Should You Give to Panhandlers?

Should you give to panhandlers? You might be surprised my answer is probably NOT. This is advice coming from a panhandler himself.

I'm not saying you should never give. I'm going to share my insider knowledge so that you know that if you give your money isn't likely going to booze or drugs.

90% of panhandlers only want cash so they can feed their addictions. A lot of panhandlers started panhandling because of their addictions. They can't hold down a regular job. They need fast money. These guys ruin it for the people that really do need help.

So how can you be sure you are giving to the 10% that really need help and they are not going to spend your hard earned money on booze or drugs? There are a few things you have to watch out for. Some are obvious, some not so much.

If you see a panhandler staggering, slurring his speech, shaking, talking way too fast, or talking way too slow, there is a good chance he/she is either high or drunk. That's pretty obvious. But sometimes panhandlers can hide it well or may be sober, for the moment.

The best thing you can do is take the time to talk to the panhandler. I know this means pulling your car over, or taking 10 minutes out of your day, but this is you're hard earned money your giving someone right?

The first thing you should do is offer to buy the panhandler lunch or a sandwich. If the panhandler is truly legit and in need he will probably graciously accept your offer. If he's just looking for a quick cash handout he will decline your offer 9 times out of 10. I guarantee it.

Taking a person to lunch makes them feel like you truly care. Take 10 or 15 minutes and listen to their story or just shoot the shit. You will gain a lot of insight into why they are panhandling and what they may need. If after you eat with them you feel like giving them a few dollars at least you will feel good knowing it's really going to help someone and not just enabling an addict.

If you don't have time to sit down and eat a quick lunch you can always just offer to buy them a coffee or at the very least just talk to the panhandler for a few minutes before giving any money.

Believe me, if people did this it would eliminate some of the scam artists and addicts out there. You can tell a lot about a man if you just listen to his story for a few minutes.