gtobe Anonymous

What might surprise you is the large number of panhandlers who are NOT homeless. These folks make a career out of panhandling and go home to their comfortable bed at night. Yes the individual might have a drinking or drug habit but do not assume he or she is homeless.

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Geezer Anonymous

I do not believe the Salvation Army is going to buy beer or wine with the money they are given.

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Billusa99 Anonymous

Yes, Rawlins... it was a Miller crusade and the male powers that be did label her that, but they got their testosterone up over more than just that.

I notice this is a City sourced "news item" and this stands out: "The first phase of the public education/fundraising program will focus on downtown, where chronic panhandling threatens economic development efforts to revitalize the area.

Trust the city and Leppert to get behind a backwards bandwagon.

Chronic non-development and lack of investment threatens economic development efforts to revitalize the area. If chronic panhandling had that kind of power, we'd ALL be there doing it, and be rich, fat and happy.

What an absolutely stupid, idiotically inane presser line! Next thing you know, they'll be talking about toll roads in a floodway revitalizing Oak Cliff.

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

YEAH! I mean, yeah, exactly....imbeciles.

Said it before, and here it is again, the recipe for downtown Dallas:

1) Cops on street (no short pants wearing happy guard)

2) Affordable housing (not for the homeless. I mean I was the target demographic! Too bad the developers must think I'm too stupid to notice the price per square foot issue.)

3) Build a decent school (.....)

OH SNAP!

Ok, I would now like my $500K consulting fee. I accept Paypal.

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

kirk Anonymous

I don't give money to beggars, either, for the reasons you cite, as well as the fact that the money almost invariably goes to feed an addiction.

Now, see, Rick, we do agree on something. Who says there is no magic during the holiday season?

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

luniz Anonymous

the panhandlers in Dallas have never bothered me. I don't see why it's any less of a way to make a living than being mayor or producing television shows. And why shouldn't they spend their own hard earned cash on booze and drugs? Better that than $200 t shirts and $50 hunks of $10 chocolate..

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

PUNCHbrad Anonymous

It sounds like the people of our city need to change their perspective on the situation of homelessness. The problem with panhandling is not the mere annoyance it brings, it is an issue about how these people do not have access to the help they need to mentally recover from whatever has brought them their poverty. Simply give care to the homeless, and you'll take care of the problem. I'd much rather see my fellow citizens in good health than to look out the window and see a park set atop Woodall Rogers. We've got to prioritize better.

Have a heart Dallasites. These people need your help; and if it means giving them a buck or two, then spare a cent. I, for one, am not going to let my city tell me that I cannot care for others in whatever manner I choose.

Oh, and luniz... Great comment!

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

frank Anonymous

In Yellowstone National Park there are signs all over that clearly state 'do not feed the bears'. Why? Because these creatures of the wild learn to expect handouts. They have even been known to destroy your campsite or car to get to your goods.

In this urban forest of Dallas I don't believe in feeding our bears for that same reason.

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

WhitneyTM Anonymous

I do give money to them. I don't know why. I guess I figure even if they don't spend it on what I think they need, they're still homeless and I'm not. I give money to organizations, too - so that all bases are covered.

I think, though, that until this city cares more about the inhumanity of homelessness than its unsightly appearance, no organization is going to get very far. In addition, I'd say the further removed from the City of Dallas, the better the chances of success.

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

kphagen Anonymous

You can lead a horse to water...but how?

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

littlekinder Anonymous

Years ago, my mom, who is now 75, took to carrying around small bags with crackers and peanut butter and cans of juice (before the advent of juice boxes!) to give to folks holding signs by the stoplights. The ones with children sitting there and "Must Feed Family" written there... She couldn't bear to give money for fear of how it would be used and couldn't bear for kids not to eat...

I wish we could buy vouchers for 7-11 or someplace that we could hand out that just meant FOOD. That would at least put an end to the "what will they spend it on" issue.

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

chrisdanger Anonymous

My Dad, as a former DPD officer, used to give out vouchers for the Salavation Army when on patrol. He indicated that it became a chronic problem where he had the same people asking for them time and time again.

7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )