referring people to those services.110 Fontana, Calif., police coordinated a highly successful program that provided panhandlers and other transients with a wide range of health care, food, job training, and housing placement services. They offered treatment as an alternative to enforcement; they enforced laws regulating street disorder, including panhandling, and transported those willing to accept treatment to the social service center.111 New York/New Jersey Port Authority police did likewise in helping to control panhandling and other forms of crime and disorder in the Port Authority bus terminal in New York City.112
Short-term substance-abuse treatment programs, however, are not likely to be effective for most panhandlers—their addictions are too strong—and most who participate in short-term programs quickly revert to their old habits.113 Unfortunately, long-term programs cost more than most communities are willing to spend. Police could advocate the most chronic offenders’ being given priority for long-term treatment programs, or the courts could mandate such programs.114 Some social service outreach efforts target those people identified as causing the most problems for the community.115 In Madison, Wis., detoxification workers even took to the streets to proactively monitor the conduct of their most difficult clients. Some panhandlers will, of course, refuse social service and treatment offers because they are unwilling to make the lifestyle changes usually required to stay in the programs”
Rather than Police, how about a TRM round up to see what the panhanlders need and want and then offer them our help?? In the article above, substitute TRM for police or port authority… what do you think??
I’ll volunteer to lead or assist..we might save one for the Kingdom..
Gas can in hand, lost job, veteran in need, broken down car, or other temporary need all may be true. But, the pain felt from these are often numbed by the support of “enabling” financially to addicted individuals helping people to further lose control in the midst of various addictions. In light of this, still give! Not to make yourself feel better, but to actually make someone else better.
When my children were young, even young adults…if I freely gave them money every time they begged, they would never have learned how to be responsible. True, their needs were met, but through our resources at the Mission we can meet the needs of panhandlers who are truely seeking help. I believe it is a loving act of dignity not to give them money. If it is possible for us to help them in other tangible ways or direct them to help….great! Otherwise, we help those we can, and extend encouragement through the love of Jesus Christ to those who will accept our embrace.
I never give money – I figure it this way, I’m accountable for my actions and if a person were to use money I gave them to buy drugs, I’m just as guilty as they are. I don’t ever want to help someone fall deeper into despair than they already are.
However, I’ve bought gas for someone asking for money to get to their destination, I’ve bought groceries for a man who was pan handling because he said he had no food and I’ve bought diapers and formula for a Mom standing on a street corner with a sign that read, “Need diapers and formula nothing else.”
It really breaks my heart to see unanswered need in my own home town and maybe I’m just a soft touch. However, the tears those folks shed, the quiet thanks, and watching them walk away towards (hopefully) home made me feel I’d done the right thing.
My Dad used to own his own business and during all times of the year would go and offer panhandlers a chance to earn a hot meal or two, and nearly every time they would decline. I used to hand them food stamps forgetting that they could go buy a 23 cent piece of candy and get the change needed in order to get a beer or whatever. My senior year of high school I started bagging up little things like non-parishable microwave meals or cans of pork & beans along with some silverware, a can opener, and a couple of plastic bowls. I found that the ones that accepted this bag of nourishment were very grateful for it. There were others who would flat out decline because they would rather have the cash. Now I tell people that approach me asking for money for food about places like New Life, Nativity House, & The Crossing. I can completely empathize with a panhadler due to the fact that I was one myself a little over three years ago & by God’s favor & grace I am clean and live a new life.
Blessing To ALL!!!