Spare Change? How to Appropriately Respond to Panhandlers

by Shannon Moriarty · 2008-10-12 15:03:00 UTC
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You're walking down the street. Someone asks you for money - and you're stuck. You feel for the person, you want to help, but you're unsure of how your charity will be spent. You don't want to encourage destructive behavior. How should you react?

Regardless of your response, you must assess each situation. Always look out for your own safety and avoid confrontation. That being said, here are some alternative responses to requests for money or change:

  • Provide information about local organizations serving homeless people. Educate yourself about services offered by your community here. Many organizations provide brochures for people to distribute in response to requests for money.

  • Carry coupons for food (such as a sandwich or cup of coffee) or pre-packaged food (granola bar or cans of tuna).

  • Even if you're not planning on giving money, food, or information, it's best to politely smile and acknowledge the individual.

Remember: we're all human. Nobody likes to be ignored.

(Do you have suggestion or an idea that I missed? Leave a comment or send me an email at shannon@change.org.)

Read 9 more Actions You Can Take to End Homelessness.

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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