Can you spare a dime…?
I started noticing this summer there are more panhandlers haunting traffic signals. They stand usually on the median next to the left turn lane with a sign saying “Homeless, please help. God Bless” or similar. I’m more accustomed to meeting panhandlers while on foot rather than in my car. Occasionally you’ll see someone roll down the window and hand them some change.
I saw a guy standing outside today with his sign. He had a coat, but no hat. It’s terribly cold outside, especially so if you’re standing in the wind like that. I felt bad, and thought maybe in a different world I could have taken the guy to Subway and gotten him a sandwich, but today it’s best not to let strange men get in my car.
My personal policy on panhandling is that I rarely give money, if at all. I will give money to someone with a good schtick, but mostly I try to give them food or a can of pop rather than money. A friend once gave a guy who was begging outside the liquor store a couple beers. “Who’s going to give him money if he’s got two beers?” was his reasoning.
How do you handle panhandlers? Do you have different rules in the winter?
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Almost everyday when I get off the 35W There is a begger ant the intersection on 36th street. The funny thing is it is always someone different. I am convinced this is some scam where people are dropped off at different locations. I saw one guy pack up and walk away one day only to see him pull out a cell phone. You are broke but have a cell phone? Please.
Good post! I never give them any money but I do donate money and items to the Salvation Army and Goodwill, so I figure we’re even.
Have you guys seen the guy in downtown Mpls who has you autograph his coat for a donation? He’s got a creepy Howdie-doo-dee doll on a stick that he carries around. Seriously.
There was a huge expose in Des Moines about 5 years ago about a homeless ring scam where the local news crew followed a van around who dropped off bums and then picked them up! Maybe the ring moved north!
I prefer to give my money or volunteer my time to organizations that help the homeless than give individuals money. There are plenty in the twin cities and I encourage anyone to do it at least once. I personally don’t think all the panhandlers are legit and it is hard to tell them apart. They stand at busy intersections and panhandle because it works, I’ve seen lots of people give them money.