10 Rules for Addressing Panhandlers

Last updated on: May 17, 2017 at 10:59 am by Guest Contributor

10 Rules for Addressing Panhandlers 2017-05-17T10:59:29-05:00 Guest Contributor

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

by Peter Gathje

When I give a talk about homelessness, I am often asked, “Should I give to a panhandler?” The following “rules” have emerged from personal experience with giving, talks with panhandlers, and some knowledge about homelessness.

1. Give or don’t give. It is really your choice. But always look the person in the eye who is asking, and say “Hi” and then maybe add, “Sorry I can’t help today” OR “Here you go.” Always treat the person with respect.

2. If you do give to a panhandler, remember it is a gift, and the person is free to do with it whatever he or she wants to do.

3. If you don’t give that is ok. Panhandlers expect most people not to give. One said to me, “It’s like cold calling in sales. I expect to get turned down most of the time and it doesn’t bother me. Just treat me with respect.” (See Rule #1 above).

4. If you feel unsafe or the person is being aggressive or threatening, leave the area and don’t give. As one said to me, “There are assholes in every line of life. Don’t reward them.”

5. Sometimes give more than you are being asked for. So, if someone asks for a dollar give them five… just for fun!

6. Set a limit or a boundary to your giving. Mine is $5 per day. Once I’ve given out my $5 then I respond to anyone who asks, “I’ve given out already what I give each day.” I consider this my “street tax.”

7. There are people out there who aren’t homeless who panhandle. They are simply poor. So, again, give if you want, or don’t if you don’t want to, but treat everyone with respect. (See Rule #1 above).

8. Feeling awkward or uncomfortable when you see a panhandler is ok. It means you have a conscience and some compassion.

9. If you have time, and are so inclined, volunteer with an organization that works with people on the streets offering food, or shelter, or medical care etc. You’ll get to know some really interesting people, and they’ll get to know you. And you might just see them on the streets from time to time, and you can wave and yell “Hi!”

10. If you really want to help people who are housing deprived, then advocate for housing for all homeless people. Support organizations in your area that practice a “housing first” approach to homelessness. Also resist all efforts to dehumanize, disrespect, and criminalize people who are on the streets with laws like “No panhandling.” (See Rule #1 above).

Peter Gathje is a R3 Contributor

Donate to the Work of R3

Like the work we do at Rhetoric Race and Religion? Please consider helping us continue to do this work. All donations are tax-deductible through Gifts of Life Ministries/G’Life Outreach, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, and our fiscal sponsor. Any donation helps. Just click here to support our work.

Previous Post

April 30, 2017

Where are the Pastors?: Clergy and the Movement

Next Post

May 15, 2017 "Is this Hell": The Mass Murder of Blacks During (Post) Reconstruction

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Amy Steele Andre E. Johnson Book Reviews/Series Brian Foulks Call for Chapters Carol Howard Merritt Classes Conferences Contributors Crystal St.Marie Lewis Daniel White Hodge Earle Fisher Eulogy Fredrick Robinson Guest Contributions Henry McNeal Turner Institutes Interviews Joseph Boston Katherine Whitfield Kimberly Peeler-Ringer Lectures/Roundtables Natalie Bullock Brown R3 Book Series R3 Contributor Rashad Grove Readers Reflections Symposiums Teaching Traci Ellis Travis Harris Uncategorized Video

Select a Month June 2020 February 2020 December 2019 November 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 October 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz