How do you deal with panhandlers?

i lived in chicago for 10 years and saw many different people handle them in different ways. i always ignored them and kept walking. i had one friend who always threatened them and another who acted like they were a long lost friend or relative, "bob, bob henderson, I haven't seen you in years buddy, not since we were in washington high together, in mrs. wilsons class, remember?". i have to admit, that one was quite funny to watch as he was really good at stringing them along.

the problem is that some panhandlers are homeless because they have mental issues and you never know how they are going to react to anything.

Do not give panhandlers money; there are better ways to assist the homeless. Do not be fooled: food, shelter, and assistance are available to those in need. Panhandling for drugs or alcohol is very common. Walk purposefully and with confidence. Give the appearance that you are aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you. Acknowledge a panhandler with a nod, and answer the request for money by saying “no”. Then walk away. Do not be angry or feel guilty. While in a vehicle, do not roll down your window or engage in conversation with those standing on the side of the road panhandling.

I shake my head and walk on past. I don't say anything.

Around here, there are professional panhandlers. They fight for territory. Most of them have some sort of story, like they only need $2.50 more to get a bus ticket. Or they need a certain amount to get their car fixed. The newspaper used to do regular stories on particularly aggressive and persistent panhandlers, the columnist would watch a particular panhandler for days and interview the people who gave the panhandler some money.

There are lots of agencies that will help people who are genuinely in need. Most panhandlers are not in real need, they just view panhandling as a way of getting money without having a regular job. If I get panhandled in a parking lot, I make sure to tell the manager or owner, as this can discourage people from shopping at that store.

Everyone who gives a bit of change to a panhandler is encouraging this activity. If you feel bad about not giving, then make a donation to a homeless shelter, or to a charity that helps people who are down on their luck, and ask for a few business cards. Pass out the cards instead of cash. The people who really need the help will be glad of this. Or go to the dollar store and buy socks. Socks fit most everyone, and most poor people will be very happy to get a new pair of clean socks. DON'T GIVE CASH. Most cash will only be spent on booze and drugs.

I just keep my eyes down and walk past. Here it's illegal to beg for anything. People stand on the side of the street with signs all "family in need" and honestly I know most of them and they're not "in need" they just refuse to work and just wanna buy drugs and beer. And then they run out of money and their family refuses to give them any so they stand on the side of the road. I don't mind donating, I give at christmas to those guys who raise money for the homes and I buy our hobo in our town (small town) food because I know he needs it, but more than less people standing begging for money don't need it they just don't wanna work. And since I don't know what the moneys really going to I just avoid. Eyes down, stay silent, drive by or walk by fast.

There are a lot of panhandlers in my city. Usually if I have change I'll give them a little something and if I don't I'll walk by and say, "sorry I only have my debit today".

Why not just be kind and give them something small, like a quarter or spare change? It's something!

dont give them money they probably use it to buy alcohol or drugs if they really needed money they would work but they dont becasue theyre drug adictred and alhocolism

I help all that ask. God says we are to love our neighbor, that includes homeless people.

Catholic Christian †