Why was this downthumbed? Fuck 'em. Shelters don't let them in if they're on drugs, drunk, etc, so if someone is begging on the street, guess why. Don't be an enabler.
I never give to panhandlers whether I have cash or not. Ever.
There was a case in Atlanta where somebody got a funny feeling off of a panhandler and tailed them when they left their spot. Tailed them to an upscale neighborhood where they lived in a nice house. Called the cops but they couldn't do anything.
.
The information was turned over to the IRS however and it turns out the guy was making good money panhandling... and wasn't reporting his income. The guy got hosed and it was all over the news and subsequently loads of panhandlers in the greater metro area were investigated. A lot of them disappeared.
I've seen one of my parents' neighbors doing this on the offramp one day when I was driving over to visit.
It really makes it apparent that if you're gonna do a good deed, you have to make sure your efforts are directed at the people who actually NEED it.
I told the woman I didn't have anymore cash, and she asked "Why?".
There was a case in Atlanta where somebody got a funny feeling off of a panhandler and tailed them when they left their spot. Tailed them to an upscale neighborhood where they lived in a nice house. Called the cops but they couldn't do anything.
.
The information was turned over to the IRS however and it turns out the guy was making good money panhandling... and wasn't reporting his income. The guy got hosed and it was all over the news and subsequently loads of panhandlers in the greater metro area were investigated. A lot of them disappeared.
It really makes it apparent that if you're gonna do a good deed, you have to make sure your efforts are directed at the people who actually NEED it.