Reminder: Don't mock panhandlers on the subway

[renate]

50. it's interesting to hear this from somebody who's worked with this population

What would the rate of recovery from their addiction be if people didn't give them money? If the odds are against them anyway, could it be more respectful of their autonomy to give them money than to decide for them that they will be eating a protein bar for lunch? Ideally, I suppose, it would be great to offer to take them out for a hot meal so they can choose what to eat, but for time and, frankly, boundary and safety issues, that's not an option for a lot of us, although I certainly admire the people who do that. And if someone doesn't seem to be in an altered state of consciousness, would your advice change? What percentage of panhandlers are disabled and simply trying to raise a little money to afford a place to live?

(My questions might sound snotty but I honestly don't them it to; I'm genuinely curious and eager to pick the brain of somebody who knows about this issue and seems to be very concerned and frustrated by the inadequacy of the current system of caring for this population. If you think that giving a homeless person money is simply enabling them to continue with a self-destructive habit that they would otherwise try to stop, that is useful information. I would sure like to think that any money I give someone is going to help them rather than hurt them and if I'm wrong I'd like to know. Thanks!)