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I On a side note- many of the panhandlers are substance abusers and they use the money to buy more.
Yes, sadly, this is true. I work, outside, in an urban area in Ct and know of most of the 'characters' of the area-I saw one guy panhandle several folks, then saw him a few minutes later buying on the next block...
I do feel for people. I am approached frequently for money (and cigarettes ) but I never carry money with me because I do not want to get robbed-I just let folks know where to get a meal or groceries (working in the area, I know which churches, outreaches, ect give out stuff when). Usually they know this full well and just walk away, but maybe it might help someone, someday, you never know. But, in my experience, the panhandlers are usually addicts. I figure I'm helping more, by donating to a place like the Salvation Army or whatever group is doing outreach.
Does the Triangle have pan-handlers that stand on the freeway off ramps? In Portland, they stand with signs, hoping for handouts while you're sitting on the off ramp waiting for the light to turn green. A few months ago, I saw a grizzled old guy with a sign that read "Why lie? I just want beer." That made me chuckle, and I gave him a dollar.
Does the Triangle have pan-handlers that stand on the freeway off ramps?
Yes, we do. I know of a couple of places along I-40 where they congregate. I believe that the panhandlers in these locations are required to wear reflective vests (like what you might see construction workers wearing). I hear it's to prevent them from being hit by automobiles.
The running out of gas is a HUGE one. Everyone gets that one. Even where I lived before NC, in MD people always used the running out of gas. I see alot of seniors in the middle of roads panhandling or holding signs up. Makes me feel bad for them but then again, I need the money as well.
You have a point; I wouldn't consider all people who beg "beggars," at least in the occupational or repetitive behavior definition. I have seen the people in Durham begging for churches, too, and have wondered if they are all legitiamate. It doesn't seem like the best example for church members to beg on busy roads. BTW, I found an article about begging that quoted a couple of intersting studies, Begging - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
I agree w/ others that I would stop offering explanations. Be polite (not implying that you haven't been) but you don't owe them an explanation. Just say "Sorry, can't help you" and move on. I've gotten a version of it twice in Raleigh where a guy walks up to me saying his daughter is in the car, he has a flat, and needs $ to get them home (which is out of town). The first time I lectured the guy about approaching a woman who's alone for ANYthing, as I watch out for my safety first and he's lucky he didn't get maced lol (for the record, I advised him, if he HAS to ask a woman who is alone, don't come right up on her... give her a good 6 feet or so, so she doesn't feel threatened), the second time I said "sorry" and kept walking.
Panhandlers are easy. I don't know why people have such a problem with them. Don't make eye contact, don't slow down if you are walking, and if you do have to engage, tell them you don't have any cash and go about your day. Problem solved.
Mike
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) but I never carry money with me because I do not want to get robbed-I just let folks know where to get a meal or groceries (working in the area, I know which churches, outreaches, ect give out stuff when). Usually they know this full well and just walk away, but maybe it might help someone, someday, you never know. But, in my experience, the panhandlers are usually addicts. I figure I'm helping more, by donating to a place like the Salvation Army or whatever group is doing outreach.
