What is the Best Way to Respond to Panhandlers?

[toddguy]

Originally Posted by Investing In Chicago

Here is the thing I don't understand, why is it some homeless guys business if you carry cash or not? Why would you (not specifically you, but a general "you") say that to a stranger?

Well it really isn't but it is kind of a way of not having to just say no sorry outright and it is not lying-if you don't have any cash then you can't give them any if want to or not. And I am not going to be talked into going to an ATM to get money out either.

It gives some people an out without having to just say no only.

*Sometimes I do have a little cash and in that instance I might give some but it would depend on the circumstance-usually I would not-too many scammers and addicts unfortunately. It would probably be better to give them a card with social services info on it, but I would be afraid that might "trigger" or set them off and I don't want any problems with some homeless people-you just don't know what will happen.