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Post by alexis2014 on Feb 10, 2014 21:24:18 GMT -8
If the panhandler looks legit, I think it will be fine to give them something. Or perhaps to help them or lead to an org where they can be assisted. I believe that it is better to teach someone how to fish that just to give them some fish.
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Post by BenHomeless on Apr 22, 2014 13:22:34 GMT -8
It's a very interesting question and debate. I've been homeless several times in my life, for various reasons, starting in my teens. I did and still do like my beer/alcohol, and in the past I have also used various drugs. I panhandled exactly once, and it was indeed to get food, not for anything else. I wasn't very successful at it, and this was in the (at the time) very homeless-friendly Ocean Beach. After several hours, I got enough to get a bowl of Orange Chicken at a local Chinese restaurant. It just wasn't worth it. During the time wasted, I could have made much more collecting recyclables.
I have known many needy people and/or homeless people that do panhandle, but by far, the majority of homeless people DO NOT panhandle. On the other hand, I have also several people that are professionals at it. Some claim to be homeless when they aren't, and the worst thing I've ever seen was people "borrowing" out their kids to pose with the panhandler as their own, to get sympathy. That is really sickening, but it does happen (at least it has). Another ploy used by professional panhandlers is the "Will work" type signs. They have no intention of doing any more work than extended their hand to accept donations. It's a numbers game, and generally people are more likely to give to a person that is willing to work, while at the same time it is highly unlikely that anyone would load a stranger into their vehicle, ask them to report for work, etc.
Being homeless is extremely difficult, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. There certainly are homeless people that are addicts, and it's likely, whether directly or indirectly, due to their addiction. On the other hand, there are many more people than you'd think that have never had such a problem that develop one while being homeless, as a temporary escape I'd suppose.
I've rarely had the means to give to panhandlers, but I've certainly given many more times than the once that I've panhandled myself. On a few occasions, I've actually "rewarded" (probably didn't actually help in the long run) panhandlers that were honest enough to say that they needed to get a drink.
I saw a post in a similar thread, and the poster said something about how once they give the panhandler the money, it's really between the panhandler and God how the money is used. I think the poster has that right, but if you do give, realize that the money may very well go to drugs and/or alcohol - and that doesn't necessarily indicate an addiction or habit. Just like any working person can have a rough day at work and "need" a drink or 2, the homeless person has a much rougher time than you'd ever have at work, believe that.
If you are going to give to panhandlers, here are some tips: 1. Use common sense. Each person is different. Figure out if you are helping or enabling/hurting. Young people are more ignorant, so their need may be more legitimate, but at the same time, what other options do older disabled people have. 2. Call them out: This for people that give to the same panhandlers over and over again. If they have a "will work" sign, take them up on it. I DON'T recommend that you bring them to your home, but perhaps have them clean the area they panhandle in. See if they keep their word. For panhandlers that use children as decoys, don't give to them but instead tell them that you might give to them if they don't exploit the children and leave them somewhere else while panhandling. If their sign says something about being a "vet" (veteran of war), ask them to prove that. Anyone who makes a claim via a sign or verbally, that they can't substantiate/make good on is likely a professional. 3. The average person, whether an addict, homeless, or having whatever issues just won't panhandle, with pride and self respect being big reasons. I would venture an educated guess that the majority of homeless/addicts would rather steal in lieu of begging, because they assume they will succeed with their theft and not have to face the shame of begging. Any panhandler that has pride or confidence should direct those attributes into getting real employment.
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Post by BenHomeless on Apr 22, 2014 13:28:27 GMT -8
If the panhandler looks legit, I think it will be fine to give them something. Or perhaps to help them or lead to an org where they can be assisted. I believe that it is better to teach someone how to fish that just to give them some fish. Very important. Give a person a fish, feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish, feed them for a lifetime.
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Post by josephmitchell on May 9, 2014 4:32:52 GMT -8
...Yeah , well . I might say that a lot of people will use that " piece of fish/teach to fish " metaphor as simply an excuse to do nothing at all , and then congratulate themselves for it !!! You can talk about how " a Band-Aid "/a life preis inferior...ut what if it keeps you from bleeding unduly or drowning ? I DO NOT accept the " ALL panhandlers are drunks/habit-ers " narrative , either . I'll say this a 2nd , and last time...I am the re-screen name's joesbo , I had to rejoin , & start a new alias...
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Post by thejimmage on May 16, 2014 21:01:57 GMT -8
I don't know if asking for food/money for food while in college could be considered "panhandling". I've been in tight food situations before too, such as in college, and became rather creative (and somewhat illegal) in the ways I came up with to get food. But, I was not homeless at the time. And somewhat illegal? What did you do, Kevin, shoplift? Considering the fact that you admit to having an arrest on your record, I wouldn't be suprised. And, speaking of stealing, I must congratulate you on bilking people out of 1500 dollars for a new laptop-nice scam. Two months ago, I bought a nearly-new Acer laptop for 300 dollars. Granted, it's used & doesn't have a warranty, but it's a damn good machine. You could have bought that same model new, with a full warranty, for slightly over 500 dollars. You did NOT need 1500 dollars! Listen, Pal-I live in Dallas, TX. I spent my first 4 months in this city in a homeless shelter. But, I got out of there, & never expect to go back. I agree with you-homeless shelters suck. Maybe that's a good thing, as it motivated me to get out of there & stay out of there. By the way, I qualify as having Aspergers Syndrome, too-my personality and life problems are similar to yours. I have followed your blog for some time, but will not anymore, as I have lost my patience with you. Enjoy the streets-that is where you will spend the rest of your life.
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Post by nevergaveup on Aug 15, 2014 14:04:59 GMT -8
As someone who was formally homeless for years and never panhandled. ( I knew many people who did )
I don't mind giving a few dollars to anyone with a sign on a corner or an off ramp.
Obviously they're doing it for a reason and I'm not going to judge them for it.
In my opinion, it's better than robbing someone or stealing something.
I say, if you don't like it . . . keep it moving.
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Post by Formerly homeless on Jan 3, 2015 13:06:01 GMT -8
Instead of pan handling, go to your nearest Home Depot, Lowes or other similar hardware store, with a sign that says you are willing to work. Someone may ask you to help plant a rose bush and give you $50. At least it shows you aren't looking for a handout. People will appreciate it. Plus, you just might get a few donations as well.
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