Panhandlers: Begging For Money Or A Home?

Panhandling is a common practice in many countries, and it involves individuals asking for money or donations from passersby, typically on the street or at busy intersections. While some people may genuinely need help and be in dire situations, there are also cases of scams and fraudulent behaviour. Some panhandlers have been observed to be part of organised groups or networks, with certain spots being considered more lucrative than others. This has led to conflicts and territorial behaviour among panhandlers. It is also not uncommon for panhandlers to be dropped off and picked up from their locations, indicating a level of coordination and organisation.

There are mixed opinions on how to best interact with panhandlers. Some suggest ignoring them completely, while others recommend acknowledging them with a smile or a nod. Offering food or directing them to local resources and charities is another approach. Giving money is often discouraged, as it may fuel scams or be used to fund addictions. Ultimately, the decision on how to respond rests with the individual, weighing their own safety, beliefs, and willingness to help.

Panhandlers' earnings

The earnings of panhandlers vary widely and are influenced by several factors, including location, duration, and individual characteristics. For example, a 2001 study in Toronto, Canada, found that panhandlers earned a median monthly income of $300 from panhandling, while a 2007 study in Las Vegas, US, reported a median income of $192.

In terms of daily and hourly rates, the studies showed some consistency, with an average of around $30 per day and $8 per hour. However, these figures can vary significantly, as demonstrated by a panhandling experiment conducted by David Spears, a graduate with a double major in economics and political science. During his 12-day experiment in Oregon City, Spears earned an average of $11.10 per hour, ranging from $5.13 per hour on his worst day to $24.63 per hour on his best.

The variability in panhandling earnings is further highlighted by a 2013 survey in San Francisco, which estimated an average daily income of $25. Additionally, a research report from the Institute of Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg found that 40% of panhandlers in Winnipeg made between $10 and $30 per day, while 38% earned more than $30, and only 22% made over $50 per day.

The amount of money a panhandler can make is influenced by various factors, such as their appearance, personal likeability, and the demographics of passersby. For instance, Spears' experiment revealed that middle-aged people (between 25 and 49) were more likely to give donations and contributed more on average than older or younger individuals.

While there are anecdotes of panhandlers making substantial amounts of money, these cases are not representative of the majority. Most panhandlers are genuinely in need and face significant barriers, including pride, fear, safety concerns, and the judgment of others. Therefore, it is important to recognise that panhandling is often a last resort for individuals who may have limited alternatives to generate income.

Panhandlers' scams

While some panhandlers may be in genuine need, there are also scammers who exploit the kindness and generosity of others for their own gain. These scams are not isolated incidents but are often organised operations that move across different cities and states.

One common scam involves individuals standing on street corners or walking through traffic, holding signs indicating that they are collecting money for funeral expenses. They may also carry brightly painted water jugs to collect donations. In one instance, panhandlers in South Bend claimed they were raising money for the funeral of an 18-year-old named Paul, who they said had died in a car accident. However, the police confirmed that no teens named Paul had been killed in recent crashes in the city, indicating that the money was not going towards the claimed cause.

Another scam involves panhandlers soliciting donations for a young girl named Sofia, who, according to their signs, needs surgery for a rare heart condition. This scam has been reported in various locations, including West Texas and South Florida. The individuals sometimes change the name of the girl or the condition to avoid detection. In reality, the money collected goes into the scammers' bank accounts.

Some people have suggested ways to verify the authenticity of these pleas for help, such as asking for a verifiable donation page or GoFundMe campaign. However, it is generally advised that people donate to community resources or reputable charities instead of giving money directly to panhandlers.

Panhandlers' addiction

While panhandlers may be considered "oppressed" victims of society, many of them struggle with addiction. A survey of panhandlers in Toronto revealed that their single largest expense was food, followed by tobacco, and then alcohol and/or illicit drugs. This suggests that while panhandlers do spend a significant amount on substances, it is lower than some have suggested.

In New York City, a homeless panhandling drug addict can make about $1 per minute from donations during rush hour, which equates to $60 an hour. This income enables their drug habits, which are often financed by members of the public out of guilt or political correctness.

In Raleigh, North Carolina, there have been reports of an increase in panhandlers at every intersection, with some suggesting that it is run by an organized racket. Similarly, in San Jose, California, there are accounts of aggressive panhandlers who approach cars at traffic lights with signs asking for donations for a recently deceased family member or other sob stories. These individuals are often referred to as "professional beggars" or "scammers" and are sometimes seen returning to their luxury vehicles after a day of panhandling.

The issue of panhandlers struggling with addiction is complex. On the one hand, providing them with money can enable their drug habits and contribute to their situation. On the other hand, denying them assistance can lead to further desperation and a continued cycle of addiction. It is essential to recognize that not all panhandlers are addicts, and even among those who are, not all of them will spend the money on drugs or alcohol.

To address this issue, it may be more effective to donate or volunteer with reputable charities and organizations that specifically aim to help individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness. By doing so, we can ensure that our contributions are used efficiently and effectively to provide the necessary support and resources to those in need.

Panhandlers' safety

Panhandling is a complex issue, and while some may genuinely need help, others do it for a living and can become aggressive if refused. There are safety concerns for both panhandlers and those they approach. Here are some tips for staying safe when dealing with panhandlers:

• Keep a safe distance and avoid confrontation.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Stay in well-lit, populated areas, and avoid distractions like texting or listening to music.
• If you feel uncomfortable, walk away.
• If a panhandler becomes aggressive, call out or scream to attract attention and call the police.
• Keep your car doors locked and windows up.
• Do not take out your phone or wallet in front of a panhandler.
• If you want to help, offer non-monetary assistance like food, water, or information on local resources.
• Be respectful and treat panhandlers with dignity and kindness.
• If you have children with you, be especially vigilant and keep them close by.
• Report any suspicious behaviour or safety concerns to the authorities.
• If you are a panhandler yourself, be mindful of your surroundings and try to stay in safe, well-lit areas.

It is important to balance compassion and wisdom when dealing with panhandlers. While it is not wrong to help those in need, your safety should always come first.

Panhandlers' clothing

Clothing is an important aspect of a panhandler's presentation of self and can significantly impact the amount of money they receive. In a study by David Spears, a graduate of George Fox University, it was found that panhandlers who wore jackets or other items of clothing given to them by donors would often wear these items prominently as a way to demonstrate their appreciation. This strategy can be effective in fostering relationships with donors, who may view the panhandler more favourably and be more inclined to give money or other forms of assistance.

However, wearing nicer clothing can also have the opposite effect, making the panhandler appear less needy and potentially reducing their "sympathy margin" among passersby. This margin refers to the difference between the typical amount of sympathy accorded to a person and the amount of sympathy they receive. If a panhandler's appearance does not match the stereotype of a homeless person, they may be viewed with suspicion or even harassed by strangers. As a result, some panhandlers deliberately choose to wear ratty or disheveled clothing to evoke a sense of need and increase their chances of receiving donations.

The decision of what to wear is a delicate balance for panhandlers. On the one hand, they want to appear presentable and respectful, especially if they have regular donors or are trying to build relationships with passersby. On the other hand, they don't want to seem too well-off, as this may reduce the amount of money they receive. Ultimately, the clothing choices of panhandlers are influenced by their goals, strategies, and personal experiences. Some may prioritise building relationships and fostering a sense of self-respect, while others may be solely focused on maximising their income.

In addition to clothing, other factors such as gender, race, and employment status can also impact the amount of money panhandlers receive. For example, younger panhandlers tend to receive more donations than older ones, and women may face additional challenges due to societal expectations and the need to conform to traditional gender roles.

Frequently asked questions