Professional Panhandlers

[Kirin]

When I used to frequent Atlanta, I used to see these guys all the time, they'd hound MARTA stations and all the concert spots. My friends and I used to give these people money so they go away, because they looked as if they might hurt us if we didn't.

Now that I'm in Valdosta I see them hanging around the I-75 exits. I almost got fooled by one, until I saw that he had a dog with him that was plump and had a sleek, well-groomed coat and a nice collar. I figured if he could afford to have a nice, well-cared for pet like that, he was probably faking being poor.

Sometimes I'll see a person who seems to need help and I'll want to give them money, but my fear that it's just a person faking it oftentimes keeps me from sharing. Do you guys see a lot of these people in your area?

[Libby]

Re: Professional Panhandlers

I've seen the same thing here in Dayton, although they are required to have a panhandler's license before they can even start begging for money. My favorate ever was the woman in Indianapolis who was holding a sign saying "Homeless with Four Children and Starving." Her clothes were a bit disheveled, her hair was clean and styled, and she weighted at least 250-300 lbs. I'm sorry to be so cruel, but unless she just got on the street, I don't get it.

We have three that hang around the old Meijers next to where we live. One is a woman who likes to wear sweats and walk around with Wendy's cups. Another is a young man who hasn't shaved in a while. And yet another is a "Veteran" who has a fold-out chair and a pretty sweet looking satchel, and is probably about 20-30 years old. I just want to know what war he was a Vet for. (Note- Dayton has a pretty decent Vet. Hospital downtown, and I know a lot of people are really helpful when it comes to the Veterans that live in the area (Right next to one of the biggest bases) and unless he is too lazy to actually ask, most Vets don't get as far as panhandling for help. People give it to them.)

Stupidist "Panhandling" Crap - Guy asks for money because his wife is in the hosptial, and he has no ATM card and no money to make a call. So he asks if we can give him some money and he can write us a check... -.-

Coolest: Getting asked by a man in drag for money for a bus. I know it was for drugs, but he just looked so cute in those high-heels!

Edit - Although I did dig the nice older lady we met at the Greyhound station downtown about six years ago. She was sweet and offered us her license first (before even asking for anything) and told us that we didn't have to give her anything, but she was on a fixed income and just needed help. We gave her some cash and took her to lunch. She was so sweet!

[Fushigi na Renamon]

Re: Professional Panhandlers

The downtown area here in Edmonton is crawling with panhandlers. You seriously cannot walk one block without being asked for money. Many of the businesses have signs in their windows that tell people not to cater to panhandlers, but to donate to charities for the homeless instead.

I don't give them any money. I've seen enough of them standing around smoking cigarettes or drinking booze to know that it's not a good idea and my money is not going to help them feed themselves or their children, only their habits. If they can afford cigarettes and alcohol, then they definitely don't need my financial support.

A friend of mine told me once about a project some people did where they offered to give the panhandlers nice meals, and most of them were disgusted and asked for money instead.

Edit: I've never heard of panhandling licenses before. o_O Is that a US thing?

[The Toecutter]

Re: Professional Panhandlers

Edit: I've never heard of panhandling licenses before. o_O Is that a US thing?

Maybe. I've never heard of such a thing myself, but in the U.S., many places have anti-vagrancy laws, effectivelly making homelessness an arrestable offense. Further, anti-loitering ordinances and similar types of laws make it an arrestable offense for the homeless to stay in a single location to rest.

The U.S. is quite regressive in regard to how it treats the less fortunate.

[Libby]

Re: Professional Panhandlers

I'm not sure if it's only US, but in Dayton, it's become such a problem, and there have been so many complaints, that they make panhandlers get a license, and they can only panhandle during certain hours. I think this is to protect the real people who do need money from the useless layabouts who just mooch for free cash. If you aren't registered with the county/city, and a cop catches you, you can get arrested. I don't think it applies to the outer reaches of the town, however, since I haven't seen any of our suburb panhandlers hassled by any cops.

[Nixon]

Re: Professional Panhandlers

Sometimes I'll give a few bucks to the guys that I know are homeless. I see the same ones from time to time, out on the street or around the area. I met one guy who's an artist, so I offered to give him some of my extra supplies (color pencils, markers, sketchpad, etc). He was so happy to have a full pad of decent paper to work with.

I don't give to random people sitting at the traffic lights or downtown though. I usually don't have much to offer, so I don't feel too bad.

[Alzar]

Re: Professional Panhandlers

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=84523 lookit a link about professional panhandlers that was on digg front page today what timing