Should You Give Money To Panhandlers?

Panhandling is a common sight in many cities around the world. Exiting a freeway, walking in a city center, or leaving a grocery store, you’re bound to come across someone asking for money. Upon seeing people flying signs, I regularly stop to do some mental gymnastics. “What does their sign say?”, “Do they look like they really need the help?”, “What are they going to spend my money on?”, “Will this actually help them?”. These are all questions that run through my head, but I got to thinking about a new question, what do experts have to say on the subject?

Expert opinion

In a series of special reports on the homeless crisis from The Oregonian, they asked experts on homelessness in Portland if they give to Panhandlers. The short answer is no.

The fact of the matter is that panhandling is a measure of poverty, not homelessness. Without doing at least some mild stalking (which I’d strongly advise against), there is no way to know if someone asking for money on the sidewalk is homeless, housed but poor, or just scamming passersby. The same goes for knowing how someone will use that money. There is no guarantee that your charitability to a panhandler won’t go towards vices.

So How Can I Help?

While giving money to panhandlers can be less than effective in delivering aid, thankfully, there are better ways to help people experiencing homelessness than direct cash in hand. 

One of those methods comes at no expense, offering kindness and treating people with respect. People who are homeless often feel invisible and ignored, so simply acknowledging their presence and engaging with them can go a long way. Make eye contact, say hello, or start a conversation if you feel comfortable. This small act of kindness can help alleviate some of the isolation and loneliness the unhoused experience.

Another way to help is by directing people to resources that are available to them. Many cities have food kitchens, shelters, and other services that can help people in need. If you know of a local organization that provides these services, you can let people know about them so that they can access the help they need. In Portland, for example, Street Roots is an organization that helps people experiencing homelessness generate their own income by selling the Street Roots newspaper. By directing people to organizations like this, you can help them to gain more stability and independence.

Lastly, you can donate money to organizations that work with people experiencing homelessness. For example, local food kitchens, shelters, and other organizations often rely on donations to provide services to those in need. By giving money to these organizations, you can help to ensure that they can continue to provide aid to those who need it most. You can also look for organizations that work on a larger scale, such as national advocacy groups or organizations that provide funding for affordable housing initiatives.

In Conclusion

While the decision to give to panhandlers is ultimately up to the individual, it’s important to remember that more effective ways exist to help people experiencing homelessness. By offering kindness, directing people to resources, and volunteering or donating money to organizations that provide aid, you can make a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. While it may not always be easy to know how to help, taking the time to do so can significantly impact someone’s life.

Find your local food pantry or meal provider

Street Roots

Our Homeless Crisis│A Special Report - Handling Panhandling

Opinion | See the Invisible Man

3/6/23 Devin Apostle