I saw this on Facebook and thought it would make a good poll question:

 

 

Yesterday, July 22, we arrested a transient for public intoxication. This is a person we frequently deal with, but we want to illustrate that there are better ways to help the transient population than to give them money for panhandling. This person collected $234.94 in just a few hours of asking for money. Rather than feeding someone's alcohol addiction, you can donate directly to local charities such as the Comea Shelter where your money will assist the homeless in a much more effective way.

 

Cheyenne Police Department - Home | Facebook

Someone gave him a $2 Bill, I've not seen one of those in years.

 

FWIW, No I don't give money to Panhandlers.

Nope. I offer food. If they are truly hungry, they will take me up on that offer and many have.

Nope. I offer food. If they are truly hungry, they will take me up on that offer and many have.

 

Same here. I have offered to get them food many times. They rarely accept my offer. The vast majority of the ones in my area want money for pills(including a cousin of mine).

Yes.

There was one that used to set up at the same exit on I-75 all the time. He'd stand there with a sign saying that he was stranded and needed money to get home. He would be there for a few days to a week then disappear, only to return a few months later stranded again and needing money. He'd park his car about half a mile away, I saw him getting into it one day as I was getting gas.

 

A police officer that was familiar with him said he was from Clay County about 25 miles away.

Yes.

 

If I come across someone who truly needs money( and not money for pills), I will give it to them. I will usually question them until I can make a good determination of what they are going to do with my money. In my area, the vast majority are looking for pill money. I simply refuse to enable drug abuse. I have many, many times offered to meet the person at a nearby restaurant or grocery and buy him/her all the food they want. Most of the time, they insist upon cash. My cousin funds his pill popping addicting by panhandling. Makes good money doing it. I have even used social people to warn people not to give money to him. He doesn't even ask me because he knows I will not fund his drug habit.

If I come across someone who truly needs money( and not money for pills), I will give it to them. I will usually question them until I can make a good determination of what they are going to do with my money. In my area, the vast majority are looking for pill money. I simply refuse to enable drug abuse. I have many, many times offered to meet the person at a nearby restaurant or grocery and buy him/her all the food they want. Most of the time, they insist upon cash. My cousin funds his pill popping addicting by panhandling. Makes good money doing it. I have even used social people to warn people not to give money to him. He doesn't even ask me because he knows I will not fund his drug habit.

 

I get what you are saying and I do not dispute that there are those who are not truly needy. But I know that many truly are in need. I just err on the side of helping someone who scammed me to make sure I don't turn away from someone who did. Having been in dire circumstances at certain points in my life, I just can't bring myself to pass by. But I understand why others do. I'm not judging anyone. Just doing my thing.

The same gang has been on the corner of Eden Park/Florence Ave since at least 2007. They must be making enough to survive. I have given money in the past but it's not all that seldom. I remember my buddy drunkenly gave a "crippled vet" outside PBS about $50. Not long after that he was exposed on TV show featuring female officers in Cincinnati, "The Police Women of Cincinnati".

Can't think of a time when I ever have. A guy asked me for gas money at a gas station once. I offered to use my card and put gas in his car and he refused.

I get what you are saying and I do not dispute that there are those who are not truly needy. But I know that many truly are in need. I just err on the side of helping someone who scammed me to make sure I don't turn away from someone who did. Having been in dire circumstances at certain points in my life, I just can't bring myself to pass by. But I understand why others do. I'm not judging anyone. Just doing my thing.

 

I wouldn't expect anything less. You are very, very good- hearted.

Can't think of a time when I ever have. A guy asked me for gas money at a gas station once. I offered to use my card and put gas in his car and he refused.

 

That's typically what I've encountered as well.

Asking for gas money is just another form of panhandling. It can be scary when a strange man approaches you in a parking lot or gas station.

As others have said, I'll buy gas or get them a meal or something to drink. I've even helped arrange for lodging, but no cash.

Asking for gas money is just another form of panhandling. It can be scary when a strange man approaches you in a parking lot or gas station.

If it's me, it might end up scary for him. If I'm not packing, I at least have mace. I can't carry during the week because I am a teacher, but on the weekends and traveling over the summer, I do.