Panhandlers in parking lots? (Denver, Boulder: Home Depot, college, live)

[Osito]

I was wondering how many of you have been approached by people asking for money in parking lots? I live up in Thornton and this has happened to me twice since I got a car (about a month ago).

I was used to this downtown on the street and stuff, but it seems weird to me that the suburbs have this problem too. And I get freaked out when strange people approach me in parking lots b/c there aren't always other people around. I don't know, just my weird phobia.

Has this always been a problem and I'm just becoming exposed to it as a new driver, or is this a recent happening? Curious to hear your thoughts/stories.

[Count David]

It happens to me sometimes, but never in Thornton. Mostly on Colfax.

Just shoe 'em off.

[maximusmgm]

I've started seeing panhandlers as far south as County Line Rd. I also see them on Arapahoe Rd near Havana.

[Brian_M]

Every major corner between 6th Ave and 285 as far west of the city as Wadsworth... I had a couple 'kids' ask me for money in the Bear Valley shopping center (Home Depot) just a few minutes ago.

I wish the "bleeding hearts" would understand that these people pan-handle because it's lucrative. They make more money doing this than a lot of people who try to contribute some work in return for money.

[1208]

Originally Posted by Brian_M

\
I wish the "bleeding hearts" would understand that these people pan-handle because it's lucrative. They make more money doing this than a lot of people who try to contribute some work in return for money.

I seriously doubt that. Provide facts for your claim.

[BarryK123]

I recall reading an article several years ago about the panhandlers on the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. Several of them made 100K+ per year.

[Robinstyler]

Tips For Effective Panhandling - Technology News Story - KPHO Phoenix

From my personal experience, the panhandlers in Durango area oftentimes do it for spare cash. Yes. Some are actually homeless, but not all of them.

I recently met a few college students that do it for extra cash....

It was quite an odd stare they received from me.

I couldn't help it! I was dumbfounded.

[Moonwalkr]

It's good money-maker, I knew someone who boasted about making $50/hr (tax free of course) at peak traffic rush. They would always jockey for the prime spots, and sometimes there would be many panhandlers occupying just 1 intersection, spread out at medians and sides. One time I flagged a young healthy looking panhandler down to offer him a paying job to do some heavy lifting and he just laughed and shoo'ed me away.

[tfox]

I overheard several panhandlers on the "BX" express bus route between Boulder and Denver talking about the best places to score cash panhandling in Boulder.

Of course, some panhandlers are likely more skilled in their "occupation" than others -- and many of the truly homeless suffer from various psychiatric issues that likely interfere with their abilities to rake in lots of cash panhandling.

Nevertheless, I don't think you'll find ANYONE who actually works with homeless that would recommend you give money to panhandlers, since all you're doing is enabling substance abuse, or worse. In downtown Denver, you're best off channeling your generosity to the "parking meters" on the Mayor's drive to end homelessness, or better yet, make a generous contribution to your favorite non-profit.

[RedSoxFanGoingWest]

I came across a panhandler in Boston a few years back with a sign "Why lie? I just want a beer!"

If I see one on the street and they are asking for money for food and truly look homeless, I've gone and bought them a sandwich at a fast food place instead of giving cash.