Why You Shouldn't Give Money to Panhandlers

by Dominic Mapstone · 2010-05-30 06:30:00 UTC
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The most frequently asked question I get when people find out I work with the homeless is, "Should I give money to beggars?" Some people contend that they are kind because they do give to the needy while others have strong negative opinions about the homeless and thus don't give often.

My answer is always: never give cash.

If someone asks for money for food, take him to a restaurant or a fast food joint and buy him a meal. If he asks for money for a bus ticket, go buy that ticket and hand it to him.

Realistically, most panhandlers never spend the money they beg for on the "story" they present you. In most cases it goes to alcohol, cigarettes or drugs. In many cities there are professional beggars who likely make more money than you do by playing off the good will of the public and by lying to them.

Some classic stories first world beggars use include: needing to travel to see a sick relative; needing to pay for their dog's vet bills; needing to get home. It's all BS.

With third world beggars, the person begging doesn't get the money; it's organized crime in most cases. Some bosses even go to the extreme of injuring the beggar to gain more sympathy. Giving money to these unfortunate people just perpetuates the business model.

On the flip side, if you are homeless, what is the most effective way to get cash out of the unsuspecting public? Simple — you walk next to them and ask them for change. If you approach head on they can dismiss you and walk past you. But if you walk along next to them the easiest way to get rid of you is to give you some change.

Begging is never called begging on the streets. There are many nicknames, like "flying a sign," "racking up" or "panhandling" to name a few.

What are your thoughts on the topic of homeless people begging for money and others giving (or not)?

Photo credit: Ed Yourdon

Dominic Mapstone is the director of Rebeccas Community, an Australian non-profit, and admin at the International Homeless Forum.
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