Holy Panhandling Batman! (Phoenix, Tucson: cost, bus, assess)

[roshelley]

Just a quick update, my husband has been working for 3 months. I am still working and we no longer have to rely on panhandling to pay our rent. Thanks to all those that gave money to him while he was out there, I just want to say that your help does to make a difference.

[Arizona Mike]

Originally Posted by roshelley

Just a quick update, my husband has been working for 3 months. I am still working and we no longer have to rely on panhandling to pay our rent. Thanks to all those that gave money to him while he was out there, I just want to say that your help does to make a difference.

Glad things worked out for you. God bless you both.

[ghdana]

Originally Posted by roshelley

Just a quick update, my husband has been working for 3 months. I am still working and we no longer have to rely on panhandling to pay our rent. Thanks to all those that gave money to him while he was out there, I just want to say that your help does to make a difference.

How do I tell the difference between someone like you and someone on the show Drugs Inc that is going to use it to buy drugs?

[jimj]

Originally Posted by ghdana

How do I tell the difference between someone like you and someone on the show Drugs Inc that is going to use it to buy drugs?

You can't. As has been said before, don't hand cash to panhandlers. If anything give 'em a McDonalds coupon for food.

[Captain-Jack]

I wouldn't give these people crap.

For one, a lot of them are fraudsters who pretend like they're unemployed and prey upon people to get free money. So when they ask me, I don't even bother to make eye contact with them.

[roshelley]

Honestly, I don't know how you can tell the difference. One common misconception that if people look a little cleaner that they are frauds. The ones that are still filthy are not using the money for the right reason, they could use the money they get to get a motel room take a shower eat and either do laundry or at least buy some new clothes at a thrift store. Maybe not every day but at least 4 times a week. So if the person asking for money is wearing clothes that are filthy and they haven't showered or shaved I wouldn't personally help them. Their are so many liars and scammers out there Its hard to tell. I agree that you can't go wrong helping with food.

[ELOrocks17]

Oh great--Now these freeloading dirtbags are hanging out at the offramp of I-17 & Happy Valley! How in the H E double hockey sticks did they get all the way up there?

[locolobo13]

Originally Posted by ELOrocks17

Oh great--Now these freeloading dirtbags are hanging out at the offramp of I-17 & Happy Valley! How in the H E double hockey sticks did they get all the way up there?

They drive. Same as you or I.

We live about 1/2 mi from I17. A few years ago we noticed someone parking in front of our house every day. Finally saw him at the nearest I17 intersection with his sign.

[grmi66]

Now that the Superbowl and related activities are over I have noticed the enforcement of the panhandling ban has gone back to the way it used to be. All the usual suspects are back working the corners near my office again.

[The_Cadillac_Lawyer]

I remember my dad would collect employment applications from various establishments, kept a stack in his truck, and would offer them to pan-handlers in lieu of cash. Of course, most, if not all, refused. He taught me that if you are an able body person, you should be able to provide for yourself and your family.

That said, I know every situation is different and there are some severely mentally impaired people who cannot manage their own lives. However, it's not up to me to decipher who's legitimately in need and who's not.

I explained to my own children that it's okay NOT to give hand-outs to panhandlers, so long as you find other ways to help people in need. I try to volunteer as much as I can with various social organizations in order to do my small part to better my community.