Holy Panhandling Batman! (Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria: city hall, insurance, eviction)

[Newporttom]

Originally Posted by cactusland

Professional panhandlers exist. You are better off giving your money to charity or an organization than the same people you have seen for months on end.

This is true. However, after working for non-profits for the last 15 years, I'm a little jaded there also.

[Juram]

Originally Posted by Newporttom

This is true. However, after working for non-profits for the last 15 years, I'm a little jaded there also.

It also is quite imperative to pay attention where you're sending the money to, I agree entirely.


Here's a great list that shows reported overhead from various Arizona charities!


2012 SECC Charity List_ by overhead percentage - Arizona State

[jaredC]

Originally Posted by Juram

It finally hit me today just how bad the panhandling has gotten along the freeway on and off ramps along with quite a few major intersections. I remember when there used to be a random guy here or there and at times I'd give them a few bucks but now based on seeing the same people moving around together it almost looks like they're out there working in teams and I see some of the panhandlers becoming more and more aggressive, one of the guys walked right up to a car next to me, wildly waving his arms, shaking his head at them like they had committed some grave travesty for not giving him anything.


Has it always been like this and I'm just seeing things or has it gotten steadily worse recently? I'd love to help out everyone but having someone stare you down at intersection after intersection without their hands out doesn't really put me in the giving mood. If anything its turned me off to giving money to any of the panhandlers and in lieu of that, increasing my yearly donations to CASS and St Vincent de Paul.

I work downtown at the Burton Barr library. We have many MANY panhandlers around the building! We get complaints day and night from people whom have to wade through the waters of panhandlers. We look like the bad guys because we cannot kick them off city property unless they panhandle in a really aggressive manner or break a law. The only exception to panhandling on city property: they cannot do this INSIDE city buildings.

[grmi66]

Originally Posted by jaredC

I work downtown at the Burton Barr library. We have many MANY panhandlers around the building! We get complaints day and night from people whom have to wade through the waters of panhandlers. We look like the bad guys because we cannot kick them off city property unless they panhandle in a really aggressive manner or break a law. The only exception to panhandling on city property: they cannot do this INSIDE city buildings.

The panhandlers at the library that are the worst are people hustling for ballot signatures. I always ask if they are getting paid for my signature, if they are I keep moving. Had one start yelling at me a few years back accusing me of some crime against humanity because I would not sign her petition.

[jaredC]

Originally Posted by grmi66

The panhandlers at the library that are the worst are people hustling for ballot signatures. I always ask if they are getting paid for my signature, if they are I keep moving. Had one start yelling at me a few years back accusing me of some crime against humanity because I would not sign her petition.

most of these petitioners are folks that cannot get a job, mostly due to their criminal history. Some do these petitions as an effort on their passion, but all of them get paid per signature. And yes, they can be a real PAIN in the a$$!

[sh9730]

Example provided -

http://fb.cbs5az.com/T7xY6v

I know its not all - but this is the risk you take.

[Bondurant]

Originally Posted by grmi66

The panhandlers at the library that are the worst are people hustling for ballot signatures. I always ask if they are getting paid for my signature, if they are I keep moving. Had one start yelling at me a few years back accusing me of some crime against humanity because I would not sign her petition.

Most candidates and ballot measures get on the ballot via paid signature collectors. It's nearly impossible to get initiatives and referendums on the ballot.

Many gatherers are quite professional but some are pathetic. I've reported some to the originators before letting them know that they hire some folks that do nothing to help their efforts. Some are even professional and travel the country for various groups.

[Land Fish]

I live in Chandler and the problem seem to go down as the heat rises. I was surprise to see some this weekend though.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

Most candidates and ballot measures get on the ballot via paid signature collectors. It's nearly impossible to get initiatives and referendums on the ballot.

Many gatherers are quite professional but some are pathetic. I've reported some to the originators before letting them know that they hire some folks that do nothing to help their efforts. Some are even professional and travel the country for various groups.

I would agree that initiatives and referenda tend to use paid signature collectors, and that may well be true for statewide candidacies as well, but I have been involved in several local races (Congress, state legislature, school boards) and they have all relied on volunteer circulators.

[grmi66]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

Most candidates and ballot measures get on the ballot via paid signature collectors. It's nearly impossible to get initiatives and referendums on the ballot.

Many gatherers are quite professional but some are pathetic. I've reported some to the originators before letting them know that they hire some folks that do nothing to help their efforts. Some are even professional and travel the country for various groups.

I have yet to meet a professional signature collector at any of the libraries. Now I just answer no if they ask me if I'm registered and they leave me alone.