If you look throughout the state, panhandling has became a huge problem in Oregon. It is hard to believe that these panhandlers could make $300.00 per day, but it is true, not everyday, but on some days at certain location it does happen.

Last year in Ashland, Oregon, they had a family who would panhandle during the day and sleep at one of Ashland's most expensive and plush hotels at night.

In the last two years in both Grants Pass and Medford,there have been panhandlers killed over the rights to panhandle at certain intersections.

Roseburg did an outstanding job when the panhandlers started taking over their city. They enacted a city ordinance regarding motorist handing out money from the roadway. If a motorist in Roseburg is caught handing out a donation to a panhandler from their vehicle, they get a $70.00 fine. After Roseburg enacted this ordinance, 70% of the panhandlers disappeared.

But, if you do not want to enact a city ordiance such as Roseburg did, there is already a law on the books which works just as well. You see there is nothing like a $242.00 ticket for unlawful stopping / standing in the roadway. I promise you, after you issue the kind hearted liberal a citation for $242.00, even they will think twice before giving money to another panhandler. And plus, who needs the money more, the panhandler or the state? at least the state will not be spending it on beer!.

272gvhas anyone seen the panhandler that would ride his bike to walmart. hide his bike across the street at the gas station, then walk across the street and put on a full leg brace.stand out on the corner with a sign for a few hours. then take off the brace, walk across the street to his bike, hopp onto his bike, ride to the gas station and buy cigerretts.no wonder i dont give money to any of them, dont know who is really hurt or scamming,next time i need a few bucks think i will look this guy up and barrow his brace,

Id just give them money because when we start to give them money also give them a card that says welcome to coos bay we should do that nationwide and send them all to coos bay, Oregon Pan handlers capital that place would make national Tv and just think of what that will do for the economy u can look at all them and not a boat that doesnt float and u can welcome them as friends in your houses also example all u guys can own a panhandler make sure u feed them walkthem and give them lotsa love and put them on the corner when its time to goto work for extra income

Id just give them money because when we start to give them money also give them a card that says welcome to coos bay we should do that nationwide and send them all to coos bay, Oregon Pan handlers capital that place would make national Tv and just think of what that will do for the economy u can look at all them and not a boat that doesnt float and u can welcome them as friends in your houses

I work at a social service agency in the Eugene area. Some of the people I talk to panhandle, or in their lingo, "fly a sign". I have heard varying reports on how much they get, but I mostly hear numbers in the $50-125 a day range.

But look at the advantages, no schedule, no boss and no drug testing! I would say the above numbers probably present a more accurate picture of what they get. I mean, if you stood out in the rain all day and only got $4, would you go fly a sign again? I also think the $300/day thing is pretty rare, I have heard of occasional instances of days like that, but usually in conjunction with an unusual circumstance, like being on the way to the Duck game, or having a person who hands over $100 bill.

Here in Portland, We had a program a few years ago where if a panhandler asked for money for something to eat, you could give him a coupon redeemable at Sisters of the Road Cafe for a free meal. The idea was a good one, a coupon book cost $5.00 it had five coupons in it and the recipient of the coupon would use the donation for what it was intended for. The only problem was after giving a panhandler a coupon and you returned to his location a few minutes later, he was gone and the coupon was lying on the ground. There are plenty of social programs available for less fortunate people in this state. The people who are panhandling are the dregs of society and are preying on the kindness of the ignorant to feed their addictions.

Food for thought here:

I kinda wonder what's worse a drug dealer or street pan handler...both are working the public for their hard earned money from working? Kinda ranks right up there with worrying about steroid use in baseball in late 1980's & early 1990's when there were NO rules against it at the time? Interesting how people worry about everything else but their OWN life short falls...

About 14 years ago I was hit by a panhandler for not giving money. I keep my distance from them and keep my windows rolled up. It is sad that we cannot help those in need without risk to our own safety. I think donating to any organiztion that would help the homeless or needy is a much better idea than compromising your safety.

To think I moved away from Portland and was happy to leave all those street bums and panhandlers behind. Now I move here, and what do I see on every corner?

To not give these people money nails the problem right on the head. They're only there because they know you'll give 'em a handout. Kind of like seagulls, really...they hang around until you throw them something..because they know you will...and they'll just continue to leech off others because it works.

Unfortunately there are people like this in society that view this as far better than a positive, strong work ethic and a clear conscience.

Oh yea, I forgot to mention the image that they give our city as people come from out of the area to visit and vacation here. Not that it isn't a problem elsewhere, but no one wants to go on vacation and walk down a street where people are pan handling. "Let's go on vacation to Coos Bay and have people on every street corner beg us for money." Look at how bad the problem is in Crescent City and Eureka, CA. Is that where we are going or where we want to be soon??

As the article says "Stop Handing Them Money." A lot of bigger cities have rehab programs. You donate money to the rehab program if you wish and they rehab and train these people to become self sufficient in the community. When you had them cash they can buy drugs or anything they want...is that really doing anyone any good? If they don't get the money they need here they will: (1) go somewhere else (2) get a life! Easy as that.

a friend of mine was approched atpony village by a man asking for money, this guy would not take no for an answer,after asking 3 times she was able to get away from him and get into her car and lock the door,she called the management at pony village and they were very responsive, they said that they would step up security patrols at the mall.so i would like to say thank you to the management for taking this serious.and to the panhandlers out there when someone says no they mean no.

You can't blame anyhting on the police or city government. The people to blame is yourselves.......Arn't YOU the ones that ""ARE"" giving them moneys and contributing to the problem Most of them "are" working... see for yourself

four posts in a row....none posted....yeah....these aren't "weeded out"

People do have free will. Work if able, seek help from the proper agency if not able.
But do not ask for handouts from people who are working hard to pay their bills.
What if we all stood out there asking for others money instead of working, just imagine.
People are just enabling them to continue to not take responibilty.

Apachuwarrior,

You call others self-righteous do-gooders because they suggest that homeless might use aide that is available to them? Your post is just another that fall into the "let's blame the goverment for everything!" category. People have free will and do not have to be "slaves to corporatism and its endless influence and money."

Blaming the goverment is usually just a convenient excuse for laziness.

At bible study last week this story dominated the one hour self reflexive period. Lambasting the poor/sick for finding ways to survive that smacks the face of Angloism and its work-hard and good things happen dogma.

Sure the quandary we find ourselves in began with Reaganomics but also continued with Big Bill and the 1996 Welfare Reform Act, which forced many good and honest, but uneducated, poor people to try to eek a decent life on minimum wage. These people do work hard, but never get ahead in our age of consumerism. Both political parties are to blame as is our individualistic mantra. The truth is that both parties are slaves to corporatism and its endless influence and money.

When a society refuses to care for its "downtrodden" but can spend the majority of tax revenue on bullets and bombs, something is very wrong with our culture. When people get jealous of a panhandler who makes $300 a day, then people have become intolerant. Hooray for them if it is true. But I personally do not believe beggars earn that much money, and a "police survey" I would hardly call scientific. This fallacy perpetuates itself by ignorant people – as the posts indicate - who actually believe the drug addicted and mentally ill people earn that much cash everyday!

Yes of course there are individuals who will take advantage of the system. This happens in all socio-economic classes. Enron comes to mind, as does Oil speculators who gouge the American public for profit. But people still give their money to them. What's the difference between being extorted and giving it away? At least giving the money to a panhandler makes me feel good. Isn't that what giving is suppose to do? Why ask why or where the money goes? That is missing the point of giving. But people want to give in a structured manner. What has that got us? Empty food co-ops and professional panhandlers.

The paper quoted an expert - a director of housing and emergency services at South Coast Community Action. His advice was to not give panhandlers any money because, "they are there for the money and the money is there to feed their addictions." Of course they are there for the money and what's the difference if their addiction is crack, alcohol or food? More's mindset smells condescending and from a self-righteous do-gooder. Give them shelter vouchers as More said?

I would ask Mr. More if he ever stayed in one of the shelters he thinks is such a good idea. The shelter system plagued with problems and there are time limits on how long a person can stay in one. Ever live in the shelter system you champion Mr. More? I suspect not.

However Mr. More continued with a disclaimer that NOT all panhandlers are druggies, but rather mentally ill and in need of treatment. And that they will not seek treatment if they are given money. "These are broken people who will never be able to hold a job," he said. "They need disability payments."

Well finally something quasi-intelligent from an "expert" in emergency services. But I would add, does Mr. More think he could live on disability payments and have some sense of a dignified life?

What people forget is that if the moochers are drug addicts and need the money to get their fix, and if no one gave them money, what would they do? Steal and rob? I think it is fair to assume they would. So then they go to jail/prison. Many readers would say that is where they belong. But what is the cost/loss ratio to house a beggar druggie at the county or state's expense? I will tell you it is a lot more than $300 a day. And that expense comes out of everyone's wallet.

It’s time people stop thinking of the panhandler's mechanics and look at their elected leaders and the social services provided that are woefully inadequate. The governments answer of charity and NGO picking up the slack is an erroneous belief. Stop trying to treat the symptoms of a sick society and radically attack the ill itself.

I was once approached in a parking lot in Tucson, AZ by a gent who wanted funds to feed his pregnant wife and 3 very young children (they were in view). Down on his luck was his story. I suggested several ways for him to obtain assistance through state and local agencies and a variety of church organizations that offer assistance, food, shelter and even funds. He told me it was too much trouble and would I please help. Too much trouble to visit a nearby church in order to feed your family. I declined to assist him. He was even too lazy to try and work the system. Or else standing on a street corner really is more lucrative.....

I've also offered to have a panhandler work for me. I live right around the corner from Fred Meyer and offered $25 for stacking some firewood and raking up afterward (I had a broken foot). My guess is it would be about a 90 minute job. The able-bodied guy I asked told me that his wife would be worried if she drove by and he was not at the corner, so he declined. I guess the 90 minutes on the corner was worth more than $25 to him. The teenage boy next door came over and did it for free.

Guess no one is up for the challenge. Go ahead and ask if they will work for pay, you will have your answer.
It broke my fantasy after five turned me down. Not even hard work.

Its not the Coos Bay Police spreading lie's it's the World Newspaper they can never get a story right. I have myself been in an article that I was not even consulted about that had wrong information that was pretty negative!

“Actually, the earnings stated in this are based on local averages.”

What methodology was used to obtain these “local averages”? Where can this data be viewed…right wing fantasyland?

"Craddock noted that most panhandlers are on public assistance and know where to go to receive help."
I've noticed many CB/NB people do this public assistance thing. I'm sure many could teach a class on how to rip off the local, state and federal government.

To Colfax, I wished it was just a fantasy.
Put it to the test yourself, next time offer them work for pay, see what happens.
It is reality, not fantasy.

Actually, the earnings stated in this are based on local averages. I personally know of situations that the panhandlers make over $1000 per day in the right location. It's a choice in lifestyle for many. The pro's will push out the genuine situations in territorial protection skirmishes. In at least one area of Portland they are so well organized that they 'commute' in packs in carpools to sites that have been 'claim-staked' in advance.

“Then there are those who do this for a real job, live in nicer homes and drive better cars than those who give them money.”

Sounds like another undocumented right wing fantasy. Must have been listening to the “The Jim Bice Show” one too many times.

Do not doubt that they make this amount of money. Without explaining how I know, it is true. People who give are just enabling these persons, many of which use the money for drugs and booze.
Many of them turn down offers to work for the money by the people who give.
Try giving them food, most want the money instead.
Then there are those who do this for a real job, live in nicer homes and drive better cars than those who give them money. Tourists have said they do not like the element this creates and will not return to our area. This hurts business and residents alike.

$62.00 divided by 8 man-hours = $7.75 an hour. Less than minimum wage. What a couple of losers.

$300.00 A DAY x 20 DAYS A MONTH = $6000.00 A MONTH (WITH 10 DAYS OFF FOR LOITERING AND DRINKING). TALK ABOUT A FAMILY WAGE JOB. HOW COME RON OPITZ HASN’T TAKEN CREDIT FOR ATTRACTING THESE JOBS TO THE COMMUNITY.

Out of boredon, I took one of my friends over to the corner by Fred Meyer in Coos Bay. We spent about 4 hours there and took in $62, plus were given coffee and donuts by a couple. We went to dinner at Sizzler and to a movie with the money.

I often wondered about panhandler pets until I realized that these animals are strays the panhandlers have picked up on the streets. Animals that on their own could starve, spread disease, bite and do damage. However, taken in by whomever they are fed, petted and not left to wander on their own bothering everyone else. Panhandling is one of my least favorite things because I think in many ways they make the world less safe for the rest of us and are not safe themselves. However, when I see them with a dog on a rope, even if they are smoking, I know that they are caring for that animal. The people who create these stray animals and others who let horses starve could learn a lesson....

Good Ol Ronald Reagan didnt close STATE hospitals..he was federal. But, it is nice to blame Republicans for everything even if it isnt true, now isn it?

What kind of survey did the Coos Bay Police Department conduct. Or is this more of making it up as you go along which is what Coos Bay Police Dept ADMINISTRATION is getting more and more famous for. Where did they conduct the survey, who conducted the survey, how man people were surveyed and what paperwork do you have to back your words up????? YEAH I did not think so.

free your self from the commitment to help others and let them help themselves our government has proven they dont help these indiviuales due to the lack of Vets benifits and mental health cuts remember it boils down to GOOD OL RONALD REGAN closed all the State Mental Hospitals and they are still wandering.........YEARS AGO .My Modo take care of yourself !!!

Really Panhandler are like raccoons, you fed one, you get two, fed two, you get four. Stop feeding the raccoons..

What I always notice about the panhandlers (beggers) is that they all smoke, (cigarettes are expensive), they mostly all drink, of course, and they have dogs (a lot of them) that need to be fed, so as far as i see they have a lot of expensive habits, most of us cannot afford.

To: The World Newspaper: You should follow up this story with a list of alternate, local charities that people can give to in order to be able to help those that really need the help. Just an idea.

A week has gone by since this story first appeared, and today as I drove past Walmart the bums were gone! Gee, it must be an early Spring Break for them...we'll probably see them in photos from Cancun or Maui. But alas,I'm sure they'll return. Just like a hemeroid.

Standing in line at the employment office, and trying to get a job at wal-mart (where they don't always have jobs available to those that have had unfortunate pasts or problems)doesn't put food in your stomach or a coer over your head for the day. Why is it that I don't see any solutions still? If they are making that much money.... do you think they would be happy to take a half eaten sandwich off your hands? some maybe, but not all.... where does judging the less fortunate get you? anywhere beside the bittersweet inn?

get a job...........................................................

1. You can panhandle and make more money than most jobs provide in this area...

2. You can rob banks and make more money than most jobs provide in this area...

3. You can sell meth and make more money than most jobs provide in this area.

Now what kind of bragging rights do any of these "professions" grant? We should treat each of these activities with an equal amount of disdain and treat it accordingly. I wonder if any of these people are actually "proud" of the "work" that they do each day?

think i will call my boss tommorrow and take a day off from work so i can go stand at walmart and make 3oo dollars a day,sounds like pretty easy money. only thing is what excuse do i tell my boss. is it a vacation day or sick day.either way it would be twice as much as i make now. and twice as easy. so i need to make a sign and march right over to walmart.

i understand desperation to feed a family and to pay your bills. so why dont the panhandlers spend the time at the employment office or going to school to better themselves than relying on everyone else to take care of them. they need to spend the time looking for work like the rest of us. some of them need to get off the booz get back on the right track to life. and stop expecting a free ride. if they need to learn a trade then try that to.

Cindi...I know you cant make it on one job most of the time...try two....or three if you have to.

Don't you find it ironic that people stand outside of businesses asking for help when help is right inside in the form of jobs? If you are hungry, pride has no place.

I was reading about the panhandling situation and the comments about it and I had to give my thoughts on it. First, I think it's baloney that they make that much money doing it. I think those are lies being spread to make people angry so they won't help the panhandlers. I have seen those people on corners and at Walmart and I never see anyone giving them money. Secondly,people that think they can just get help for housing when they need it are not living in the real world. I have seen many people apply for help and get told that there are no vouchers or funding for housing. Third, telling people to just go get a job is unrealistic. I am a high school graduate with no criminal history and several years of work experience and I still can't get hired for anything that pays enough to make a living. If they won't even hire me, who is going to hire someone like the people you see standing on corners. The majority of them lack experience or skills and some have mental health issues or addictions or criminal records and not too many people are willing to take a chance and hire them. Also some of them couldn't get a place to live whether they give up their dog or not so that is not the issue. There are not enough affordable places to live period. Also to some of them that don't have the support of family or friends, their dog is the only companionship they have and that dog means everything to them. I'm tired of people judging others who are less fortunate than them. If you have never been in that situation yourself then you have no right to judge. That could be you someday through no fault of your own. Some people are in bad situations and it is not their fault and maybe they don't have the choice. You don't know their story.

Tired of seeing these freeloaders standing on every street corner I have to stop at a light for. They are like dogs.. keep giving them table scraps and they keep begging. STOP giving them money! You earned your money, use it for yourself and or donate it to the food bank, a Veterns organization or whatever you choose. These organizations help make sure that if someone needs help, they will get it. Dont give it to the pan handlers.
I remember in Seattle a few years ago a radio station disk jockey played a part of a panhandler for one day. He raised over 200.00 in one day. Give your money to a charatible organization and get a tax reciept...in a way, you are going to give twice to these guys/gals by giving them money on the street corner. For one, they are getting some sort of assistance check from the Government and now you give them more of your money. Why? Dont feel sorry for them. They put themselves on that street corner, and make themselves look worse then they are. If they say they are a Veteran. Most likely they are lieing and tell them to go see the County Veterans Service Officer.

Its funny that after the article about panhandlers making $300 a day or so, now they are doubling up on the streetcorners, two on each corner by Fred Meyers yesterday, Thursday....
pretty soon, all the store clerks will be out of the store and on the streetcorners, with signs, ha ha ha ....

Meghan is right....nobody makes all the right choices....it is how you deal with those choices that matters.

it would be great if some of the people that are so open with their critiques could offer some suggestions instead of acting as if every choice they have made was right.

don't give them cash

treat the person with respect

realize that (just like people who are not homeless or panhandling) people and problems are not all the same, and can't all be solved in the same ways

take precautions for your own safety if you feel threatened

encourage them to get help through local organizations (knowing what these are is great for your community if you really are concerned)

support those organizations that you become familiar with

buy them a healthy meal, a bag of dog food (if they have a dog with them), or something else that is useful but not feeding an addiction

Amazed - which of the corner scammers are you? I work hard for my money and I have the responsibility to my family to take care of them! I don't see a hand out coming my way when money is tight. I've been turned down for aid before - I worked more and things got better. There ARE jobs here but you have to get off your butt to find one. Quit making excuses for these people!

Also to Amazed:
Let me rephrase this for you since it is unclear to you and you say addiction means there is no choice. The choice is in the very begining before there is an addiction. These people choose to partake in drug activity that they know will inevitably lead to addiction and troubles if they continue on that path. So even though you may think addiction is not a choice, the choice to avoid addiction comes first.

To "Amazed": You're wrong about there being no mental health services in this county for people without OHP or insurance. Coos County Mental Health will help ANYONE who has an immediate need for it, and the Waterfall Clinic will take patients without any insurance no matter what their financial situation is. I've suffered from severe Anxiety Disorder for a few years now...I have no insurance and am not on OHP, but I've always been able to receive help when I needed it. Just thought everyone should know that.

Amazed:
Addiction itself is not a choice....choosing to do something ABOUT it is. Or, you can just throw your hands up, complain that there just arent enough resources available, and continue living as an addict.
The fact is that every single panhandler I have ever encountered, when I ask them if they want to do some work in exchange for a meal, ALWAYS says "NO". Now what does THAT have to do with addiction, lack of housing, etc?
Laziness is the operative word here. If we could weed out the lazy ones, perhaps there would be sufficient resources available for those that truly do suffer from mental illness.

so please, spare us your condescending attitude. The fact is that many many panhandlers are NOT addicted and are NOT mentally ill - just lazy.

If you like, I can define lazy for you.......

I must say I am just amazed sometimes by the level of ignorance in this community.

First, a vocabulary lesson. Addiction means there is no choice. Moreover, clearly mental illness is not a choice.

Second, there are no mental health services available in this county without an OHP card, which an adult can currently get a chance in a lottery to get. Half a million Oregonians do not have heath insurance, and OHP covers about 19,000 currently, although that number is going to be slowly and slightly raised with the ongoing lottery system.

Third, making it on the services available is much more difficult then most people seem to think. Even if you fight all the way through the Social Security Administration and get disability the average check is around $600/month. That hardly pays rent in this area. Not to mention toiletries (which are not covered by food stamps), clothing, etc.

Fourth, just FYI there is not enough low income housing or housing vouchers available, and the housing vouchers available are often difficult to use because landlords will not take them, or the housing will not pass a basic livability inspection.

Maybe now that you have printed an article all the "parrots" in our community will quit helping these people- so they can get help on their own through services provided.

The police will do nothing because there is no money in it for them!

Just another thought. If someone chooses to have a dog over having shelter I guess they are probably mentally ill.

Empathetic: Addiction is a choice, the person had a choice in the begining, either try this drug that is known to be addicting and life altering or choose not to. These people make bad choices in life, that is why they are on the street corner.

Empathetic - how many are mentally ill and addiction is a CHOICE...you CAN break free of it..no one said it is easy.
After reading a lot about the matter in a variety of places, I can only conclude that a good many panhandlers CHOOSE to be non-productive members of society.
The problem is, people that spout that we should give them money are only doing so to make THEMSELVES feel good..."look at me..I am compassionate" without realizing they are only furthering the quagmire these individuals are in. Give them money, you are not helping them a bit. Just yourself.

How about a vocher system for a one way bus ticket out of state

how about a voucher system for a free one way bus ticket out of state

I agree with Catman and Jim. It's a choice. We have social services to help those who are down and out. If they truly need help, they should utilize these services rather than loiter around parking lots.

Jim - In what world are mental illness and or addiction are choices?

its all about choices...if you choose to live on the street rather than give up your pet, then I choose not to feel sorry for you (and PLEASE dont put up a sign complaining that you live on the street...it is your choice). You can also choose not to work, choose to depend on others to take care of you even though you are more than likely capable of taking care of yourself. You can choose to not seek employment, you can choose to not be a contributing member of society. These are all choices. Live with the consequences of your choices and dont expect the sympathy of others because you choose poorly.

I agree with Fred and others. I spent 18 months in a long term drug and alcohol treatment center. Just about everyone there said that they panhandle on a regular basis and that they made more money panhandling than I ever got working a real job (I have never panhandled). Ever since then I have never given a panhandler anything. I have also lived in various shelters, and ate in soup kitchens, and have hear similar stories in those places as well. DON'T support their habits by giving them money, instead donate to legitimate recovery places and to shelters and soup kitchens ... NEVER give them money directly.

To Suggestion - Well said, and it could not have been said better.

To others (Jim and Kitty in particular), why is it okay to stereotype everyone on the street asking for money?

Each person is an individual with an individual story. I am amazed with today’s culture if a “soccer-mom” is an addict it is a TV movie-of-the-week (and everyone realizes how hard it is to get and stay sober), but if he or she doesn’t happen to be part of an affluent, supportive family, they are an “eyesore.” That is just plain not fair, judgmental and wrong.

Talk to these individuals. Some have very valid reasons for not seeking shelter that is available, for example, having a pet they are not willing to part with. Yes, that is right; they would rather live on the street with their dog then in a shelter that will not take it. Some of you would make the same choice, if forced to. Even if you would not, what gives you the right to judge their decision.

This was also a huge problem in the Roseburg area. To fix this, the city of Roseburg passed a law which tickets people who GIVE money to panhandelers.

TO COOS BAY GIRL: I TOO POSTED YESTERDAY ABOUT THIS ITEM. IT WAS POSTED ON THE 29TH BUT IS MISSING TODAY THE 30TH. THE MIND POLICE MUST BE ALIVE AND WELL AT THE WORLD NEWS.

Hmm. I read theese posts alot and always see people complaining that thier comments wern't posted and why. I submitted a comment yesterday on the panhandlers, the first time I have ever commented, and sure enough it hasn't been posted.....why... shouldn't everyone get to have a chance to say what they want (unless its obcene or something) isn't that what theese comments are for???

Don't believe a word of these lies. The panhandlers MAY have had ONE day where they made $300. The Coos Bay police are spreading lies and rumors about how much the panhandlers make. This is a normal thing the police do across the country. They do this to get you to stop giving them anything so they'll move on. Since the CB police constitutionally can't get rid of them they are trying to STARVE them out. DO NOT BELIEVE FOR A SECOND THOSE PEOPLE MAKE $300 A DAY!! LIES!

They should have to pay rent on there spots to the city on property and to private property owners

Just for a moment...... let's say that you are just getting by with what you earn. Your car is in need of attention and you're renting a house. If you lose one of the three there is a good chance you will lose one, or both of the others. You could be homeless because your car broke down and you couldn't make it to work and couldn't pay the rent on time. Let's say you are just getting by and your spouse leaves or has you removed from the household due to domestic problems. Where would you go tonight, assuming that you don't have family or friends to ask for help?
My point is that although drug and alcohol problems do account for some homelessness, those are not the only reasons. Although money may be the motivator for some, it is hard for me to believe the numbers quoted in this article.
Having said all that, would you wish homelessness on anyone in this weather? I've lived here for quite a while but I worked in a shelter in the last state I lived in. We used a National Guard Armory and housed over 100 men, women and children each night, during the winter. There was a container truck with sleeping mats outside the door and next to it was a container with food. Some of the supplies were state subsidized and some were donations. We served dinner and then breakfast in the morning. Referrals were made for medical attention and suggestions were made for various forms of rehabilitation. The shelter closed at 7 am. We cleaned the facility and turned it back over to the Army. 5 pm we did it all over again.
I saw some folks get back on track, some stay the same and some die. It was far from perfect but it was well worth the effort.
There are a lot of folks sleeping in the woods tonight. You don't have to give them money. How about giving them a choice.

Panhandling is very prevalant in CB and NB walmart and fred myers are the prime place for them. I neve give money I figure if they can afford to feed the dog they have sitting there with them and smoke thir cigaretes and sip on soda while begging for mnoney. Then they dont need my help.
The panhandlers are an eyesore to people in CB/NB and should not be allowed to stand on corners with signs. They need to stop drinking, doing drugs and get jobs like the rest of us!

Do you want the panhandlers to leave? Make your own signs and take over their corners. HUGE signs that say "Don't feed their addiction" or "Laziness doesn't pay"...you get the idea. Maybe these freeloaders would leave. While you're at it - get their names and contact the IRS!

Looks like a great example of the FREE MARKET at work to me! Maybe we all should compete for those LIVING WAGE JOBS on every corner?

"chosen profession?" since when is laziness a profession?

The way I read this one panhandler reported making $300 in one day, one time to someone.

Most likely that was near or around the holidays when people are generally more generous; not a steady income.

Did the writer of the article actually interview anyone who panhandles? It does not sound like it. Most of the information on who the panhandlers are and or why they panhandle is third hand information. Not straight from the source. What bad reporting.

Just a small reality check, please see http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/328421_beggar21.html.

Could help to do a little more fact checking generally.

People, if you feel the need to reach out and help, donate to a womens crisis center, the Salvation Army, a local school, a church, whatever...giving money to these people is just enabling them to continue what they are doing.

I agree with you Fred, absolutely TAX FREE! I read not to long ago, a story about panhandlers bringing in 50 to 75K per year. (depending on the size of the city) A University had surveyed hundreds across the nation and
compiled all their data. I was shocked! This is exactly why I do not give to panhandlers! They make more than I do and I work hard for what little money I get to take home.

why are the panhandlers most often referred to as men? I have seen plenty of women holding signs too, or coming right up to a vehicle and asking for "help".

Says who gets that much money. Give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Wow this chosen profession pays them $78,000 per year ($300 per day = $1,500 per week times 52 weeks). Tax free, since I seriously doubt that any of this income is claimed on their state and federal tax returns. This income should also be subject to the same social security taxes as those paid by any other self employed individual. They should be investigated by both the IRS and the state department of revenue for tax evasions. Does the IRS or the state pay a bounty for reporting tax evaders?