Do you care what panhandlers do with the money you give?
Old joke: A panhandler knocks on the door of the rectory one day looking for a handout. The priest gives him five dollars, saying “Now spend this for food and not on booze.” The panhandler takes the money, grumbling, “Father, I don’t tell you how to spend your money, do I?”
And should you? If you flip someone a toonie, are you entitled to ask its destination?
It's not chump change. A survey of Toronto panhandlers suggests that the average amount collected is about $300 a month. They also collect about another $200 a month from other sources like welfare, the results suggest. And that was a few years ago.
Some advocates for the poor say give, and they criticize any campaign or ordinance that restricts panhandling or discourages giving. But others disagree, saying that handing over spare change doesn't really help, and often harms, the recipient.
If you give money to a panhandler, you're only sure of one thing: The person you’re giving your money to is the one who’s going to use it and your charity is going directly to the source. But is that enough?
Do you respond to panhandlers? How often? How much do you usually give? With conditions?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Mr. Negative | May 15, 2012 9:16:15 AM
It is sad.........but can't find it in my heart to donate to "panhandlers" anymore. In my past experience there are way too many people earning a living off of this method of work now. It used to be the person might actually be poor and homeless, now you can't even be sure if it is work or a real homeless person.
I feel bad for the real homeless as there are a lot of imposters out there, ruining it for the people who really need it....................
Posted by: Sean | May 15, 2012 2:56:23 PM
I refuse to give to panhandlers, as it is either someone committing fraud, or feeding their addictions. I donate the the United Way instead, so as to ensure my money is going to help solve people's problems instead.
Posted by: Chris | May 16, 2012 11:04:27 AM
I generally do not give money to panhandlers either. My bf mentioned he knew two girls who came from well to do families that would intentionally dress like a homeless person and go to downtown Toronto to panhandle. They usually got about $100.00 a day.
Posted by: Al-Man | May 16, 2012 12:56:20 PM
The same situation Chris mentioned happens in Victoria all the time too. I don't give to them anymore either. Many are actually people who just don't want to get a job and figure its easier.
I might from time to time do as Sean mentioned and give to the united way. Its probably the only charity I might actually trust. Many of them blow half the cash on keeping their own organisation running instead of helping others.
But on the whole, I don't give to panhandlers because there is a pretty good chance they will be shooting it, snorting it, or blowing it on anything other than neccessities of life. I offered to take one panhandler in for a meal and he said "he would prefer the cash" so you know something is wrong right there.
Posted by: ME | May 16, 2012 2:52:19 PM
I can't believe you people - check online and you will find that the CEO of United Way is getting rich off the organization. Please donate to the Salvation Army. They have the best chance of getting 90+% of your dollars. I donate my time to the United Way. I will donate my dollars, clothes and housewares to Salvation Army.
Posted by: Marie | May 16, 2012 3:03:15 PM
I used to take the Birchmount bus home and there was this "homeless" guy with a dog that got on who bragged about his money-maker (the dog). He stationed himself outside of Union and said the dog brought him a lot of attention. He bragged that people brought food, blankets, etc. for the dog and gave money to him ... on a repeat basis because he "God blessed them with thanks" (laugh). He told another passenger that he made over $27,000 cash in just over 5 months. Said it was a great gig especially with the dog. He said people couldn't help themselves (laughing). He got off the bus to go to his house.
It has been my observation that the truly homeless do not ask for anything ... they just wander around looking for sustenance. I give monthly to the United Way and trust that they will make sure it gets to where it is needed most.
Posted by: John | May 16, 2012 5:25:37 PM
I live in the country. Never seen a homeless person or panhandler.
Posted by: Canuckguy | May 16, 2012 10:31:11 PM
I use to give to panhandlers when I visited Toronto years ago, there were no panhandlers in my small town at the time so it was a novelty. However I come to realize that many smoked and I stopped giving. Then lately I notice a few panhandlers in my small town, all smokers, the hell with them.
Posted by: Reggie | May 18, 2012 12:07:36 PM
@ ME .. You say you are willing to donate your time but not money to the United Way because the CEO is getting rich off the dnations but you are still feeding the beast by giving your time.