Panhandlers hustle people for money either verbally or with signage and may use empathy props such as small children, dogs, or wheel chairs to draw attention to their predicament. While some may be in desperate need, for many, panhandling is their profession and they are not homeless.

The aggressive behavior by panhandlers that don’t get what they want furthers the perception that these people are dangerous and should be given a one way bus ticket out of the city.In addition, studies indicate that a high percentage of panhandlers are addicted to drugs or alcohol and are using their gains to fund their habits. Getting these people off the streets would benefit every community.

Panhandling is legal under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment. However, across the nation city ordinances are being enacted to restrict “begging” rights. These ordinances prohibit panhandling near ATMS, bus stops or outdoor restaurants in an attempt to find a balance between the freedom of open space, the safety and comfort of the public and to protect the economic status of businesses that stand to lose income when “undesirables” are soliciting in their area.

Here in Redding, a successful older panhandler with well-trimmed silver hair, dressed in nice khakis, holds a neatly printed sign that reads “Lost my wallet, need money for gas.”He refuses the opportunity for a ride or the use of a cell phone however and appears to be living quite well off his earnings. Perhaps his unthreatening appearance makes him so successful. In contrast, local youth, with bodies fully capable of working, bum for cash outside of shopping areas. They clearly have enough funds to purchase piercings and when not given what they want they snip, “Screw you man!” In this case, the response really ought to be “Get a job”.

For some panhandlers, their plight is the result of homelessness, mental illness or extreme poverty. A lack of affordable housing, healthcare or education contributes to general decline and if combined with job loss or domestic violence the outcome can be tragic. One grizzled old man sits every day on the bench in front of a local market. He never asks for anything and he is there season after season utilizing plastic grocery sacks as a makeshift jacket for his dog. Many of us know his favorite sandwich and yes, the kind of beer he prefers. He carries a journal that he writes in constantly and the story of his journey is, no doubt, remarkable.

As with most of society’s ills, a partial solution lies in early intervention by the community. However, when a child stumbles, we put a hand out to steady them, but when an adult metaphorically stumbles, the expectation is that they will deal with the issue on their own. Therefore, while there are assistance programs in place such as th Shasta Community Health Center and Loaves and Fishes, they are under funded and cannot possibly meet all the needs, psychological, financial and structural of those who have found themselves on the streets.

Every individual has an opportunity to help resolve this issue, whether it be through donations or on a one-to-one basis. The difficulty lies in determining who will accept constructive assistance and who is swindling for a fix and is unwilling to accept treatment. Either way, their situation is dire. What they really need is long-term help involving education and employment instead of handouts. With an estimated 3.5 million people homeless at some time over the course of each year, the project on a federal level is daunting.

Many people prefer not to be affected by the plight of panhandlers - at least not while they are walking down the street or idling at the stop light. Ask any panhandler and they will state that being ignored is one of the worst things they experience. The tendency is to react with revulsion, indifference and even anger. People walk or drive on by as though the lowliness of the soul on the corner doesn’t merit a moment of their time. Other, perhaps out of sense of guilt, will flip a few coins but won’t make eye contact.

As a community, we can strive to improve the lives of those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances by offering support to the local shelters and assistance programs and by reducing the levels of indifference. Perhaps a first step is to look each person in the eye, no matter what condition they are in, even if only to say “I see you.”