No doubt about the legit need, my issue is are they using it for the legit need. I like to donate to the local foodbanks and homeless shelters as I feel the donations are reaching the people they're intended to help.

Isn't panhandling really just a form of capitalism? In exchange for a quarter, you get to hear a story. The more successful storytellers get to drive cars.

Panhandler Caught Driving Fiat Is Confronted by Furious Man Who Gave Her Money

 

"The 78-year-old was holding a sign claiming she needed cash for food. According to Daniel Ayala, he had given her money on a few occasions even when he didn't have enough money to pay for his own lunch. The story could have ended there, but then one day Ayala noticed the woman sitting in the driver's seat of a bright red 2013 Fiat — not exactly what you would expect of a woman who begged for money. He couldn't contain himself and let the woman know how he felt by screaming at her in the parking lot."

 

I'm not too sure I'd be screaming at a 78 yo woman if this had happened to me...but I would be irritated for sure.

 

Last spring I needed a newer car, and had really went back and forth about it for months before purchasing a used 2010 Focus. How someone who supposedly needs money bad enough to panhandle can drive a nicer, newer car than I do, I'm not quite sure. Seems like that $17,000 could have been spent more wisely, like, say on food and clothing?

 

This is the kind of thing that makes people look the other way and pass over someone who may really need the help.

 

I'd make it my job to follow her around and hold a sign that says, "This Grandma drives A 2013 Fiat, she has plenty of money"

I'd make it my job to follow her around and hold a sign that says, "This Grandma drives A 2013 Fiat, she has plenty of money"

 

Just make sure you get a permit for that.

I'd say that's a safe bet. % of those with a legit need is still high enough for me.

 

How do you know? Couldn't they go to a relief organization for food, clothing, etc.? It is tempting , because it makes one feel good to give, but I restrain myself...and had to twice yesterday from giving panhandlers money. "Better off they die and decrease the surplus population." (just kidding). However, I will give to agencies whom I believe do give relief to the poor and homeless.

Years ago I was crossing the street in downtown Louisville with my then-10-yr-old son. A man asked if I had a dollar so he could get something to eat. It just so happened that I had a bag of chips in one coat pocket and a soda in the other (that were actually for my son). I took them out and said, "I don't have any money, but you are welcome to these." He turned up his nose and walked away. My son learned a pretty good lesson that day.

As for the issue of feeling good about yourself: I do not give to panhandlers. Ever. However, not too long ago I took my younger son into a White Castle downtown (winter time - very cold outside) and the elderly (homeless) gentleman in line in front of us ordered just a small coffee. He dug for change and could barely pay for it. Obviously he just wanted to be able to sit inside for a bit. We ate our meal and then as we were leaving I went back up to the counter and ordered three burgers and fries. I specifically asked for the manager and told him as I paid for it that I was going to leave and wanted him to take the food to the gentleman sitting in the corner after I was gone. Didn't need anyone to thank me. Knowing that a basic human need was - to a very small degree - somehow met was more than enough for me. (And my son learned another pretty good lesson that day.)