Panhandling $$$ ???

[generator12]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

Walking out of the local mega-grocery store the other day with two sandwiches, a six pack of beer, and a large bag of chips. A homeless guy sitting on the sidewalk outside the door said "Buddy, I haven't eaten in three days".

I responded, "Damn I wish I had your will power!"

 

[rowlex]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

never.

there is a pan handler outside my office who has been panhandling as long as i have had this job. (10 years).

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

Sometimes it's not too difficult to tell the shenanigans form the seriously destitute. Occasionally when I'm stopped at a traffic light I'll see someone who appears to be on pretty hard times. If I have a $5 I'll pull it out and offer it to them. And then in the time I have before the light to turns green I'll try to learn as much about them as possible. "Here you go buddy. My name is xxx, what's yours? (then shake hands with them.) Are you from around here? Got any kids or other family? Where are they now? You been out here long? What did you used to do?" and so on. After you've done it a time or two you learn to connect pretty quickly if you want to. These days I keep an extra large print Bible in my car with $15 tucked in the pages. The whole thing is stuck in a large plastic ziploc bag. (Extra large print is necessary for a lot of people on the street.) When I hand that out to someone they are always extremely appreciative and happy to get it. You'd be surprised at the reaction you get sometimes.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

we don't get a lot of them around here but I have noticed an increase....

Give money to them.. Never. Get a shower and flip burgers, clean bathrooms. Anything..
I noticed this guy on the north side of town once, past him several time, seem plenty of people handing money.
Seen him in a different part of town. I thought to myself I grab him a soda. went through the drive through and got a cheese burger and a soda and handed it to the guy. He seemed thankful and appreciated it. told him I noticed him else where and out of curiosity asked how much he made so far.. said it was a slow day, about 150 bucks in a couple of hours..... HE MAKES MORE THEN I DO!!!

But I like to work for my money, and I'm not sure I'd like the lifestyle. I'm sure things happen and some can't avoid it. But nobody is stuck there.
Still wont give any money.

 

[jkust]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

We actually have few panhandlers here in MN. Maybe it's the 3% unemployment rate here in the few counties with any population or the significant government handouts/social programs. Point is they could simply get a job or open their hand to the massive amounts of free government money. A story came out today whereby 68% of one very large part of Minneapolis is on welfare, foodstamps, free daycare, and on and on. They don't need to panhandle since the money arrives in an account with a nice plastic swipe card. There is a multiplier effect that when you qualify for one free money program, you then qualify for another and another. Also for a family of 4 on welfare the free money you receive from the government is only a few dollars less than the average income of a family of 4 not on the dole. In other words working now pays the same as sitting on your butt in the U.S.

Two weeks ago one of my closest relatives was killed in a car accident and left behind three little babies and a under 30 year old wife. If there is any charity it will be for that family. My simple mind tells me that if you are a panhandler especially in this state where jobs are falling out of the sky and success is simple, you deserve what you endure and anything else is just lazyness, entitlement or mental illness all three of which have a program for that.

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

not me, in SF they can make up to $200 a day I was reading.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

First a funny story - My family and I were downtown Denver on the way home from skiing out west. We wnet downtown and saw all the panhandlers with their signs and my wife said to my kids "It wold be nice if we gave them something to eat" - We had a bunch of food that we were draggin home after our vacation and decided to carry a bag of cookies to give to a homeless person. Well my 7 y/o had the bag of cookies and as we approached the homeless person with the sign, we were a little shocked when other kids read what it said - "Need money for a Hooker". My 7 y/o handed him the cookies and then asked, Mom whats a hooker?

I don't give to panhandlers. I do give to charitable organizations that support the truly in need. Places like catholic charities, that run kitchens and shelters, as well as other aid sources that the money would is spent delivering a more sturctured set of aid. I also bring my kids to serve loaves and fishes (which is a church group that serves a meal to the homeless or poor). This is a great opportunity to see that these people truly appreciate the food, that they are not monsters, and hopefully make the connection that they (the kids) have never wondered where the next meal would come from - It is just there. These young kids they serve may not have had a nutritious meal all or day or week.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

Here's a new reason to panhandle......

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2012/07...for-boob-job/UPI-34181342549541/?spt=hs&or=on

 

[R Socey]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

Here's a new reason to panhandle......

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2012/07...for-boob-job/UPI-34181342549541/?spt=hs&or=on

Now that is totally legitimate! I threw a guy a $20.00 today on Ga. ave, and 28 Md. He can hardly move. I was in the middle lane, he was in the dirt. When I stuck the bill out the window he looked at me with despair - as he could not traverse the lanes. :facepalm: I crumbled it up into a ball, and threw it to him - landed at his feet. The poor guy could hardley bend to it. He was probably thinking is it worth it to pick up this buck -I hope he was pleasantly surprised.
I might of given that girl Two 20s - one for each

 

[ngt]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

It depends on the situation and what their sign says.

There's a guy who's been by my local target store for months with a sign saying "my family is in need, please help". I don't give him anything, since he's been there for a month or more and the grubby *** dude across the street has been spinning a Verizon sign for that same month for $10 per hour.

There's a guy by Walmart who's sign says "It's ok to help people." I don't give him anything either. Don't play on guilt.

Then there's this 25-30 year old hippy guy who's only around every once in a long while. His last sign said, "Samurai stole my gas money. Help me get to Japan for revenge!" I gave him a few bucks.

Last time I gave was a mother and two kids sitting by an old busted up car, while her husband stood on the corner holding a sign. I was going into walmart and came out with a big bag of food for them. Bread, cheese, lunch meat, juice,etc..Gave it to the lady and kids. Felt better about that than any money handout.

I even gave a couple of bucks to a guy with a sign that said, "I need beer money." Hey, at least he was honest. lol

The fact is, many people don't want to leave the homeless lifestyle. There's a guy that's been around here for 15-20 years easy. He always asks for 75 cents. He asked me for some money while getting him camel smokes out of his pocket. I told him "If you've got $5 for a pack of smokes, you don't need my money". He's never asked me again

When I'm at the store and they say, "give $1 for ________?" I always say yes.

It all depends on the situation and the feeling I get.

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

Used to drive past a guy on my way to the airport in NC, he had some pretty ragged clothes on, and looked like he hadn't bathed in weeks.
I gave him a bottle of gatorade since I had an extra and wasn't planning on drinking a half gallon of the stuff before I boarded a flight.
By the look on his face, you would have thought I was giving him the keys to a new car.

On the other hand, the professional beggars around here are wearing cleaner/nicer clothes than I am and are always clean shaven.

Someone told me once they usually make about $500 a day, and this is in Vermont. There's traffic, but nothing like you'd have in a big city.

I've been meaning to screw with them. Signs always say "anything helps", and they always beg within a tenth of a mile of a McDonalds and a Burger King who are ALWAYS hiring.

Been meaning to pick up some job applications for them... I bet a real job would REALLY help.

 

[Insteada]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

There is a guy here near my office that I see about 2x per week. He is never begging. Is normally just walking along from one part of the area to the other. He has with him a dog all of the time. Well it's been terribly hot recently. The other day I was coming from Target after picking up some supplies for our office and saw him walking across the street towards a building. I noticed that the dog was really dragging and panting so I pulled into the building parking lot and stopped. I got out and asked him if he needed some water for his dog. His reply "I wouldn't want to bother anyone.". I got a few bottles of water from the backseat and handed them over. He was totally thankful and immediately pulled out a tupperwear container to put down for the dog to drink out of. I asked if there was anything else I could do to help.... offer a few bucks, maybe a ride. He said no. I asked where he was heading. Turns out he walks from one part of St. Louis to West of the city (about 20 miles) and does trash pickup and other chores for a church nearby. Walks because he can't afford a car. Doesn't accept rides from anyone at the church because he likes to have his dog with him (Sam) and doesn't want to get their car dirty. Insists on working for them for very little money to help them out as well. I came away from that conversation thinking that he's the kind of person I would help (and somewhat admire). Not the other idiot at the side of the highway exit who is there most days and scrambles when a police officer pulls up the ramp. I'm going to look into something nice for him to keep in the truck the next time I see him and Sam.

 

[R Socey]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

There is a guy here near my office that I see about 2x per week. He is never begging. Is normally just walking along from one part of the area to the other. He has with him a dog all of the time. Well it's been terribly hot recently. The other day I was coming from Target after picking up some supplies for our office and saw him walking across the street towards a building. I noticed that the dog was really dragging and panting so I pulled into the building parking lot and stopped. I got out and asked him if he needed some water for his dog. His reply "I wouldn't want to bother anyone.". I got a few bottles of water from the backseat and handed them over. He was totally thankful and immediately pulled out a tupperwear container to put down for the dog to drink out of. I asked if there was anything else I could do to help.... offer a few bucks, maybe a ride. He said no. I asked where he was heading. Turns out he walks from one part of St. Louis to West of the city (about 20 miles) and does trash pickup and other chores for a church nearby. Walks because he can't afford a car. Doesn't accept rides from anyone at the church because he likes to have his dog with him (Sam) and doesn't want to get their car dirty. Insists on working for them for very little money to help them out as well. I came away from that conversation thinking that he's the kind of person I would help (and somewhat admire). Not the other idiot at the side of the highway exit who is there most days and scrambles when a police officer pulls up the ramp. I'm going to look into something nice for him to keep in the truck the next time I see him and Sam.

Thats cool! Comming off the exit ramp today at Conn. ave + 495 outer Md, this kid - couldn't have been more than 14, was walking up to cars with a sign, plastering it to the windows wanting $$$. I waved him off but what I wanted to do was get out the car, and snatch him up, and shake the hell out of him! I don't get it? When I was young I mowed grass, raked leaves, shoveled snow etc. This damn entitlement society has to stop or will all be poor! Everyone can, and should be productive whether you have a job or not!

 

[brick75]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

Just can't do it. It's not that I don't want to help those in need, but you just can't tell who actually is in need or what they're going to spend it on. It kills me when I see them standing there smoking cigarettes. I feel like if I give them a few bucks, they'll turn around and buy a pack of smokes with it. Ain't gonna happen. And I've heard way too many stories of people witnessing these people walking from the corners and getting into nice cars, or taking food donations and throwing them on the ground. It's too bad that there are lowlife's like this that make it so difficult to know who is really in need.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

Just can't do it. It's not that I don't want to help those in need, but you just can't tell who actually is in need or what they're going to spend it on. It kills me when I see them standing there smoking cigarettes. I feel like if I give them a few bucks, they'll turn around and buy a pack of smokes with it. Ain't gonna happen. And I've heard way too many stories of people witnessing these people walking from the corners and getting into nice cars, or taking food donations and throwing them on the ground. It's too bad that there are lowlife's like this that make it so difficult to know who is really in need.

Yeah if folks chipped in for my packs of smokes I would never quit. It depends on the situation. On any given day in Downtown St. Paul I will be asked for a cigarette, directions to the SSN office, or a quarter. I've been approached with the gas story, and I've seen plenty of signs.

I've given to charity, I've been chipping in taxes to pay for social services, and occasionally I will give a small cash donation to some lucky guy who looks in need. I also donate old clothes, time and services when I can but I thought this was all just part of life.

Of the people I see in a week asking for help, I see many many many more whom do not ask.

 

[cgd7777777]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

if you want to help give to charity.....plenty of help out there.....and by the way your not helping anybody or yourself by giving your hard earned money to a bum...

 

[R Socey]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

if you want to help give to charity.....plenty of help out there.....and by the way your not helping anybody or yourself by giving your hard earned money to a bum...

There are some who are obviously handicapped - that is why I get upset when I see those who are obviously not. You know you have to be careful about the charities too!

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

We don't have the beggars
I'm tired of phone calls from charity organisations asking for donations.
A friend took up a job ringing 'prospects' requesting donations for specific charities.
He tells me charities recieves very small % of donations, but better off with say 10% of a big figure than 100% of a small figure.
He is well paid. Good offices. Vehicle supplied. Seems like a big business. He has nothing to do with any charity.
We now donate to "The Salvation Army" as 100% goes direct to them. They directly help people in need.
I get a receipt and it is tax deductible.
Cheers
Phillip

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

There is a guy here near my office that I see about 2x per week. He is never begging. Is normally just walking along from one part of the area to the other. He has with him a dog all of the time. Well it's been terribly hot recently. The other day I was coming from Target after picking up some supplies for our office and saw him walking across the street towards a building. I noticed that the dog was really dragging and panting so I pulled into the building parking lot and stopped. I got out and asked him if he needed some water for his dog. His reply "I wouldn't want to bother anyone.". I got a few bottles of water from the backseat and handed them over. He was totally thankful and immediately pulled out a tupperwear container to put down for the dog to drink out of. I asked if there was anything else I could do to help.... offer a few bucks, maybe a ride. He said no. I asked where he was heading. Turns out he walks from one part of St. Louis to West of the city (about 20 miles) and does trash pickup and other chores for a church nearby. Walks because he can't afford a car. Doesn't accept rides from anyone at the church because he likes to have his dog with him (Sam) and doesn't want to get their car dirty. Insists on working for them for very little money to help them out as well. I came away from that conversation thinking that he's the kind of person I would help (and somewhat admire). Not the other idiot at the side of the highway exit who is there most days and scrambles when a police officer pulls up the ramp. I'm going to look into something nice for him to keep in the truck the next time I see him and Sam.

x2-That man seems to be a good one

 

[cgd7777777]

Re: Panhandling $$$ ???

There are some who are obviously handicapped - that is why I get upset when I see those who are obviously not. You know you have to be careful about the charities too!

well you can just give your money to the handicapped bums!