Give in the right Place (If You Can)
People are panhandling for a reason. Regardless of what this person might have done
before, their basic living needs are not being met in the present.
Some individuals who have survived from panhandling have admitted that it is a very degrading
experience, and doing so is often a last resort.
While we might see stories in the media about people pretending to be homeless, asking for
money, and then zooming away in their convertible, that is truly not the case for the people panhandling on the streets of CNY.
We always encourage people not to give money to folks you see panhadnling.
Not everyone standing on a Corner is homeless, which may come as a surprise for many citizens in our community. Over 90% 0f our friends who are standing on these corners are dealing with some type of addiction.

So were do I Give?
If you are able to help financially, but still don’t want to give your money to them
directly, you could ask what they specifically need and see if you could help provide that.
Consider purchasing gift cards to restaurants nearby or keeping a few Ziploc bags full of
things like toiletries and snacks in your car for these occasions.
Depending on where you live, you might see the same individuals every day. If you feel
comfortable enough, maybe invite them to join you for a meal somewhere. It’s okay to
establish a relationship, even if you can’t give your time or money every day.
Remember that it’s okay to say “no,” too. But if you are able and feel called to give money consider a local organization in your community who is doing direct street outreach to pandlers, then give.
Know that your money is going to be spent on the best choice for them.

Also in Onondaga County IMFK has Partnered up and has established the HIRE GROUND work Program. Its an alternative to pandhandling and provides a hand up not a hand out. You can direct a Pandhandler to call 211 for more information.