June 19, 200816 yr When I hit the lottery I'm going to charter a bus, round up 80 homeless people, deliver them to the fanciest restaurant in town and tell management to send me the bill.
June 19, 200816 yr If I can't make a beeline across the street in time before getting accosted, I always nicely offer to call the police (or security if I'm on campus) since they can take them wherever they want go to as most of the panhandlers (around Case at least) are asking for money for bus or taxi fare, not food. They run away pretty quickly after hearing my offer. I have to admit, though, some of the made-up stories I hear are pretty entertaining and creative.
June 19, 200816 yr ^ the other day: "HEY... HEY, MY MAN, ..HEY!" *finally I turn around* "Hey, man my car broke down 3 blocks away, I ran out of gas and all I have in my pocket are these 3 morphine pills".
June 19, 200816 yr It's the agressive panhandlers that are the focus of this effort. I've seen them walk into downtown coffee shops and other businesses and literally go table to table asking for change. It's one thing to do so out on the sdiewalk, but when they leave a public space and enter a building, that's going too far.... to the point of trespassing. Out on the sidewalk, I just tell them I have no spare change. The last time I got panhandled in a local Starbucks, I told the guy to get lost and asked the manager to call the cops. He left like he was shot from a cannon. Then its the business owners fault. No panhandler would come into a business unless they've done it before. That means the Business owner isn't doing his or her part. No, panhandlers don't care about that. You have to constantly police to make sure that someone isn't coming in and begging for change. And that can be difficult when you are crowded and busy with paying customers. Not to mention that unless you are listening in on conversations you don't know exactly what is going on. Not every panhandler looks like a stereotypical bum, and some folks who look like stereotypical bums are legitimate customers. Also they often refuse to leave peacefully, or at least easily and quickly, so it is a tricky situation. You want them gone, fast, and without creating a scene that might be more unpleasant for your customers.
June 19, 200816 yr I have to admit, though, some of the made-up stories I hear are pretty entertaining and creative. When I first moved to NYC, I was on Madison and 64, this male informed me that he was taking a up a collection for a divorce and he needed a new suit for trial.
June 19, 200816 yr It's the agressive panhandlers that are the focus of this effort. I've seen them walk into downtown coffee shops and other businesses and literally go table to table asking for change. It's one thing to do so out on the sdiewalk, but when they leave a public space and enter a building, that's going too far.... to the point of trespassing. Out on the sidewalk, I just tell them I have no spare change. The last time I got panhandled in a local Starbucks, I told the guy to get lost and asked the manager to call the cops. He left like he was shot from a cannon. Then its the business owners fault. No panhandler would come into a business unless they've done it before. That means the Business owner isn't doing his or her part. No, panhandlers don't care about that. You have to constantly police to make sure that someone isn't coming in and begging for change. And that can be difficult when you are crowded and busy with paying customers. Not to mention that unless you are listening in on conversations you don't know exactly what is going on. Not every panhandler looks like a stereotypical bum, and some folks who look like stereotypical bums are legitimate customers. Also they often refuse to leave peacefully, or at least easily and quickly, so it is a tricky situation. You want them gone, fast, and without creating a scene that might be more unpleasant for your customers. X, I'm well aware that you cannot always tell via a visual, however, if the same person keeps coming back then the owner is not doing his/her best to curtail the problem.
June 19, 200816 yr I think a lot of independent stores don't mind bums trolling their business district because that's the bulk of their malt liquor sales. I honestly think that's why there's so many on short Vine in Cincinnati.
June 19, 200816 yr It's the agressive panhandlers that are the focus of this effort. I've seen them walk into downtown coffee shops and other businesses and literally go table to table asking for change. It's one thing to do so out on the sdiewalk, but when they leave a public space and enter a building, that's going too far.... to the point of trespassing. Out on the sidewalk, I just tell them I have no spare change. The last time I got panhandled in a local Starbucks, I told the guy to get lost and asked the manager to call the cops. He left like he was shot from a cannon. Then its the business owners fault. No panhandler would come into a business unless they've done it before. That means the Business owner isn't doing his or her part. No, panhandlers don't care about that. You have to constantly police to make sure that someone isn't coming in and begging for change. And that can be difficult when you are crowded and busy with paying customers. Not to mention that unless you are listening in on conversations you don't know exactly what is going on. Not every panhandler looks like a stereotypical bum, and some folks who look like stereotypical bums are legitimate customers. Also they often refuse to leave peacefully, or at least easily and quickly, so it is a tricky situation. You want them gone, fast, and without creating a scene that might be more unpleasant for your customers. X, I'm well aware that you cannot always tell via a visual, however, if the same person keeps coming back then the owner is not doing his/her best to curtail the problem. Most of the time, it's not the same person coming back again and again. Instead it is someone new, and you have to catch them in the act and then get them out as discretely as possible. I can tell you from experience that it's trickier than it sounds.
June 19, 200816 yr From my experience it's usually the same ol' people. In every neighborhood I've lived in there were always 3-4 guys hanging around the same spots. But one guy was banned from the Stop'n'rob where I used to go and still panhandled outside. He had the nerve to ask me to go in and buy Irish Rose for him since he was banned from the inside.
June 19, 200816 yr It might be different in the neighborhoods I've lived in. I've always either lived in the panhandlerless suburbs, or in "panhandler central" neighborhoods where there are so many passing through that it is hard to put your finger on one specific guy and say "you're banned".
June 19, 200816 yr I have to admit, though, some of the made-up stories I hear are pretty entertaining and creative. When I first moved to NYC, I was on Madison and 64, this male informed me that he was taking a up a collection for a divorce and he needed a new suit for trial. I'd give him upwards of $5 for that one.
June 19, 200816 yr ^ hey, you of all people should be promoting intact families! i haven't seen more panhandlers in my nabe, but i have seen a lot more alcoholic stumblebums around lately. i was tripping over some on the way to work this morning. must be the nice weather.
June 20, 200816 yr My favorite panhandlers are in Cleveland Heights; they use the bus story all the time. One woman approached me four times in one night, even coming up to tap on my car window while a friend and I were chatting. That was the fourth time. She got an earful. An ex-girlfriend once told me I should carry bus passes in my wallet so when they ask for bus-fare, I can just give 'em that. I thought that was pretty good. :) Another guy followed me through the Warehouse District parking lots, talking me up for a good two or three minutes before asking for money. He seemed to follow me a bit after I said no, but luckily he vectored off. Regarding panhandlers coming into business, are you all talking about the same Starbucks on Euclid and Cornell? I got approached two weekends ago in the middle of the day. No employee lifted a finger. Of course, I didn't say anything, either, but still... Lastly, in regards to having a hard time identifying pan-handlers... on E. 4th and Prospect, right outside Flannery's, a few weeks back, this guy was talking to us about something. I forget, then all of sudden he asked for money. He was well dressed, though. He had a diamond earring in one ear, nice clothes, a backpack (full), and an umbrella. He was the most well-prepared homeless guy I ever did see. Basically, I follow one rule with panhandlers, always: Just say no.
June 20, 200816 yr My favorite panhandlers are in Cleveland Heights; they use the bus story all the time. One woman approached me four times in one night, even coming up to tap on my car window while a friend and I were chatting. That was the fourth time. She got an earful. Oh god, and the Cleveland Heights "bums", there's only like three of them, so its really easy to keep track of them. There's one guy who used the same car out of gas story for about 5 years straight on Coventry.
June 20, 200816 yr My favorite panhandlers are in Cleveland Heights; they use the bus story all the time. One woman approached me four times in one night, even coming up to tap on my car window while a friend and I were chatting. That was the fourth time. She got an earful. Oh god, and the Cleveland Heights "bums", there's only like three of them, so its really easy to keep track of them. There's one guy who used the same car out of gas story for about 5 years straight on Coventry. YES!!
June 20, 200816 yr Regarding panhandlers coming into business, are you all talking about the same Starbucks on Euclid and Cornell? I got approached two weekends ago in the middle of the day. No employee lifted a finger. Of course, I didn't say anything, either, but still... If you didn't say anything, you're part of the problem, period! Is there a reason why you didn't say anything? The management is wrong for not saying anything and I bet, they wont say anything because customers don't say anything. However, the kicker to all that, is customers wont return and label the store as unsafe, therefore, lowering sales and bam...store closes. You might not have been bothered, but what about the next customer?
June 20, 200816 yr I'm surprised that people go into Starbucks and not the bank that is attached, lol.
June 20, 200816 yr Regarding panhandlers coming into business, are you all talking about the same Starbucks on Euclid and Cornell? I got approached two weekends ago in the middle of the day. No employee lifted a finger. Of course, I didn't say anything, either, but still... If you didn't say anything, you're part of the problem, period! Is there a reason why you didn't say anything? I didn't say anything because I was on a date and figured for the sake of dating protocol, I should let that one slide. I will say something when or if it happens again, but I shouldn't be responsible for policing their store. They were all a bunch of frigging kids, anyway; I doubt they would even think twice about it if I did say something. Further, especially at Starbucks, the person who is the manager isn't always apparent. A manager may not've even been there. But, hey, I'll say something next time. Just for you. :)
June 20, 200816 yr Regarding panhandlers coming into business, are you all talking about the same Starbucks on Euclid and Cornell? I got approached two weekends ago in the middle of the day. No employee lifted a finger. Of course, I didn't say anything, either, but still... If you didn't say anything, you're part of the problem, period! Is there a reason why you didn't say anything? I didn't say anything because I was on a date and figured for the sake of dating protocol, I should let that one slide. I will say something when or if it happens again, but I shouldn't be responsible for policing their store. They were all a bunch of frigging kids, anyway; I doubt they would even think twice about it if I did say something. Further, especially at Starbucks, the person who is the manager isn't always apparent. A manager may not've even been there. But, hey, I'll say something next time. Just for you. :) I'm being very serious here. It's not about me. I think your date would have been more impressed that you actually said something Nobody is asking you to "police" anything, but a customer comment goes along way. Just because they are "kids" in that store doesn't mean their starbucks corporate/regional HQ or if it's a franchise the owner would want to know. Regardless, if it is apparent who the manager is and if they are on site at the time of the problem. We always say we want more walkable neighborhoods and communities, but folks are you really ready to step up to the plate when a situation presents itself. Even now, you have the opportunity to call, write, email or fax what you witnessed. So with all due respect, please don't blow smoke up my ass.
June 20, 200816 yr What I'm getting at is that if I told those "kids" at the counter it never would've gotten to the store manager or any higher up the ladder. Kids don't care. Those that do are small minority. But, that's an issue for another day. I will look into emailing, though. Any smoke-blowing was a misperception, however, I'd ask you to check your tone a little bit, please, from time to time.
June 20, 200816 yr I've been asked in the Chipotle in Montgomery Road, down the street from Kenwood Towne Center in Cincinnati
June 20, 200816 yr What I'm getting at is that if I told those "kids" at the counter it never would've gotten to the store manager or any higher up the ladder. Kids don't care. Those that do are small minority. But, that's an issue for another day. I will look into emailing, though. Any smoke-blowing was a misperception, however, I'd ask you to check your tone a little bit, please, from time to time. Never. The forum wouldn't be as fun.
June 21, 200816 yr In Virginia, we've had a spate of middle-aged women begging. They don't look particularly homeless. It is really depressing. My favorite beggars are the ones that camp at the expressway exits like Hopple in Cincinnati.
July 15, 200816 yr http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=93043&catid=3 (VIDEO) Investigator Exclusive: Many downtown panhandlers have homes, criminal records Susan Vinella 1 hr ago CLEVELAND -- If you've been to downtown Cleveland, chances are you've been hit up for money by a street panhandler. Perhaps you've dropped a quarter into his paper cup, sympathetic to what you believe is his plight as a homeless person. But a Channel 3 News review of hundreds of court records for the past three years found that many of the more than 375 people cited for aggressive panhandling in Cleveland listed home addresses -- some in suburbs such as Lakewood, Maple Heights, Warrensville Heights and Brook Park. © 2008 WKYC-TV
July 15, 200816 yr Maybe they should legislate actually giving panhandlers money How will this solve the problem?
July 15, 200816 yr ^I would be all in favor of such legislation. Unfortunately some people will never get it.
July 15, 200816 yr ^I would be all in favor of such legislation. Unfortunately some people will never get it. ... and raise taxes in the mean time? Hell, why don't we all just quit our jobs, sit back and enjoy life as we sing "It's the first of the month" with Bone-Thugs-in-Harmony?
July 15, 200816 yr I have no idea what you're talking about. But panhandlers to a degree exist downtown because a lot of people oblige them. If no one gave them handouts, eventually they'd look somewhere else.
July 15, 200816 yr When I was in D.C. over the weekend, this guy drove by and threw cash out the window at a homeless-looking guy. I was seriously ready to run in the street for it until I realized what was going on.
July 15, 200816 yr "Maybe they should legislate actually giving panhandlers money" "How will this solve the problem?" People will be less apt to give money to panhandlers if it's against the law or there are regulations; thus, panhandlers will (ideally) filter away since they wouldn't be getting anything. There are already laws about putting money in the black market, and since an overwhelming number of panhandlers are not homeless (who I have sympathy for) and just use the money for illicit purposes, then this is essentially a black market fund. Just a suggestion
July 15, 200816 yr Oh yes, because I want my tax dollars being donated not to charitable organizations or causes, but to be freely distributed to the street corner homeless bum, drunkard or drug user.
July 15, 200816 yr Oh yes, because I want my tax dollars being donated not to charitable organizations or causes, but to be freely distributed to the street corner homeless bum, drunkard or drug user. or pretend homeless.
July 15, 200816 yr "Maybe they should legislate actually giving panhandlers money" I'm not sure what you mean by this. From the responses above I sense that I am not alone in this. Are you suggesting legislation that PREVENTS people from giving money to panhandlers or legislation that actually GIVES money to panhandlers?
July 15, 200816 yr I choose to work, therefore I have a house and food. If I chose not to work, I would have shelter and food, much better than many countries throughout the world. If I was incarcerated for panhandling I would have shelter and food, much better than many countries throughout the world.
July 15, 200816 yr " Are you suggesting legislation that PREVENTS people from giving money to panhandlers or legislation that actually GIVES money to panhandlers?" The former.
July 15, 200816 yr Yesterday i was at Kroger in Cincinnati at University Heights (corner of Jefferson and Taft) and as I was getting into my car with my girlfriend a panhandler walks right up behind me and mumbles something about money. I was caught off guard since I wasn't facing him. Luckily, my girlfriend was able to see him approach and said "Sorry, We can't help." These panhandlers are more an annoyance than anything and contribute negatively to a city's environment. There should legislation prohibiting or limiting giving money to panhandling. And when, in the article, the guy said this law is more about prevention than prosecution... that is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard. If you don't pursue the fine, their are no consequences to the act of aggressively panhandling and there is no point in having the law at all.... since it obviously doesn't work.
July 15, 200816 yr legislation that will GIVE money to panhandlers- how ridiculously absurd! That wouldn't solve the problem either.
July 15, 200816 yr " Are you suggesting legislation that PREVENTS people from giving money to panhandlers or legislation that actually GIVES money to panhandlers?" The former. Oh, okay. I'd be fine with that because we need to give people with big hearts and fat wallets the ability to say "No" without feeling guilty about it. I suggested something similar in one of the OTR threads when it wander off topic to panhandling recently, and someone else pointed out that this would actually be illegal. I'm no lawyer, but as it was explained to me, panhandling is regarded as a form of free speech, so legislating against it specifically is extremely difficult to do.
July 15, 200816 yr "panhandling is regarded as a form of free speech, so legislating against it specifically is extremely difficult to do." It is far easier regulating conduct (which giving money to panhandlers is) rather than speech. I'm sure there's relevant case law regarding this or like issues.
July 15, 200816 yr I choose to work, therefore I have a house and food. If I chose not to work, I would have shelter and food, much better than many countries throughout the world. If I was incarcerated for panhandling I would have shelter and food, much better than many countries throughout the world. I say go for it.
July 15, 200816 yr Every panhandler should be evaluated on an individual basis, intuitively (sort of like the “rough justice” that my favorite TV judge, the Honorable Marilyn Milian :bang2: dispenses everyday on The People’s Court). Yes, obviously many, maybe even most panhandlers are there because of drug or alcohol abuse, but there are many complex circumstances that may have brought them to that point (although there is no excuse for extreme agression or violent behavior, which should be treated as a criminal matter). I generally give only a dollar to panhandlers but try to give much larger amounts to charitable organizations that help the homeless. It’s just important investigate each charity, first to examine their mission statement, and then, of course, to see where their money goes (Charity Navigator is a good source for information about financial accountability). In fact, many do a fine job with what limited resources they have. http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
July 15, 200816 yr And when, in the article, the guy said this law is more about prevention than prosecution... that is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard. If you don't pursue the fine, their are no consequences to the act of aggressively panhandling and there is no point in having the law at all.... since it obviously doesn't work. Pursue the fine? If these guys had $1000 to pay a fine, they wouldn't be panhandling. I guess we could send them back out on the corner to panhandle but garnish their take... Enforcement is difficult because (i) we're talking about people with very little to lose and (ii) extended jail terms for panhandling would, by most opinions (including mine), not be proportionate to the crime. Forbidding people from giving money to panhandlers is unlikely to pass constitutional muster, and for good reason. The only way to address this, as has been said a million times, is public awareness to convince people to make donations to reputable charities instead of to panhandlers.
July 15, 200816 yr Every panhandler should be evaluated on an individual basis, intuitively You think you are qualified to make a good judgement on that?
July 15, 200816 yr exactly X... It is not my job to play god and decide which is a good panhandler and which is a bad panhandler. Decide who is and is not worthy of handouts. Which is why i give my money to several charitable organizations who help the homeless. Giving to panhandlers directly just prepetuates problems.
July 15, 200816 yr exactly X... It is not my job to play god and decide which is a good panhandler and which is a bad panhandler. Decide who is and is not worthy of handouts. Which is why i give my money to several charitable organizations who help the homeless. Giving to panhandlers directly just prepetuates problems. AMEN! This is exactly how I feel and I couldn't have said it better myself.
July 15, 200816 yr exactly X... It is not my job to play god and decide which is a good panhandler and which is a bad panhandler. Decide who is and is not worthy of handouts. Which is why i give my money to several charitable organizations who help the homeless. Giving to panhandlers directly just prepetuates problems. like I said, I only give a dollar, at most, directly to panhandlers, so it is hardly a matter of playing God, as you put it. Considering I live in the East Village, one of the most historically liberal, if not downright leftist neighborhoods anywhere in the country, I'm actually relatively conservative--hardly a bleeding heart. But I try to look at panhandlers as people--because, surprise!--that's what they are! People with feelings, families, problems (believe it or not, some of them--gasp--actually have jobs!!) and all the other traits that characterize those in the human race. Yes, it's most effective to give to legitimate, responsible charities, but it wouldn't kill anyone to once in a while make contact with someone on the street and show a little concern for another person who's in obvious pain. That, also, is being part of the human race. http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
July 15, 200816 yr A dollar is enough to buy a 40 oz. bottle of beer. I understand that panhandlers are human, but most of the ones I've encountered either lie about their situation or refuse help.
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