Should I give money
to panhandlers?
Most individuals who pass a panhandler will struggle with an
internal monologue. Like…
“I don’t know what to do.”
“What if they spend it on drugs or alcohol? I don’t want to
be a part of the problem.”
“Maybe I will just offer food.”
“They should go to a shelter or try to get help from an agency.
There are so many resources in this county.”
“Aren’t there any jobs available?”
“Giving money enables
poor behavior/choices.”
“Is that person REALLY a veteran?”
This internal monologue is layered with assumptions.
Assumptions made through the lens of negativity
bias. The negativity bias (also known
as the negativity effect) refers to the notion that, even when of equal
intensity, things of a more negative nature (e.g. unpleasant thoughts,
emotions, or social interactions; harmful/traumatic events) have a greater
effect on one's psychological state and processes than do neutral or positive
things (Source 1).
Now that we are aware of the negativity bias, we can choose to contentiously counteract
it with positivity. For example, we
can begin responding positively to panhandlers by simply smiling. Waving.
Saying hello. Acknowledging their human existence.
Panhandling is awkward for all parties involved. Can you
imagine desperately needing to make a living by asking strangers for money?
Standing hungry on a public street corner, braving weather and judgement to
scrape together dollars and coins for survival? Many people who are panhandling
are routinely ignored, sworn at, harassed, robbed and assaulted (Source
2). Yes, sometimes the money panhandlers receive is used for coping
mechanisms (such as substance use) (Source
3).
If you feel moved to do something, yet don’t wish to share
cash with strangers, you can also…
- Offer information (i.e. a pamphlet with helpful local resources).
- Keep a few in your car. Maybe even tuck a $1 in the pages.
- Donate to an organization, agency, or foodbank working with those experiencing homelessness.
- Purchase a newspaper written by this population.
- Share a meal (be considerate of allergies, food preferences, and dietary restrictions).
- Get a group together, make, and distribute Backpack Care Kits. Or give them to a local shelter to distribute.
So, should I give money to panhandlers?
It’s your choice. And there are other options. J
But I implore you to restore dignity to an awkward (for both
parties) situation by looking someone in the eye and acknowledging them. Smile.
Say hello. Humanize the dehumanized. Train yourself to think positively about the
poor and homeless. Don’t contribute to criminalizing this population. Do your part in creating a culture of trust and empathy. As my
college professor, Nathan Foster, repeatedly reminded social work students “Each one of us is one situation away from becoming
the client.”
