…all panhandling scams have to do with “poor me” and “lucky you.” And all panhandling scams have to do with satisfying an addiction. No, that’s not true, you say. Have you ever seen the guy that walks between the cars with his “I’m trying to get home to Newfoundland” sign? He’s been trying to get home for two years now! How about Mickie with the sad eyes in the wheelchair, your generosity is killing him; he’s drunk and high all the time.
(…)
The answer is stop giving them money. You’re killing them. They need to hit the proverbial brick wall so they will reach out and get help with their problem, addiction. In the long run, tough love is kinder than allowing them another day in addiction hell. So when a panhandler asks you for money, perform a true act of kindness, and just say No!
