Is panhandling an act of desperation, or a profession?

Question

Could panhandlers use less charity and more tough love?

Answer 1

If you're stupid enough to give them money, thats why they stay on the street. What incentive is tehre for them to get a job at say McDonalds and make minimum wage when they can stand on a downtown Toronto street corner and make 80-100/day just chilling out.???

Answer 2

I think its more of a profession.... Think about it this way... If a panhandler asks 1000 people a day and only 10% gives him money of an average of $1 he made about $100. A person making $18 an hour makes $114. a day.

Answer 3

Both. I was watching one on a cold night. He seemed to be holding his hands under his coat. But then when the light changed and he would get a new batch of vehicles to beg from he put a cel phone in his pocket. I saw it clearly.
Dayyum... I don't even have a cel phone, and I had just got off work! I don't think a lot of them need charity... what they need is a kick in the butt.

Answer 4

my ex knew a guy that had kids and owned a house who would sit out there everyday and beg for money. he did this for years and probably still does it.