Alternative to panhandling

[bibiche]

I think this idea is pretty brilliant. Takes some of the stigma away, and maybe even encourages human interaction with people who are less fortunate.

https://www.dezeen.com/2018/02/22/tomo-kihara-street-debating-design-indaba-homeless-people-earn-money-without-begging/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Dezeen%20Digest&utm_content=Daily%20Dezeen%20Digest+CID_8df006f99247e801c42d59fed9ff2a46&utm_source=Dezeen%20Mail&utm_term=More

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

I think like with most new things, it would be clever for a while, then it would be everywhere and lose its impact.

[bibiche]

I think like with most new things, it would be clever for a while, then it would be everywhere and lose its impact.

 

But maybe in the meantime it would help people to realize that panhandlers are real people just like them. Can you imagine what it must feel like to have people studiously avoid you or worse, maltreat you because you are down on your luck? I see it all the time. So even if something like this gets old, hopefully in the time that it seemed new people can establish a rapport with or at least become less, I dunno, afraid, disdainful,... insert your adjective of choice... of panhandlers.

[Mergath]

I think like with most new things, it would be clever for a while, then it would be everywhere and lose its impact.

 

Maybe in areas with a large number of homeless people. Around here, though, where people tend to enjoy heated discussions and are fairly affluent overall, I think it would be extremely profitable for someone panhandling. ;)  I get sucked into debates too easily (shocking, I know) and I would probably spend a fortune in loose change making sure the "right" answer was picked.

 

I mean, ideally we can get to a point where no one has to panhandle at all. But this seems like a great thing for right now.

[klmama]

I think it would be very successful where I live.  There's a homeless guy here who has tried out various alternatives to his former direct panhandling.  The last time I saw him he had a collection of musical shaker toys and sang with a donation basket, offering the shakers to people to join him in making music.  He'd probably have more success with donations if he sang better, but I respect his desire to get some cash without constantly begging.   

[wintermom]

It seems a little big and bulky for them to carry around when they aren't using it. Chalk writing of the debate question directly on the sidewalk might be easier. I'm not sure how often a homeless person is going to have the imagination to come up with questions that would be topical and make sense. Maybe I'm underestimating people in general, but it takes quite a lot of thinking and planning to make a very short debate question. And if they could do this on a daily basis, they probably have the capacity to get off the street. It's not like you can have the same question everyday.

Edited February 23, 2018 by wintermom

[eternalsummer]

Cleverest panhandler I ever saw had bought a bunch of water bottles on a hot day and was giving them away (but with a sign that said "anything helps" or whatever).  Busy intersection, city familiar with homeless people.  In the 2 minutes I waited at the light he sold like 5 bottles.  Providing a useful service and making money doing it.

 

Other than that guy, the people who do best at panhandling in our area are women, esp. young ones.   Probably I see people stop 10x as often for women as for men - but there are not very many of them.

[kroe1]

While I am not saying all panhandlersare rich, but in my area it is an organized business. Panhandling brings in up to 6 digits a year tax free. Panhandlers have specific corners where one is assigned and shift changes when they stop and chat for a minute before one goes home and the other comes on. Our local government has done everything to try to stop it, but, some loud people get all bent out of shape because it is assumed that panhandling means poor and homeless. Then, whatever good law just got enacted has to be rescinded. It is sad really because the truly poor at the local shelters cannot panhandle because the organized panhandlers will not allow it.

[kewb]

While I am not saying all panhandlers are rich, but in my area it is an organized business. Panhandling brings in up to 6 digits a year tax free. Panhandlers have specific corners where one is assigned and shift changes when they stop and chat for a minute before one goes home and the other comes on. Our local government has done everything to try to stop it, but, some loud people get all bent out of shape because it is assumed that panhandling means poor and homeless. Then, whatever good law just got enacted has to be rescinded. It is sad really because the truly poor at the local shelters cannot panhandle because the organized panhandlers will not allow it.

Perhaps I am jaded but my experiences with panhandlers has been similar. From street pros-back in the day I had an experience with a woman who used a bruise on her face and a story of an abusive boyfriend and needed money for a subway token to get home to her mother. I don't give money to panhandlers. But I did have an extra token which I gave to her. As I walked away she turned to the next person coming up and delivered her schpiel. I have had similar experiences when I have given food to a panhandler instead of money.

I know not all panhandlers are scam artists but due to my experiences with professional beggars I don't believe any of them.

[MotherGoose]

Our city has laws against it and signage up telling people to donate money to shelters, etc. I don't know how strictly they enforce the laws though because I do see panhandling going on. There are a number of shelters near where the panhandlers congregate.

[Bluegoat]

I think if everyone did this it would lose impact pretty quickly.  I'd also say it seems to be something that would be more accessible to the "professional" panhandlers than the ones who are more needy.

[Scarlett]

I never give to panhandlers, but some of them break my heart. There is a local guy in our small town who had a sign that read 'just run me over'. He probably isn't 30 years old. I am assuming some sort of addiction or mental illness. Hard to know. But the greatest thing I ever saw was that a business nearby gave him a job holding an advertising sign.

[SamanthaCarter]

My experience with panhandlers are the ones who stand at the busy intersections begging from the cars.

This is what goes on around here too. I sometimes have people approach me with a sad story, but they are not usually homeless in the long term sitting on the sidewalk with all their belongings sense. I know enough about the local options in the area for meals and shelter (emergency and longer term) that I give them what information I have. Most times they really are just looking for cash. Oh well. The city does monthly bus passes for specific months, I wish they did them to be activated at any time. That way I could carry one in my purse.

 

I wouldn’t donate to one of these voting scales.

Edited February 23, 2018 by SamanthaCarter

[SparklyUnicorn]

We have only one I see regularly.  He stands at an intersection near a shopping area.  Someone put a sign that reads no panhandling exactly on his spot (probably the business owners).  I thought that was kinda mean.  He stands there anyways.  But this sort of panhandling wouldn't be much of a draw here I don't think.  He's in pretty rough shape too so I think the task of setting something like that up would probably not work well for him.

 

I once saw him in a fast food joint talking to one of the workers.  He was telling him that someone sent a drone to him with $20 on it.  He was bent that it was only $20.  He was hoping for more.  LOL 

[Dmmetler]

I spend a lot of time in the McD’s near DD’s community college campus (I can get my Diet Coke and wait there with WiFi and air conditioning),and many of the regulars, myself included, will pay for extra food. When people come in and are hungry (mom who is counting pennies and telling her kids that they can get a .99 hamburger to share), the clerk will tell them “oh, we have an extra X...do you want it?â€.

 

I also get McD’s gift cards to give to panhandlers. Usually there’s one pretty close, and while it may not be the best food, it’s hot and provides the opportunity to stay inside, out of the cold or heat, for a while. I kind of miss when McD’s used to do books of $1 gift certificates for Christmas, because those were awesome for that purpose.

[sassenach]

We have a fairly large homeless population here. California- the weather is livable year round. I do not, ever, hand out cash. We do try to keep food (bars, water bottles) in the car to pass out. One of our local cities requires permits for panhandling, so you will only see one person at a time in certain locations. We have a few great homeless kitchens, too.

[Kim in Appalachia]

While I am not saying all panhandlersare rich, but in my area it is an organized business. Panhandling brings in up to 6 digits a year tax free. Panhandlers have specific corners where one is assigned and shift changes when they stop and chat for a minute before one goes home and the other comes on. Our local government has done everything to try to stop it, but, some loud people get all bent out of shape because it is assumed that panhandling means poor and homeless. Then, whatever good law just got enacted has to be rescinded. It is sad really because the truly poor at the local shelters cannot panhandle because the organized panhandlers will not allow it.

 

 

This has been my experience as well.  

 

and to add to it, I knew of a "soup kitchen/food pantry" that opened, with grants and charity fundraising, who's sole purpose was drugs, prostitution, and panhandling.  They even had signs up at other charity places up to 30 miles away advertising! Like it was a legit job. I watched it function on a daily basis and it was stomach turning.  

[SparklyUnicorn]

This has been my experience as well.  

 

and to add to it, I knew of a "soup kitchen/food pantry" that opened, with grants and charity fundraising, who's sole purpose was drugs, prostitution, and panhandling.  They even had signs up at other charity places up to 30 miles away advertising! Like it was a legit job. I watched it function on a daily basis and it was stomach turning.  

 

Happy Birthday btw....

[Kim in Appalachia]

Happy Birthday btw....

 

 

Thanks!  

[Laurie]

I watched the video.  This could certainly be a big money maker in big cities  that have both large homeless and progressive populations.  The people just need to include something about Trump in their debate question.

 

When I heard the coins hitting the trays it sounded like these are made of plastic.  It's too bad that the designer didn't use a greener option.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AmandaVT]

I used to give semi-regularly to panhandlers, until DH filled me in on what happens behind the scenes and also how many resources they have in our area. 

 

They work in shifts here, sharing signs. So the "I'm a homeless vet" sign will be passed on to multiple people a day. They make about $200/person per day, which is nothing to sneeze at. Every day in our town, churches team up to share free breakfasts and lunches, so there's one available daily in a walkable area. The state has "step up" funds available to help homeless people and has motels that they rent out to help as well. We have job prep assistance and food stamps as well. 

 

The final straw for me was when I saw a woman with a sign saying something like "Anything helps" outside the grocery store. I added a whole bag to my order - bottled water, hand wipes, granola bars, etc and tried to give it to her on my way out. She refused to take it, telling me she would prefer cash and then got back on her cell phone to continue the phone conversation she was having. That was my last attempt to give something to a panhandler. I will help in other ways now.

[Lady Marmalade]

While I am not saying all panhandlersare rich, but in my area it is an organized business. Panhandling brings in up to 6 digits a year tax free. Panhandlers have specific corners where one is assigned and shift changes when they stop and chat for a minute before one goes home and the other comes on. Our local government has done everything to try to stop it, but, some loud people get all bent out of shape because it is assumed that panhandling means poor and homeless. Then, whatever good law just got enacted has to be rescinded. It is sad really because the truly poor at the local shelters cannot panhandle because the organized panhandlers will not allow it.

 

This.  We have panhandlers coming from out of state because there are no laws in our area against them.  Some of these have been outed on facebook after sharing their take for a few hours of "work".  Thousands of dollars in cash! 

 

The public garbage cans in the areas around these panhandlers are often found to have full grocery bags in them.  They are not actually people in need, just lazy, and throw out the food so thoughtfully given to them by people in the community. :(

 

There are actually a few firecrackers in our area who have taken their days off to hold up their own cardboard sign not far from one of these panhandlers.  They write things like "That guy is not actually homeless.  Give to your local homeless shelter instead."  

[SparklyUnicorn]

This does not strike me as much different than busking.  Except the talent isn't music, it's striking up political conversation.  Some might have a propensity for it, but not all. 

[Tsuga]

While I am not saying all panhandlersare rich, but in my area it is an organized business. Panhandling brings in up to 6 digits a year tax free. Panhandlers have specific corners where one is assigned and shift changes when they stop and chat for a minute before one goes home and the other comes on. Our local government has done everything to try to stop it, but, some loud people get all bent out of shape because it is assumed that panhandling means poor and homeless. Then, whatever good law just got enacted has to be rescinded. It is sad really because the truly poor at the local shelters cannot panhandle because the organized panhandlers will not allow it.

 

Whoa.

 

In our area, you wouldn't panhandle for anything. The competition is fierce and you basically have to be half-gone to beg for money. You will get some but not nearly enough to make it worth it.

 

Moreover, while a cute idea, selling papers is nice, any job is nice, but if it's not a valued skill it's not helpful. I wouldn't even advice homeless people to be trained in social work. You can't support yourself on that kind of job, so why bother?

 

If you could busk worth anything you could teach music for far more money than just begging.

 

I don't think debate would go over that well up here. First of all they're already arguing amongst themselves. It's not a racket. If it's a racket it is the worst organized, least successful racket in the history of the world.

[bibiche]

Yeah, I am just not buying the myth of the panhandler who is making six figures and taking advantage of people's generosity. That old man lying on the sidewalk in the cold, driving rain that my son just bought a hot meal for? I somehow don't think he has luxurious digs to go back to. And even if he did? I'd rather be, and raise my child to be, a compassionate dupe than a hard, suspicious person who thinks every poor person is trying to pull a fast one.

 

I am so proud of my child, how he sits and talks to people less fortunate than he is, asks if they need help, apologizes when he doesn't have any cash but offers to get them something to eat. He is a much better person as a preteen than an awful lot of adults who want to believe the worst about people. Oh, and FYI, as an atheist he is not doing it to get in good with some god either, but because he is a humanitarian. As we all should be.

[ktgrok]

 I'd rather be, and raise my child to be, a compassionate dupe than a hard, suspicious person who thinks every poor person is trying to pull a fast one.

 

 

 

That's where I am. We do have people here who are probably scamming. But if I have cash, I give it. Especially when they really do look old or sick or mentally unwell. Maybe I'm being scammed. Not my problem, I can afford to lose the dollar. Giving is what I'm to do, so I do. What they do with it is between them and God. 

[AimeeM]

Interesting idea -- but the majority of people (myself included) I see giving to panhandlers on the sides of roads and highways, give cash, not coins -- cash not only doesn't weigh enough to do this with, it would also blow away easily if left in an open container. Typically, when I give cash to someone on the road, they stuff it immediately into their pocket and walk to the closest gas station or fast food restaurant. 

 

ETA: I don't give a flip if they are scamming me or not. I'd rather take the chance that they sincerely need what I give, than walk away believing that everybody is a potential scam artist. Some of the obviously homeless folks I've seen in the downtown area of our relatively small town are so broken that they've given up even asking for money. I had a man turn down a $20 because he sincerely believed there was a catch to it or that it wasn't real. I'll never, ever forget those eyes. When I think of the word "broken," I think of him. He was elderly and smelled, and was just sitting there crouched, trying to look as small as possible, on a bench outside a dozen wonderfully fragrant restaurants. I stooped down and tried for a solid several minutes to convince him that I only wanted to help, but he didn't believe me. He didn't believe anyone would want to help. I finally just told him that I was leaving the bill on the bench beside him, I said goodbye, and I left. I'm all for whatever gives people a chance to feel better about their situation -- whether it's an option like the article mentions (although I don't see it being an option in our area, since most panhandle on the interstate off-ramp), or that they buy beer with the money I give them. Whatever. 

[nixpix5]

Yeah, I am just not buying the myth of the panhandler who is making six figures and taking advantage of people's generosity. That old man lying on the sidewalk in the cold, driving rain that my son just bought a hot meal for? I somehow don't think he has luxurious digs to go back to. And even if he did? I'd rather be, and raise my child to be, a compassionate dupe than a hard, suspicious person who thinks every poor person is trying to pull a fast one.

 

I am so proud of my child, how he sits and talks to people less fortunate than he is, asks if they need help, apologizes when he doesn't have any cash but offers to get them something to eat. He is a much better person as a preteen than an awful lot of adults who want to believe the worst about people. Oh, and FYI, as an atheist he is not doing it to get in good with some god either, but because he is a humanitarian. As we all should be.

You son sounds precious and you are doing a wonderful job raising him to care for others. When my older boys were teens they did that alot too and as they have gotten older they volunteer at food banks, handout toiletries to street kids, give money away and make meals for the homeless alot. It is wonderful to see. My little ones bake and serve food every weekend at a homeless feed. You are right, we all should be humanitarians.

 

It is easy to get hard hearted or numb from being taken advantage of and I think that can happen in areas with a high level of homelessness. I will admit, in our area we have alot of addicts who panhandle. If they get money then they stay in the area and rob our cars and mailboxes...steal our packages. It is frustrating because their are so many people who are down on their luck and need legitimate help. Not sure if something like this idea would work here. We are inundated with homeless in this area. Some are career homeless and some are truly in a bad situation.

[kiwik]

Mostly I don't want to stop and debate with some random stranger. I haven't been asked for money by anyone who wasn't a charity collector or a busking tourist for ages though.I am sure they are around but I don't go near the town centre much.

Edited February 24, 2018 by kiwik

[Bluegoat]

Yeah, I am just not buying the myth of the panhandler who is making six figures and taking advantage of people's generosity. That old man lying on the sidewalk in the cold, driving rain that my son just bought a hot meal for? I somehow don't think he has luxurious digs to go back to. And even if he did? I'd rather be, and raise my child to be, a compassionate dupe than a hard, suspicious person who thinks every poor person is trying to pull a fast one.

 

I am so proud of my child, how he sits and talks to people less fortunate than he is, asks if they need help, apologizes when he doesn't have any cash but offers to get them something to eat. He is a much better person as a preteen than an awful lot of adults who want to believe the worst about people. Oh, and FYI, as an atheist he is not doing it to get in good with some god either, but because he is a humanitarian. As we all should be.

 

That article does pretty much zero to show there are no places where there are panhandlers who are making good money.  It's a guy who talked to some panhandlers in his own town.  

 

I give money often myself, but I'm certainly not going to be assuming that people who know that certain people aren't legitimate, or that the way the system works in their town isn't legitimate, should do so.  In that case it makes a lot of sense to use their money in other ways to help people.

[dsmith]

Perhaps I am jaded but my experiences with panhandlers has been similar. From street pros-back in the day I had an experience with a woman who used a bruise on her face and a story of an abusive boyfriend and needed money for a subway token to get home to her mother. I don't give money to panhandlers. But I did have an extra token which I gave to her. As I walked away she turned to the next person coming up and delivered her schpiel. I have had similar experiences when I have given food to a panhandler instead of money.

I know not all panhandlers are scam artists but due to my experiences with professional beggars I don't believe any of them.

 

Before my son was born, I worked in a bakery in a nice town that was one of the more expensive ones to live in in that area. There was a gentleman who used to come in all the time with his kids. I'd run into him in the back parking lot riding bikes with his kids and we'd talk often. He was a widower, and he would go into NYC every day when the kids were in school to beg. He would take his kids on the weekend occasionally. He made a decent living doing this. He was a little off mental health wise, but he seemed like a great dad, he was well liked in town and his kids were great. I didn't think much of him taking the kids with him though. 

[Garga]

The people I’ve seen begging in Baltimore look miserable. They aren’t bright-eyed and ready to debate. They’re hunched over, look like beaten dogs, and it’s often hard to tell how old they are because they look so care worn. I’ve worked a bit with homeless people in soup kitchens, and when they’re in the throes of being homeless, it seems that it’s hard for them to focus or think really well. They seem in survival mode. I’ve worked with men a bit when they’re in a program at the shelters that lets them stay there all the time and try to get their lives in order, and they’re like talking to anyone else (except for a few totally burned out on drugs or with mental illness problems.).

 

But the guys still out there on the street? They’re in a state of constant stress and fear and I just can’t see them having lively debates with the people walking by. I’ve seen a few people that look like they’re faking it, but I tend to see the ones that look like fakers at busy intersections farther into the suburbs and they don’t look as miserable as the ones in town.

Edited February 24, 2018 by Garga

[Word Nerd]

I can picture that working somewhere like on Boulder’s Pearl Street, but not where I live. Walmart is where panhandlers go to collect money from vehicles leaving the parking lot.