Essay On Panhandling

Augusta Police Chief Robert Gregoire stages a protest against panhandling in memorial center. The sign he holds encourages people to give to local organizations that will help more people; instead of giving their money to panhandlers, who might not be honest about how they’re using the money. The sign reads: “Really want to help someone? Many?? Give to: The Salvation Army, Bread of Life Ministries, Local Food Pantry, They won’t use your money to buy alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs.
Panhandlers at Memorial circle like Lloyd Bowden, 55. He’s saving up for a tent and he says all the money people give him goes “all to food.” However, Gregoire says that in reality many people who panhandle do it so they can fuel their drinking or drug habits, and he wants people to be aware of that.
Gregoire stood there holding his sign for seven hours. He said that he hoped his efforts will not only stop people giving to panhandlers, but to encourage them to donate to local shelters and other organizations. “This is a way for them to truly give assistance,” Gregoire said. “If you want to help many people, donate to an organization that serves many people.”
Throughout the day, Gregoire
got many different reactions from people. Some drivers were uncomfortable, they rolled up their car windows and did not make eye contact. Others tried to give money to him, which he politely declined and explained why he was standing there and told them to give it to a local charity. Gregorie said that people had yelled at him to get a job, his response was “If you don’t want to give then don’t, but don’t be negative.” He also talked to other panhandlers, they had not noticed that he was not taking money and asked how much money he had made. However there were many who supported his message, and gave him good feedback.
Western Avenue, and State Street have a combination of 50,000 cars per day, are both popular places for panhandling.
As it gets warmer, panhandling increases, along with the amount of aggressiveness panhandlers show towards drives. In the article Gregoire said “Men and women have a right to stand and hold singes, but state law prohibits them from initiating contact with drivers.” There is also another issue concerning the safety of drivers and panhandlers. When people stand in certain places on the street that block a driver's view of the street, or block the flow of traffic, it is very dangerous. When this happens police will confront the panhandler and make sure they move. Many Maine cities have or are considering enacting laws that would prohibit people from panhandling, or aggressive
panhandling. One of the main points in the article is illustrated when Gregoire says: “Though careful not to paint all panhandlers with the same brush, Gregoire said the reality is that many of those asking passers-by for money will use it to feed their habits rather than for food or shelter. “People sit out here a few hours and we’re dealing with them the rest of the night,” Gregoire said. “They aren’t using it for what people are giving. People should be aware of that.” This is a main point because it’s the reason Gregoire is protesting. He wants you people to be careful who they give their money to. The another point in the article is when Gregoire says: “Gregoire said giving money makes people feel good, but that same sum of money can be used more effectively by social organizations that often get discounted rates for food, clothing and shelter. Donations to such agencies are on the decline, Gregoire said. “All these organizations exist within our community now. We don’t have to develop anything new,” Gregoire said. “If they want their dollars to count, it should go to these organizations.” This is a main point because it is supposed to get people to start thinking about how they can really help. And it’s the other half of Gregoire’s reason for protesting. Don’t give your money to strangers who might not do the right thing with your money, give it to an organisation who you know is going to help people who really need it.