Does Panhandling Make Homelessness Worse?

by Shannon Moriarty · 2009-11-02 21:12:00 UTC
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Everyone and their mother associates panhandling with homelessness and homelessness with panhandling. But one Atlanta advocate argues it's time we treat these as separate issues, since some panhandlers are not homeless and the majority of those without a home do not panhandle. What's more, could giving money to panhandlers exacerbate a person's homelessness and provide a dis-incentive for getting off the streets?

What does treating panhandling separate from homelessness look like in practice? An op-ed piece in the Atlanta Constitution does a nice job laying this out. Simply put: homeless service providers should focus on what they do best: meeting the housing needs of homeless individuals. Referring to services. Providing job training. Case management. They should not dabble in activities related to regulating panhandlers, but rather focus on getting everyone off the streets for good.

But here's the kicker...

For regular folks like you and me, the author argues that we should refrain from giving money to panhandlers. This, he says, is not helping the homeless, but making it more difficult for homeless service providers to do their job. In other words, giving money to a panhandler exacerbates their homelessness, according to the Atlanta Constitution.

So who does the author believe should deal be the one to deal with panhandlers? Law enforcement.

This argument - though curt - does make good sense. Certainly, there are few who would argue against the goal of moving everyone off the streets and into housing. But there's no question that the means to achieving this end are a bit over-simplified in his argument.

Our country has a shortage of housing that is affordable. In addition, many of those who end up on the streets face complicated issues that require time to address. Other individuals lack access to the social service safety net for a variety of reasons, whether it be their geographic location or the inability of providers to meet demand. For these individuals, panhandling is a means for survival until our system catches up. It is wrong to suggest that giving money to panhandlers exacerbates their homelessness, especially when our safety net cannot accommodate all who are in need.

Maybe someday, when we are finally meeting the demand for affordable housing and services for those who need them, we'll all be able to stand behind this argument. But sadly, I don't think we're there yet.

Image: Martin Ujlaki

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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