First of all, I want to tell you all:

I'm homeless.

I live in Seattle Washington. I sleep nights in a shelter, run by myself and other homeless individuals. Some of us work. Some of us receive a small dispensation from Social Security for physical or mental disabilities. I myself am looking for work.

What I want to tell you though, is this:

Don't give money to panhandlers. Just don't do it. I'll tell you why:

There are programs in almost every US city, especially those large enough that homeless people congregate, to feed, clothe and otherwise help sustain homeless people. I would say a vasy majority, possibly 90% (though this is entirely a number of my own creation and in no way scientifically accurate) wish to use the money for drugs and alcohol. If this is what you intend when you give them money, then by all means.

However, when you see someone sitting on a corner with a sign that says 'Hungry. Please help.' you should really not hand them cash. Even offering them food isn't always the answer, as some of them, if desperate enough, will simply try to sell whatever it is you give them.

That isn't to say that these people don't need help. What you need to do, if you feel the urge to assist these downtrodden individuals, is to find out what organizations in your area exist to help. There are government funded rehabilitation facilities for those who wish help in freeing themselves from the demonic possession of addiction. There are food banks and shelters for feeding and lodging individuals. Most Salvation Army locations have programs for clothing vouchers for homeless persons.

If people choose not to take advantage of these programs, that is their CHOICE. You should make a choice as well.

Do a little research. Make real change, don't just give spare change.

Thank you.

Learn more about this author, Terris Harned.
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