Panhandling

A few months ago I was asked the question, "How do you know whether or not to help someone?"


I was speaking to a bible study group and the women had all encountered panhandlers at some point, never knowing whether to give or not.


They knew the biblical principal to feed those who are hungry, but some had encountered aggressive panhandlers and weren't sure how to handle them.


I told them my general rule of thumb is to give food, never money. Most understood but when the panhandler is on an exit ramp you don't necessarily have that option.  You either help them by handing them a few dollars or you pass them by.


These were generous women with good hearts and they couldn't do the latter.


They probably should.


While there are some who are genuinely hungry and appreciate the food, most panhandlers are strictly after cash.


Called "flying a sign," these men and women set up in heavy traffic areas with words on cardboard stating such things as "Will Work for Food," "Hungry, Please Help," and "Homeless, God Bless  You." This money is used for alcohol, drugs, and court fines, among other things. I've watched as homeless men peel off twenties after a day panhandling and ask me to go to the store to get phone cards, movies, or radio batteries for them.


Some people who panhandle aren't homeless at all, but rather find a day in the sun with a sign preferable to working an actual job. I've even seen shelters and ministries put people on street corners collecting money for their causes.


While this sounds terrible, I don't see much difference in the clubs and organizations who now stand in front of Wal-Mart every week-end selling nothing but collecting donations nonetheless. This something-for-nothing mentality is part of this generation's mindset and it is disturbing.


Even as a child, we'd hold bake sales or lemonade stands to raise money. We'd walk dogs or sweep sidewalks. Making money involved working.


Not so anymore.


Beware of long, convoluted stories. I watched one guy in a grocery store parking lot approach six different people with the tale of how he had broken down and just needed money for a hotel room until the mechanic could fix the car the next day. His wife had taken their two little girls in the store to use the bathroom and get water because they'd gotten so hot they were sick. Five out of the six gave him money before he shut the hood of the miraculously fixed car and drove off alone with a few hundred dollars in his pocket.


Sometimes it's hard to know what to do.


Here are my suggestions:


1) Never take money from your family's limited budget to help someone on the streets. I have had women give their last $40 out on the streets then call because they didn't have money for diapers and baby food. The thought is nice, but be responsible!


2) Pray before giving to those panhandling on the side of the road. Many people refuse to help someone panhandling. "If they can panhandle, they can work,"  is the mindset of many in leadership.  Panhandling is often a requirement in homeless camps. "It's my turn to go panhandle for the group," I've heard on many occasions. The last thing you want to do is enable the person to stay on the streets.


3) Check stories out. It's okay to verify someone's story. It's advisable to research ministries and charities. Be a good steward of your money. If someone is offended, chances are there's a problem. A person or an organization soliciting or receiving your donation should expect to be held accountable.


Above all, be led by the Spirit!