Does Panhandling Make Homelessness Worse?

categories: Local Policy, News, panhandling

Published November 02, 2009 @ 09:12PM PT

Everyone and their mother associates panhandling with homelessness and homelessness with panhandling. But one Atlanta advocate argues it's time we treat these as separate issues, since some panhandlers are not homeless and the majority of those without a home do not panhandle. What's more, could giving money to panhandlers exacerbate a person's homelessness and provide a dis-incentive for getting off the streets?

What does treating panhandling separate from homelessness look like in practice? An op-ed piece in the Atlanta Constitution does a nice job laying this out. Simply put: homeless service providers should focus on what they do best: meeting the housing needs of homeless individuals. Referring to services. Providing job training. Case management. They should not dabble in activities related to regulating panhandlers, but rather focus on getting everyone off the streets for good.

But here's the kicker...

For regular folks like you and me, the author argues that we should refrain from giving money to panhandlers. This, he says, is not helping the homeless, but making it more difficult for homeless service providers to do their job. In other words, giving money to a panhandler exacerbates their homelessness, according to the Atlanta Constitution.

So who does the author believe should deal be the one to deal with panhandlers? Law enforcement.

This argument - though curt - does make good sense. Certainly, there are few who would argue against the goal of moving everyone off the streets and into housing. But there's no question that the means to achieving this end are a bit over-simplified in his argument.

Our country has a shortage of housing that is affordable. In addition, many of those who end up on the streets face complicated issues that require time to address. Other individuals lack access to the social service safety net for a variety of reasons, whether it be their geographic location or the inability of providers to meet demand. For these individuals, panhandling is a means for survival until our system catches up. It is wrong to suggest that giving money to panhandlers exacerbates their homelessness, especially when our safety net cannot accommodate all who are in need.

Maybe someday, when we are finally meeting the demand for affordable housing and services for those who need them, we'll all be able to stand behind this argument. But sadly, I don't think we're there yet.

Image: Martin Ujlaki

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Comments (7)

Panhandling can be beneficial to an individual seeking a meal or needs gas to get their car to a safer location, but some are abusing the gratitude of others. When I am approached by an individual panhandling, I like to ask what its for, just like anything I put my money into or towards I like to know what or how its going to impact myself or another individual. Some will move on and ignore the question, others will lie while some will be completely honest. If its a meal they are seeking, I would rather take them to get that meal. If its a substance they are seeking, I will not be a donor to an addiction. In the end I try to always have a conversation with the individual. Get their story if I can, offer resources, and overall offer my friendship and support to them. I don't know if my money is going to help or be destructive to their lives, but I do know that a relationship just being offered can impact them in a positive way.

Posted by LODESTAR DAY RESOURCE CENTER on 11/03/2009 @ 11:43AM PT
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because of the recession, many people would opt to do it.

but most of the donors are affected as well,

Posted by Larry Smith on 11/03/2009 @ 11:21PM PT
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Panhandling is going to be whether there is homelessness or not. There are people holding out the cup in good times and bad times. I don't think it makes homelessness worse.

Posted by steve jaubert on 11/07/2009 @ 11:40PM PT
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Panhandling is going to be whether there is homelessness or not. There are people holding out the cup in good times and bad times. I don't think it makes homelessness worse.

Posted by steve jaubert on 11/07/2009 @ 11:40PM PT
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The "system" does nothing to make a person panhandle or not panhandle. After having a Dr. examine me for Depression and stating that I am disabled because of it. I then and only then qualified for a General relief check of $74. An amount based on my being Homeless. When I recieved housing , my rent was $26.

And then because I had housing and a rental agreement I was then increased to $220 General Relief which increased my rental amount to $56.

My Food Stamps benefit designed to Supplement my nutrition fluctuates but is about $197 per month . So about $146 cash more after rental cost differences are factored . So it was less expensive to assist me when I was living in my car.

I have not panhandled, nor do I plan on doing so. If I had that much energy I would be doing something constructive.

I jokingly say that if I smoked ,then I could not have afforded being Homeless. The ability to live without money is learned as a by-product of surviving this process. Smokers and Drinkers have a higher need for daily cash. I am just thankful that I no longer do either.

Human Rights takes a back seat to Property rights. Panhandling is not even a business and if done in amongst traffic is not safe , justifying the negative stigma's we hear .

Property rights 1, Human rights 0.

Posted by Keith Bender on 11/09/2009 @ 09:26PM PT
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I find that this statement is not 100% true,"The "system" does nothing to make a person panhandle or not panhandle"

What I have seem is because of the time it takes to get help some people have to turn to panhandle.

I too have taken some people out to eat, even being homeless myself. Also as little money that I have have given money out. Why? Well as bad as I have it myself there are others have badder.

"So it was less expensive to assist me when I was living in my car." could THIS STATEMENT BE PART OF THE REASON AT TIMES IT IS HARD TO GET HELP? THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!

Posted by James Brouillette on 11/10/2009 @ 01:20PM PT
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Just reporting the insanity . The subtle sarcasm was there for you to discover. The Bias is towards property and is hard to deny.

Remember, that I had to qualify for this by having a Dr. interview me . So that means others get nothing. Most people would consider the process to humiliating to even want to apply .

Customer service becomes Consumer Allocation . And because each state and all the counties in the states operate just a little different from each other only Federal guidelines create some continuity .

If you are lucky a few people treat you like a person while others simply look at you like a Federal Definition.

Posted by Keith Bender on 11/10/2009 @ 04:23PM PT
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Author

Shannon has worked in homeless shelters and service organizations in San Francisco, the Triangle region of North Carolina, and currently in the greater Boston area. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.