How do you feel about panhandlers?

Question

I live in San Francisco, and there are many people who beg on the streets. They claim it's for food, some are honest and say they want a beer. It is an all day everyday occurance. I have given money and food to some in the past, but these people are really starting to get on my nerves. One even accused me of being racist. Got news for them, I am not racist and I do not have money to give away to all these people. They take one look at me and think I'm a millionaire. I'm far from it.

One main reason I don't give anything to them anymore is they are mostly scammers, lazy people who refuse to do anything for themselves. And there are plenty of places here in the City that help the less fortunate. It's these kind of folks that make it even more difficult for the ones out there who really do need the help.

Answer 1

they make more money than i do.

Answer 2

The act of 'charity' is just that, a test of the giver, not the receiver. Do you stop going to work because there are people who loaf at your office? Do you stop driving your car because their are idiots who wouldn't know a turn signal from a ham sandwich? Not 'doing' something because of others is as much of an excuse of ourselves, more so even, than it is a reason. Its not the scammers that make it difficult for others, its the ones who don't want to be bothered, who need any excuse (they are all lazy, they are scammers, there are plenty of other places to help) to not help that make it difficult for the less-fortunate to get by. There is also a reason why alot of them use the money to buy booze or drugs; it gives them the 'false' courage they need to go out and be humiliated daily, standing around feeling useless, begging for someone's spare change. And if anyone thinks pan-handlers have it so good, why arent you out there doing it? Easy money, or just another easy excuse.

Answer 3

It's hard to paint them with a broad brush. Some have just been unlucky and could really use some temporary help, some are mentally ill, some are drug addicts and alcoholics, some are just running a scam. A book I read said when they ask you for money, if you just completely ignore them they are extremely insulted, even more than if you tell them off. That book recommended just saying "not today" and that's what I usually do.

I see nothing wrong with buying them food, I wouldn't give them money because you don't know where that money is going. And It's not helping anybody to find a job.

And of course there are many worthy Charities that help the homeless to donate time and money to if you wish.

Answer 4

Im with you on this one. Someone asked this same question a few days ago and i dont give any money to panhandlers here in Sydney, Australia. One of our current affair programs decided to use a spy camera and found that more than half of the people scavenging for money or food on the street actually werent homeless or panhandlers to begin with. I dont know whether to trust them with my hard earned money, but i am willing to help, by giving money to a charity who will then give the money to a soup kitchen or shelter.

There was one time in particular which has always stuck in my mind about the helping of others (and has nothing to do with money). I was at Sydney's Central Station and a man in a wheelchair claiming to be a paraplegic needed assistance. He didnt need money, but needed assistance with being fed and then transported to his train. No train controller or station manager would help him.

The man was near close to tears and i offered my help. I bought him his luch (with his money) and fed him (he was in his late 70's), took him through the transport checkout and put him on his train. I didnt see that guy again for nearly 3 years and then by coincidence saw him again at Central Station, this time with his grandson. He recognised me straight away and came over to see me. He told me he had never forgotten that day and had always hoped he could see me again to say thankyou. I ended up having lunch with both of them before heading out again.

Its always great to help people and get nothing in return. But the one thing these panhandlers seem to lack is a sense of appreciation. It is not their given right to take from the public just because they have less. Who isnt to say that im not struggling too? That is what the charities are for. If i saw panhandlers giving of themselves and appreciation this world would be a much better place and people like that guy in the wheelchair would also get much better treatment from the public.

Answer 5

I give to legit shelters, toys for tots, food banks, I've taken people to buy food, I've taken a truckload of blankets downtown and given them to the homeless. I've also offered to buy people food or offered them coupons for free food across the street and been cussed out for it. I NEVER give money on the street or in parking lots. Ever.

By the way, I've seen exposes of people who dress up for begging and actually go home to nicer places than I rent and make more begging than I do working. There are scammers out there.

Answer 6

I wish I could remember the study from some years ago, but it proved that cities that have more "give away programs" attract larger numbers of pan handles, etc. I think we naturally want to help the needy, but its obvious that most of these people are druggies or drunks (not all) So helping them actually does them more damage, but how do you know? We need a Juliani who could clean up S.F. like he did for N.Y., but the people in the city wouldn't go for that.

Answer 7

They usually have some form of drug addiction,mental illness,or even mental retardation.My heart breaks for them,but I will never give them cash only food.I always feel like it could be my father,mother,sister,brother,myself,or a relative.We never really know if they are angels unaware.So I try to always when I can give them a meal.

Answer 8

Lots of beggars in downtown Toronto, too, and I know some of them are scammers. But when in doubt, I give because that feels better than not giving.

Answer 9

don't give them anything if everybody stopped giving them then they wont beg, ive even had them coming up to me on the tube caring babies speaking no English but that's why most of them come to this country because we have DHSS !!

Answer 10

I give them money depending on their story.Of course if you don't give them money,another person will come along that will.

Answer 11

Let them eat cake!