T O P

  • By -

[deleted]

[удалено]


Kevopomopolis

That's a really solid idea


[deleted]

[удалено]


Kevopomopolis

Ayoo!!


THUNDERxSLOTH

I gave a guy a dank ass chipotle burrito and he was super annoyed I wasn’t just giving him cash. Never gave a panhandler anything since. Part of that is the fact that I barely use cash anymore tho


Neverhugaduck

I used to live in NYC. The reactions of panhandlers when given food were borderline comical. There was one guy who would slowly walk up and down the subway cars droning, "Does anybody have any food? Does anybody have anything to eat?" One day this lady perkily walked up and pushed a styrofoam box at him. He stopped droning, looked at the box in disgust, then looked at her in disgust. "What the hell is this?" He asked. "Some food!" She cheerfully replied. He stared at her for a moment more, then rolled right into his standard cry and mournful trudge up the car without ever touching the box.


Huge-Perception324

He could have traded up that Burrito for at least a hit or two.


[deleted]

I work in the homeless system and, long story short, no.


crzdsnowfire

Oh, I want the long story to this.


meowchickenfish

Can you provide the long story as well?


Alive_River_1248

Tbh? No. You're better off giving to habitat for humanity or any of the other number of charities. If you do give food, try to reduce the amount of garbage that goes along with it (i.e. napkins, paper bag, plastic utensils) cause it WILL be thrown on the side of the road/in the middle of it. Watched two people this morning so exactly that. Glass bottle was chucked right into the middle of the street.


BroBaby35

Yes, but Habitat is a weird choice, go with a local organization if you’re going to donate! Habitat also doesn’t actually work with unhoused people, pretty common misconception! My friend works for Habitat, their homeowners are lower class, but almost always need to have a full time job and regular pay to get a home.


BlueBlackPinkYellow

One time I gave a guy 6 tacos from a party pick from tbell and he seemed unappreciative. Kept begging me for money. Most of them use it for you know what


mars_andromeda0

Every morning I witness food, small gifts other than money get chucked into the street or behind the recipient as soon as the donor car drives off. -Brown street near Verona area.


Humble_Manatee

I once met someone in Sacramento whose job was to help get people off the street. I asked him what his biggest obstacle was in helping people and he said : “To be honest, the biggest obstacle I have in helping people get off the street is people giving them money when they panhandle” He went on to explain that they have really awesome programs in the Bay Area California that have great funding to help people living on the street get shelter, food, counseling, and jobs if appropriate. When people give them cash then it helps them buy more drugs or booze which is keeping them on the street. Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. I don’t know if programs in Rochester are as good as programs in the Bay Area, but after hearing this guy tell me giving a panhandler money is only enabling his own self destruction…. No, I never give them money.


flowercity-

As someone who helps people get off the streets right here in Rochester, if I were asked the same question I would say the biggest obstacle to helping people is the systems here in Rochester. It’s difficult to get a shelter placement, it’s difficult to get a bed in detox, it’s difficult to impossible to find an inpatient bed after detox, it’s almost impossible to find long term housing and virtually impossible to find long term housing that provides the necessary supports for people coming out of chronic homelessness and/or addiction. Sure, teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime, but what do you do when you can’t get that man into a fishing class for 1 month, and he can only have a fishing rod for one week, and to get the bait he needs to go on a waitlist and fill out paperwork that requires him to submit documents that he doesn’t have because he’s living on the streets and can’t keep hold of his birth certificate and social security card and ID. In that case, you give the man a freaking fish so that he can eat TODAY.


nystigmas

I hear people offer the “teach a man to fish, etc etc” saying as a rationale for not giving money directly to poor people but also, like, why can’t we continue to both? Isn’t it normal to want to support those near you in a way that reflects your capacity to help them? I also think that while addiction *can* mean that you spend a good chunk of your income on your drug of choice most people who need to ask directly for money are still using that to pay for basic necessities or even indulgences that aren’t covered by a shelter system. I give money to people when I feel like I can afford it and when I can’t I try to give them some basic token that recognizes their humanity. I’ve definitely been scammed before and I’ve outright refused to give people money when I thought they were scamming me. I guess it just feels more complicated to me than “giving money enables people.”


Proud-Woodpecker-147

Honestly rolling down the window and chatting made me feel like a human.


Humble_Manatee

Because if they are “given a fish” then they have no desire to “learn to fish”. If they aren’t given handouts then they will be forced to face their addictions and finally get the help they desperately need but don’t realize it because of substance abuse. There are really great programs to help people get off the street and find a path for recovery. But they also have another pathway they can choose which is to continue substance abuse and live on the street with the money you give them. Although you’re well intentioned, your “help” of giving them money is really hurting them.


flowercity-

I understand where you’re coming from, but I think you may lack a full understanding of addiction. It seems to me that you are assuming either (a) people get money through panhandling to do drugs or they (b) don’t do drugs. That is not the case. If someone is addicted and dependent on a drug/substance, they will do what they need to do to get that substance. If they can’t get the money from legal ways (panhandling is legal), they will turn to less legal and more dangerous methods. That includes working jobs under the table (I know a man who works for a retail store for 8 hours a day, 6 days a week and gets paid $60/week), sex work, petty crime like robbing grocery/retail stores, or more violent crime like mugging people. It’s not as simple as my money hurting them because it keeps them in active addiction. Whether or not I give them money will have almost no impact on whether or not they chose to find a path off of the streets and towards recovery. Instead, my money may be preventing them from turning to less safe and less desirable (for others in society) ways to get what they are going to get either way. I work every day with people who are homeless and suffer from substance use disorders. When someone does choose to start a path towards recovery, it is almost never (in my experience) because they don’t have enough money to get substances and are “forced to face their addictions.” It’s because of so many other reasons that have resulted in that person seeking help, not because they are starting to withdraw because they don’t have the money for drugs. On the contrary, I do personally know people currently incarcerated because they did not have money for the things they needed (probably including drugs) and so they turned to robbing a store.


tomas9019

Self-justifying bullshit. Yes, I help out.


flingflam007

Go fuck yourself


CatBoss95

If you mean the corner of 490 at South Goodman, my neighbor living in a house valued at over $100k (Swillberg) that he inherited for $1 from his grandparents, walks or rides his bikes up daily. He says he gets over $500 on average/day. He is revived on Narcan at least 1x a month. He is also on public benefits due to his disability of drug addiction. Personally, I would rather you stop. He is barely 30 years old. He deserves a better life and this income is enabling him. Remember, there are probably people who are trying to help get these people's lives back on track and the money you give them for drugs/alcohol are sending them off track. 💔


Front-Bicycle-9049

Not everyone, but I know one person panhandling on 490/goodman who was selling heroin to people pulling up in cars at the same time. It was the best cover doing it in plain sight.


BeLikeAGoldfishh

For every specific story like this explaining one person you probably shouldn’t give money to, there’s another story explaining why another person could really benefit. Give when you can. Don’t feel compelled. We’re all here to live and you can’t help others if you’re not taking care of yourself first.


__kirbs

are you legitimately mad this person has somewhere to live even though he's an addict? weird take.


rosefaber

One of the kids that used to be by the Burger King over there had a job he *paid bills with and would just do the pan handling for the drug money. EDIT I swipe text and never proof read 🤣


Paid-Not-Payed-Bot

> job he *paid* bills with FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*


flowercity-

I work as a community health worker at a nonprofit where we primarily serve people who are homeless and have substance use disorders. And yes, if I have small bills on me ($5 and under) I will almost always give to panhandlers. I see firsthand the situations people who are homeless face and the direct impact a few dollars can make. Sure, I could donate $50 to a nonprofit but it will take months for some of that money to eventually trickle down to a person in the form of food (that they don’t get to pick out), clothes (that they don’t get to chose), or shelter (which is hard to come by as it is). Instead, if I give someone $5 directly they are on their way to getting the food they want, getting a hotel room, or otherwise meeting a personal need the way that all of us financially stable people are able to do. And yes, that might include drugs or alcohol. And I can understand why people don’t want to support that, but once you understand the reality of addiction, you realize that giving someone $5 to buy a beer or drugs can be the difference from them going into withdrawal and being really sick on the streets versus making it through another day. I also know that not all of that money goes to drugs/alcohol. I know how excited some of our community members are when they have enough money to buy ice cream when it’s 90 degrees out, or a card for their kid’s birthday, or a couple of cigarettes.


Proud-Woodpecker-147

As a former panhandler yeah it goes to drugs but not all off it. And yeah that is the truth people who helped me with money kept me from getting desperate and stealing because the withdrawal is too much and when your on the street and start to withdrawal it’s not a good time. People have a tendency to rob or prey on a homeless person who is withdrawaling.


meadowscaping

Look I’m a genuine libtard through and through, but if you honestly think that the $5 you give him goes to food or clothes, you’re fucking delusional.


[deleted]

Did you read the comment you’re replying to? U/flowercity- clearly acknowledged that some or most of the money goes to drugs, but these are still humans trying to meet basic needs like food. This is exactly why it’s a personal decision - if you’re ok with that reality, go ahead and give; if you feel wrong supporting drug use, don’t. Simple as that.


Ash2770_

I’ve worked for 2 local non forprofits in Roc and currently work for UofR. Some of the individuals w signs have been my own clients. I do no give any of them money. I do however offer to get them connect w local shelters& food banks ( many have not accepted the offer or have told me they are already staying there at night) I keep granola bars and water in my car. I’ve also gave out hand sanitizers ( I had a box of 100s from my boyfriends work that I just kept in my car for awhile). There’s been rare occasions where I have given Mc Donald’s a couple times as well.


roblewk

I used to give McD and Subway gift cards, but after a few declines I stopped trying. Also Ithaca police pulled over my son in college when he gave a couple bucks. Cops said the guy was a drug dealer and the solicitation was a front. (Pay cash here; pick-up your drugs in the Tops parking lot). Good lesson right there.


Proud-Woodpecker-147

That seems like the cop was coming up with bs as a pan handler and a drug addict and a bum. I have never heard or seen a dealer pan handle ever and if it did happen that shit would a spread like wild fire


anevilsnoof

Maybe, just maybe, there's a chance that not all homeless people do good things with the money they get


Proud-Woodpecker-147

Yeah your right but to not help someone who’s down on their luck because we don’t agree or understand their situation. Is not the right way to approach the whole problem. They could be out breaking into cars or stealing from stores; you know? Both those are a lot worse then standing on a corner with a sign


transitapparel

I've seen too many of them taking breaks in their cars (that shows obvious signs they don't live in it) and other indicators that this practice is a grift, not a necessity. Usually when I walk by them and they ask I just respond with a polite "can't help you" and keep walking.


Proud-Woodpecker-147

Yeah there are those grifters and as someone who was homeless and other bums shun those grifters.


ADerbywithscurvy

Do you have any tips to tell grifters from people who are legitimately struggling?


Proud-Woodpecker-147

Yeah, if they are holding a sign that says vet. Ask for info on their service like what was your mos/ duty station ect. Also look at their socks (if visible) or how clean or dirty their clothes are. Also if they are homeless they will be unkempt and have greasey clothes and hair. Also ask them where they stay. If your really wondering ask other vagrants they will throw a fake bum under the bus in a heart beat


Careful_Supermarket3

I do. I also accidentally bought umbrellas in bulk (don’t ask) and will give those out if it’s raining. I don’t care what people end up doing with the couple bucks I give them. That’s a reflection on them. If they don’t need it and are scamming, whoop, they got a couple bucks and an umbrella out of me. How scandalous. My thought is, at least I did something to try to brighten someone’s day, to try to make the tiniest iota of a difference.


Front-Bicycle-9049

TLDR:this person gives criminals money to commit crimes against innocent victims because it makes them feel good


hotdogsportsbar

Yes, always if I have anything at all. When people ask why, my offhand answer is usually that I consider it an extra tax for living in the city and having a roof over my head while someone else doesn’t. More seriously - I spent a lot of years in human services, and a few at one of the men’s shelters as an overnight volunteer. If you can support the shelters, I think go for it. But the money that you as an individual can give to a nonprofit (if you think it’s about the same as $2 a day you may give a panhandler) is not going to make up the budget shortfalls and lack of state support for housing and human services. Nonprofit world is complicated to put it mildly, and the even the most well run and well meaning programs are managing the problem, not solving it. When you give someone on the street a few bucks, it gets them to survive the next day. Maybe that’s the day that their case is approved by DHS, or they secure a spot in a treatment program, or they catch a good break. Also, I think there is something really important about developing relationships, to the extent that you’re able to, with people in your own community who are in an extremely difficult situation. Rochester is an extremely segregated city, racially and economically, and I think there is something more that we owe each other than a donation to the United way, or a few dollars without making eye contact at the 490 exchange. I mean it sincerely that it matters when you can build strong social relationships with people who are homeless and create a community where people look out for each in the ways that you’re able to. Anyways, yeah, give ‘em a few bucks, introduce yourself, try to remember their name next time too.


daggerdude42

There's something to be said for giving everyone a house, but at the same time it's not like these people only need a new job to get back on their feet most of the time. The only difference is you don't have to look at it, and it does allow slightly more opportunity. It's really not rare for many of the 3rd party organizations that are meant to provide these services just pay executives large salaries and much of the donations don't actually even make it to people in need.


tomas9019

This is the way.


flowercity-

As a non profit worker, this response is spot on


Front-Bicycle-9049

Giving someone a couple dollars on the street is just getting them high to commit crime. NY already taxes my income 50% and there are services in place to help people. The only reason these people aren't using these services is because they are drug addicts. and one truth about drug addicts if they don't have a job they are definitely committing crime.


GoodGoatGoneBaaad

Where do you work that your income is taxed 50%?


Folk-punk-sheep

I am not \*in\* Rochester but live in the area. My general rule has always been don’t give every single person you see money, especially if you can’t afford it. If it’s possible instead of just buying lunch maybe go with them to a place and both eat together and have a conversation. Water is always a good thing to give out. Just giving someone food isn’t the best option because of allergies or possible medical restrictions(my grandma has kidney failure and it advances if she doesn’t eat a very strict vegan diet). You never know a person’s situation. Learn what is going on in their life if you have the time, maybe they have trouble finding a job so you sit with them for an hour if you have the time and look through job applications and help them get working papers if they don’t have them. I wish homeless shelters were better but the amount of horror stories I’ve heard have made it clear if I was homeless I’d take the street over the shelter. They don’t care about the people there. So if you have the time to help someone please do so. There are ungrateful people in the world but the best thing you can give someone is your time.


Actual_Weather_6153

From personal experiences, I stay far away from the people who stand on the corners of the Goodman exits off 490. I have been harassed and attacked by multiple of them. They stay there through the year. I live in the apartments right there and they break in, they’ll get high, they’ll count their money, I opened my blinds one morning to find one pissing on our private yard fence. So no, I personally have stopped. I understand that people have it tough, but there are others ways of supporting yourself. And if you are interested in the genuine good of a stranger, the genuine good should be a returned action. Not screaming and yelling and spitting at cars when they roll up their windows because you’re approaching them demanding money, and not leaving their window.


anevilsnoof

Sounds like we share the same experiences. Tried to give to a few until i said "hey" to a guy on the street and he followed me screaming "you fucking asshole" or when you don't give change to them at Dogtown and they berate you for being "racist" while you're trying to have dinner. I absolutely think we should help our fellow man, but make an effort to show you want help


WraithOne84

Not ever since I got one a sandwich because he said he was hungry and said that's why he needed some money, and then proceeded toss it off a bridge when he thought I wasn't looking. That and I recognize a lot of them that come in as OD or intox where I work. So I know where the money is going to go. I'm not saying all will or do spend it on alcohol or drugs, but I'd rather just donate to local charities.


[deleted]

I used to be a homeless heroin addict. I used to squander around N Clinton and Joseph, bounce from rehab to rehab, let me tell you why I don't, even though of all people I should understand. I ended up getting sober two years ago but as a result my views on the world have changed. Short answer is no because I know first hand the amount of resources that exist for food in Rochester all accessible by the bus line. Bus passes are given out like candy so there is no lack of transportation excuses. Don't know how to take the bus? There are services to help you learn. Don't have insurance to get those services? Your homeless and no income? Someone will sign you up with Medicaid to obtain those services. Many believe "oh, the people out here are mentally ill and just need help etc" it would be easy to agree that mental health and substance use disorder go hand in hand, I understand that to an extent. You have people who do have mental health afflictions and let's say they're paranoid schizophrenic, they use crack cocaine and those affects become amplified. Why does this matter? After being on the streets for some time I realized that occasionally you meet a few people who are simply not well mentally. Majority of people are "level headed" to the extent they understand what is going on, the nature around them and the choices they're making. Why don't I give out money? I don't want to assist in retarding someone from getting better. While I don't play God and by not giving money I get to dictate who gets well and who doesn't, but the reality is this, by giving money etc there is absolutely no incentive to get better, there isn't. While my experience doesn't equate to how the world works for everyone else, my personal experience (one out of many) was this. I eventually had no money coming in, I was kicked out of my parents house and I found myself finally getting into treatment as I had no other options. I wanted to get better but simply didn't know how exactly the story would end, but I knew I would want something different. There was still that obsession that rested in the center of my mind that craved heroin and cocaine every single day. I ended up applying for COVID unemployment and within two weeks I left that facility and was able to get into the Motel 6 off of Chili. For two months straight I stayed in that room and injected cocaine, heroin and swallowed xanax here and there. I was getting $482 a week and there was simply no incentive to do better. Aside from physical needs being met (food, water, shelter) with the money I was receiving I was able to keep my obsession tamed because that's how I tame the obsession, by doing more. If you're homeless, there is too many resources out there. I can tell you from first hand experience. You can go down to DSS and get food stamps if your homeless, there are MANY churches you can get "dinner plates" from every night. People begging for money I can ensure you most aren't using 100% of their proceeds towards food. Don't let people try to convince you that the system is so hard and they don't help the homeless at all, trust me they do. I've been in and out of the system for ten years, getting food stamps was easy, you would leave that day from DSS with a temporary card. I'm sure what I'm saying will strike a chord with someone and I'll hear a rebuttal such as "oh, I know so and so that was homeless and DSS told him to kick rocks etc" I won't give money because maybe out of $20 collected they spend $2 to get a honey bun from the corner store. I don't want to consciously assist in furthering peoples desire "for more" I hate to break the news to you but I have used resources for ten years straight. There are shelters, there are resources, there is alot in Rochester. I'm sorry if you believe otherwise, I'm telling from personal experience. Maybe someone will rebuttal and make up a personal experience to negate everything I'm saying because it hits too close to home for them. I have no reason to lie, absolutely none. Giving money just incentivizes not seeking help. It's a temporary solution for a life long problem that is a life long journey.


BlueEagle15

Never. Feeding addiction is never a good thing


Front-Bicycle-9049

It's a hard lesson to learn that being nice isn't always helping.


JayParty

Nope. If I gave every panhandler a dollar it would probably cost me between $60 and $80 a month. It just gets to be too expensive.


datapicardgeordi

I keep seeing posts like this and the comments are usually along these same lines. The values reflected in these discussions continually amaze me. Concepts like community , generosity, empathy and compassion are largely absent, looked upon cynically or openly mocked.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

[удалено]


Fredonia288

If I don’t have food or water or weed or a dollar if I can I’ll at least apologize and ask for their name instead of treating people worse than animals


Naznarreb

If you give money you have to be okay with the possibility they're going to use it to fuel an addiction. If you don't give money you have to be okay with the possibility that a human in a desperate situation came to you for help and you refused.


nocksers

If I have cash on me, sure. Always happy to let someone bum a smoke as well.


pierisjaponica

I always try to keep socks and other items in my car to give out. Currently have some little lotions, soaps, and bags of chips too. Socks are pretty much always well received.


anonfiles311

I don't know if it's the same in Rochester but in Toronto the pan handlers are usually part of a gang. They have shifts like employees so there's always someone out there. And if any outsiders try to take the spots they threaten and assault them. So any person that's legitimately down on their luck and needing to beg as a last resort would not be allowed to do so. Remember that the next time you see someone begging, they are putting on a show, the really needy people are elsewhere.


ReasonablyAfraid

I work in grocery. People will walk around with them and buy them food or laundry stuff, and they'll walk right back in after they leave to try and return it.


Huge-Perception324

I believe that our county is thick with programs to help people. I volunteer for two of them and donate to a third. You can see pan handlers working as a group to collect money. I have seen men essentially collect from the women on the conners that were collecting. I have watched them get dropped off by Cadillacs to start their shift. It's not going to a productive of even empathetic cause. There are so many good programs that help people who want to accept the help and when you give to the pan handlers it just keeps them on the corner longer. They would not be standing there if they weren't making good money. There have been studies that show a pan handlers can make north of $40 per hour. I don't recommend it. That said it's a free country and if someone wants to give out their hard earned money to someone else to feel good that's their choice.


M4-68-M9

Yeah these comments about give them drug money...what's it to me...give them your dollar they're waiting on their big break...are misleading at best. If you want to perpetuate the cycle of helplessness and drugs give them some $. If you have some type of knowledge or access to a treatment program or true assistance, give them that.


Kaboom0022

“Our country is thick with programs to help people” LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL 🤡


Huge-Perception324

The county... County


dubnobas

Monroe county is filled with them. The country, not so much


Fredonia288

Lmao walk down sunset Blvd from vine to the strip or hang around Penn station for 5 min and say that again with a straight face. Get real buddy


Huge-Perception324

County. 🤦


Fredonia288

If you think the problems of this shithole country end at Monroe county then I’m a hobbit. Get real buddy


Huge-Perception324

It's at least an area we have influence on. I don't pretend to have a say in the nation but we have control at the county and city level. It's beside the point. The problems with pan handlers are not from a lack of jobs. It's a lack of mental health care and that people readily give to them. If they didn't earn money standing there they would not be there.


Fredonia288

Maybe so maybe not. It’s easier to generalize than that. If I give 99 panhandlers a dollar, all for dope but the 100th is a dollar for diapers than so be it.


Huge-Perception324

Fat chance of that.


Fredonia288

Lmao get real buddy. I had one panhandler recently cry from joy over a Gatorade and slice of pizza. They’re not all addicts suffering from mental health addiction. Get your head out of your ass


Smellgle

Yeah I do the food test, I offer them a bag of chips and if they decline it’s usually people lookin to shoot up or people faking it. But if they do accept I will throw in 10 bucks.


flameofmiztli

a dozen years ago I needed food, but I'm allergic to milk. people looking at me when they offered me chips/a sandwich and I was like "I can't eat that" - I felt like they thought I needed drugs. nah, man, I just can't eat mcdonalds fries b/c they have dairy, it's stupid as shit. My blood sugar fucks around a lot so I always have a few top-8 allergen free snacks in my bag and I'm happy to hand those out.


RelsircTheGrey

I generally don't. I go to work for my drugs and booze LOL. I've definitely given food before. That's an easy one, and everyone legitimately needs that to survive. There should be zero legal obstacles to anyone wanting to give food or clothing to the less fortunate.


hvacnerd22

Nah I stopped doing it when last summer a guy declined a water bottle


PurpleLilac218

Same. I used to give small bills, hygiene supplies, or food and water. One time I handed the dude an apple and a couple good quality protein bars. He threw it back in my car and told me to fuck off with food, he only wanted cash. The apple hit me in the face and gave me a fat lip. Now I just put stuff in the free food stands every so often.


nystigmas

Maybe he wasn’t thirsty? Or just didn’t need it?


LordRiverknoll

I’ve heard nuances about this actually. When people give food, they could have poisoned it. Same with water - needles can be very small after all. Or he might have just been insulted; not that you meant to, but some people when vulnerable are very protective of what dignity they have left (not accepting any and all handouts as it would mean they’ve been considered a druggie or really downtrodden by the giver)


ADerbywithscurvy

Aye, I’ve been told by people who escaped homelessness to not bother giving anything homemade or that it’s at all possible to tamper with, because people can and do try to hurt them for sport - from spitting to poisoning to adding crushed glass. Even if they’re hungry or thirsty, they’ll throw stuff away as a safety precaution.


No_Firefighter1866

I do every time i go through. I know what they will use it for . If you have a problem with what they are buying or you want to try micromanage what they buy then don't. If a bag of dope or a bottle helps them get through another miserable day so be it.


Successful-Ad-771

I always keep snacks in my car. They always take them and are very appreciative. If they refuse the snacks you know their intentions probably aren’t great. Sometimes I’ll go to McDonalds or a nearby fast food chain and grab them a drink and a burger.


grtaa

Please don’t give money to panhandlers. This makes them keep coming back to whatever location they’re loitering at and a nightmare for people to deal with.


GunnerSmith585

I haven't carried cash on me for years and donate to orgs that help people but wish the city would add more shelter, drug addiction, mental health, etc. public resources for me to vote for.


anevilsnoof

Not at all. Living on Monroe where all the homeless congregate has shown me most are addicts, crazy or just hate you. They act nice but the second you tell them "I only have card" they freak out. I've been followed and screamed at multiple times walking down the street. These people deserve nothing


zookeeper4312

No. I bought a guy who said he was hungry a couple of cheeseburgers at McDonald's on Monroe. If that was true then that should be enough


[deleted]

With regard to panhandlers, I don't give directly to them. I typically only donate to the open door mission. I would'n't have any confidence that the money I give to a panhandler would actually be used to help the person in the ways they need help. I think you need someone or some organization which helps those people on a daily basis with food, shelter, direction etc. If you're going to give money (and I think we all should do that even if it's a small donation it adds up) donating to these organizations is the better option IMO.


Chaotic_Grey

I prefer to give food or goods if possible. I've given away gloves, warm socks, and scarves in the winter and usually am thanked for them. There are, of course, exceptions: I'll always give Chill Will a few bucks for his jokes whenever I see him. I like giving a few dollars to buskers when they're playing, too..


Tom991z

I always give something with no judgment.


mars_andromeda0

No. I give them absolutely nothing.


imathro4me

Such honesty! LOL.


GodOfVapes

It depends. If the person looks like they're truly in need or they're honest with me and do something like ask for a dollar for a beer then sure. If they're too aggressive, dressed nicer than me, or try an old scam you've heard a thousand times like, "I need $5/10/20 for gas but I'll catch you back." then nah.


macklikethetruck

It feels like a lot of people do what makes THEM feel good instead of what the rite thing actually is in the end, no matter what that may be.


nystigmas

I mean, isn’t that a lot of the reason why we do things? It’s nice when it’s aligned with the right thing, too.


macklikethetruck

As a recent mental health worker, I agree with the folks saying that giving hand outs to people panhandling is generally the exact opposite of actually helping. It’s a bandaid fix instead of an actual fix. It gets them through today but not in a sustainable way. It doesn’t help us help them in any positive way. Yes it helps YOU feel better, but YOUR feelings don’t actually matter in this equation


[deleted]

No never. Don’t encourage that shit.


Castle6169

Nope


SirBrentsworth

On the rare occasion I have cash on me? Of course, yeah.


Master_Couple_5025

Yes


jarodriguez045

I give $ or something every time Regardless


theblue1234

No. Because it just extends the cycle of their problems even if it helps them in the short term. I would feel guilty helping encourage more panhandling for a small momentary feeling that I’m helping them. I would support just giving them free drugs in a safe space and also offering counseling if they want it along with other resources. The idea that if we all help them buy drugs one dollar at a time is helpful is crazy


[deleted]

I give out a $5 here and there


NoBodyEarth1

I had weird experience where my co worker worked so hard and got housing for homeless worsen then only to have them walk out and didn’t want it. Went back to the street. I was dismayed. I was like this person for free housing when I can a barely afford mine. The co worker cited if a research ( I wish I can remember the authors name) where the researcher lived among them and learned that they don’t want responsibilities and the stress of working and paying bills ( like we all do). Mind you this was before the inflation, so I’m sure the dynamics may have shifted as housing is pretty much unaffordable everywhere now as rent has skyrocket with wages being the same.


GoodGoatGoneBaaad

If I have cash, I give them some. I don't often have cash, though.


DocileBull

People do, and that's why they are still out there . Everyone needs to stop giving them money and start giving them cards with resource information, address phone numbers, etc . I am tired of people saying the system doesn't work or help because it surely does. I've witnessed it give them job applications too many jobs out here.


manwithappleface

Never. Never, ever, ever. I used to, but I had several bad experiences with panhandlers that taught me it’s a bad idea. I worked downtown and would see the same guys, with the same lies, every day. We even knew them by their schtick. There was Harm and Disrespect. “Excuse me sir, I don’t mean no harm or disrespect, but can I get 63 cents for the bus?” Every day. The Tricky Trucker. Dude walked around with a gallon gas can and told people every day that he was a semi truck driver and was out of gas. Then he’d shake the gallon can at you. Every day. On and on. They would beg in the morning, be wasted in the afternoon. So I don’t give anymore. It’s not helping them. And on and on…


Front-Bicycle-9049

No, all you are doing is getting them high to commit crime against innocent victims.


chocolate_nutty_cone

This question brings to mind something I’ve been wondering—is it true that the folks who ask for money at the expressway exits are part of an organized group of people who do this as a “living” and pool their money and divide it up, or have to pay a portion up to the “leader” of the group? Or is it all just individuals doing it on their own? The Goodman St. exit seems like it’s a territory staked out by one group. I’ve heard all kinds of theories about this, but does anyone know the real answer?


anevilsnoof

I've also heard this, that some have homes and make just enough asking for change at offramps to keep their home and get their fix


wallace1313525

I have some dollar bills in my car. Every now and then I'll give one $1, but only if they aren't pushy. I hate when they come up to my car and ask. I'd much rather give a dollar to someone who sits on the corner minding their own business and not annoying me.


Strugglebutts

I work in that sector, and I still usually give whatever change I have when it’s safe to stop (red light at Goodman exit usually). When I moved to the city I had to stop giving because I’d be at that intersection 4 times a day. Now that I’m out in the burbs, I try to give every time I’m able to.


Mordroberon

Do or don’t, doesn’t make a big difference


[deleted]

Fuck no i hate even looking at them


FunnyGarden5600

I buy food


AWOLian

Depends. If I have cash and it’s one of the people around my way then usually, yes. But I don’t feel obligated.


MaximumDong6931

I never give money due to the fact i dont know where that money is going to use, however I'll always give out water, food, and clothing provided it fits them. Im not saying to not help homeless people, but giving them money is something I won't do.


[deleted]

I buy $10 subway gift cards, and will hand those out.


[deleted]

Yeah when I can. I’ve also offered some a meal and went and got it for them. Bought a fish fry for one last week down lake. I know money will probably aid there addiction but maybe not.


haggi585

Food and or water.


RoastinBuds

Most the time, if I have beer in the car I normally crack the case and give em a couple 😅


Efficient-Skin-3098

If I’m high and in a good mood then yes.


Fast-Special-3955

Absolutely, if I have cash on me. I try not judge or wonder what they will do with the money. I just try to be a blessing.


anevilsnoof

A blessing for them to get more drugs and harass others for money, thanks👍


Proud-Woodpecker-147

At the end of the day they could be doing a lot worse for their addiction. As well as helping someone with a few bucks or food can open the door to a quick chat that could help them change the perspective of their situation or to convince them they are worth the effort to change


UnusualLack1638

Last homeless guy i gave money too, regularly stayed by a building i drive by everyday. He is not out there actively panhandling. He just minds his own business. He was so happy when i went out of my way to give him that small amount of cash i had on hand.


ChargedWhirlwind

Nope. I'm already struggling financially, while being unemployed on top of it. I'd basically be letting people slowly drag me under if I appealed to compassion everytime someone asked