2008 Woodie Awards
How To: Deal with a panhandler
Crash Course
John Boschini
Issue date: 10/9/07 Section: Life
If you frequent downtown Greensboro or even Tate Street, there is a decent chance that at some point this year you will be propositioned by a panhandler asking for money. Many people on the street asking for money genuinely need the help, although there are some just take advantage of the natural generosity of passers-by.
Regardless of your stance on panhandling or why people either find it necessary or choose to do so, some people dread seeing panhandlers on the street. This feeling can be justified, especially if you have had an encounter with an aggressive panhandler. Here are some simple tips that will help you deal with panhandlers, and some special instructions for staying safe and street smart if approached by someone particularly hostile:
-If you don't feel comfortable giving money, a simple "not today" will generally suffice.
-If you feel guilty for not giving, you can always explore alternatives. Volunteering at a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen, or even making a donation to a shelter, will help without the risk of supporting a panhandler's vices. Another alternative is offering nonperishable food, or offering to buy a meal or something to drink, rather than giving out cash.
-If a panhandler really does want the money, and you want to give it to them, simply hand it over. And remember, giving someone a dollar does not give you the right to judge their lifestyle.
For more demanding individuals, things change a little bit.
-Don't stop! Even if the panhandler tries to block your path, do not become engaged in a physical altercation with them. You can either walk around them, cross the street, or backtrack from where you came. One way to avoid this is walking in groups of two or more.
-If the panhandler continues to hassle you after you say "Sorry, no," the best thing to do is ignore them. Coming up with a smart or insulting remark may cause them to become even more aggressive.
-If a panhandler threatens you, the worst thing you can do is show them that you can be intimidated into giving them money, which may encourage them to do it more frequently.
Follow these simple steps, and stay safe and street smart.
Regardless of your stance on panhandling or why people either find it necessary or choose to do so, some people dread seeing panhandlers on the street. This feeling can be justified, especially if you have had an encounter with an aggressive panhandler. Here are some simple tips that will help you deal with panhandlers, and some special instructions for staying safe and street smart if approached by someone particularly hostile:
-If you don't feel comfortable giving money, a simple "not today" will generally suffice.
-If you feel guilty for not giving, you can always explore alternatives. Volunteering at a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen, or even making a donation to a shelter, will help without the risk of supporting a panhandler's vices. Another alternative is offering nonperishable food, or offering to buy a meal or something to drink, rather than giving out cash.
-If a panhandler really does want the money, and you want to give it to them, simply hand it over. And remember, giving someone a dollar does not give you the right to judge their lifestyle.
For more demanding individuals, things change a little bit.
-Don't stop! Even if the panhandler tries to block your path, do not become engaged in a physical altercation with them. You can either walk around them, cross the street, or backtrack from where you came. One way to avoid this is walking in groups of two or more.
-If the panhandler continues to hassle you after you say "Sorry, no," the best thing to do is ignore them. Coming up with a smart or insulting remark may cause them to become even more aggressive.
-If a panhandler threatens you, the worst thing you can do is show them that you can be intimidated into giving them money, which may encourage them to do it more frequently.
Follow these simple steps, and stay safe and street smart.
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