Real Talk About Panhandling in Kalamazoo

Most of you don't give and think panhandlers are on the take. Thoughts on those people with signs that ask for your money.

It begs the question: do you give money to panhandlers? We asked on Facebook and you responded with over 100 comments in less than 8 hours with wide-ranging opinions of the cardboard entrepreneurs often seen around our fair city. So, do you give? Let's break it down.

Yes

• Absolutely! I will always help when I can. It’s not up to me to judge.
• Sure do... Also give them rides, buy them food, give them hugs and encouragement.
• I cut out the middle man. I give them booze and drugs. Lol
• Generally I do. I don’t know anyone’s story nor is it my business to judge, people are just trying to make it through.
• I might give him a buck or two, just based on the laugh from his sign.

No

• No, get a job
• No. Absolutely not.
• There are plenty of jobs
• I do not but I always acknowledge with a smile or wave.

Hell No

• Absolutely NOT! Go get a freakin job!
• Absolutely NOT.!! THERE ARE JOBS EVERYWHERE AND IF YOU CAN'T WORK THERE ARE PROGRAMS TO HELP THEM THEY ARE JUST LAZY AND WANT TO DO DRUGS IN MY OPINION.!!

Well, I heard....

• They make more than I do lol
• Nope, because most of them make a living begging for money. They make anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 a year begging people for money. I’ve seen the nice cars they get in when they’re day is over.
• Tried to give a guy on Stadium and Drake food and winter gloves he didn't take it. Didn't have cash his sigh said need money to get home. Then 2 months later seen him with same sigh on 9th st and 94 . He must live a long way away. Lol
• I've seen them getting in really nice cars and trucks afterwards, newer than mine.

Do this, not that

• Nope I tell them I can give them a ride to the mission
• Food, clothes, a listening ear, absolutely, but never cold hard cash.
• My daughter Andrea says it best “ I Wil always feed the hungry but I will not support their habit “ so she drives to McDonald’s and buys them food and drops it off..

As you can see, it was a raging debate about ethics, employment, entitlement, cash and compassion. So, what do we do the next time we see someone? I might like this idea the best:

We made up care packages that we gave out when we came across a homeless person. Wasn't your typical care package,we put hat, gloves, protein bars, 4 cigarettes, matches and a little single shot (little bottle of booze...I know...) and also put $4 in the bag. Tried to cover everything!