This time of year we typically see a rise in people asking for money/spare change from citizens on the street. There may be a number of reasons for the increase in panhandling during these months; cold weather, likelihood of getting more favorable response during cold weather, proximity to the holiday season creating a more charitable mood, and economic factors. But there is no doubt in my mind that giving money to people begging on the street is a bad idea. Statistics show, and my experience shows likewise, that most panhandlers use that money to sustain themselves in an addiction. You are most likely enabling behaviors that are destroying that person, drug and alcohol addiction. There are many great ways to help the poor while ensuring that you are helping them get on their feet. I am attaching a link to a website that touches on this, but I’m very interested in your feedback. What do you think? http://www.popcenter.org/problems/panhandling/
dc
