Panhandler problem getting worse

[hipsterdoofus]

MrAnderson, putfile.com is a place you can upload some videos and host them, then you just put the link to them on here and then everyone can get to them. Very nice for something you want to show to people and then forget about it.

[Patrick]

A few years ago, an attorney in our church tried to help a panhandler that frequented the 39th and N. May area. He put him up in a hotel room and bought him food to eat. He spoke with the manager at the Dairy Queen close by, and the manager was willing to buy him clothes and offer him a job. Needless to say, the homeless man didn't want to work. He refused the job.

[ibda12u]

My wife is afraid to go to a few stores or even get gas on 23rd by herself, because she always gets approached for money, and she's afraid that one day someone may become violent. She's had someone approach her car as she was parking and getting ready to go into a store. She didn't have any extra money and didn't want to tell him all she had was money for her items, she tried to ignore him by sitting in the car. And this guy actually sat on the curb next to the car, and was waiting for her to open the door. Finally she drove off.

Another time I was leaving my office at the devon building, and going to my car, that I'd parked in front. It was maybe 8ish outside and I was approached by a guy wanting a couple bucks, (all I had was some change in the car). Then he asked if I could just give him a ride to Del City. It wasn't too far outta my way, as I was heading that direction, and he didn't seem to be a threat (I figured I could get first jump on him in case something happened) So as soon as he got in my car, he changed his story and needed a ride to the east side of Tinker. (which was out of the way), When I told him that Tinker is not the direction I was heading he then just wanted a ride to the Mcdonalds downtown (sheridan area). At this point I was on guard waiting for anything. But I agreed to take him the 2miles to the mcdonalds, where supposedly now one of his friends was going to take him to tinker.

As I was taking him there, he found the change I'd promised him in my car (in my coin drawer between the seats, and started helping himself to all of it) mainly pennies, but at least a couple bucks in silver. So while he's telling me about his friend and taking all my change, he changes his mind again and wants me to make left turn down an alley, and he'd walk. At this point I turned on my flashers and pulled over to the side of the road under the streetlight, around a lotta traffic, and told him this is as far as I can take him. He still wanted me to take him to the alley, and I was seriously getting ready to physically remove him from my car, when he said he'd just walk the rest of the way, and got out. Then he looked at how much change he had grabbed that was pennies and seemed to get upset that I didn't have any more silver. (was probably $3.00 in pennies, I'm telling you he just kept grabbing and shoving it in his pockets, if you've ever grabbed 300 pennies from out of a coin tray, you can understand what I'm saying) Anyways he left, I calmed down and went home.

I'm a fairly large guy, honestly I'd consider myself rather intimidating, but even I get into a defensive mode by some of these more aggresive people.
What we have decided to do is only give gift cards. No change, no money. And if we don't have any gift cards on us, We tell them we don't have any gift cards, and that's all we give away. It's really simple. Buy some $5 gift cards from mcdonald's, walmart, whereever. Then pass them out based on the person's need.

I consider myself compassionate, and I fully understand that life happens. But at the same time I believe we should do whatever we can to pull ourselves up from out of whatever situation we find ourselves in. It most times won't be instantly, but there should be some attempt to better oneself.


I don't know how to fix the problem with the aggresive abusers. But even the bible says if you don't work, you don't eat. You can work and still be poor, and God Bless those people, as they are the one's I'd like to help.

[HOT ROD]

ibda12u, that was a nice storey. i actually learned from it.

I think getting the gift cards is a great idea. take care.

[travich]

I-44 and N. Penn usually has two or three on each corner. I usually throw whatever drink I'm drinking at them. What are they going to do, pull out their cell phones and call the cops?

[Karried]

Please tell me you are joking? If you are not joking here's something to think about.

They may not pull out a cell phone but a Magnum 357 might not be something you want to be staring down the barrel of...

[Patrick]

I-44 and N. Penn usually has two or three on each corner. I usually throw whatever drink I'm drinking at them. What are they going to do, pull out their cell phones and call the cops?

I suppose they could file a complaint with the up and coming panhandler's union! lol!

[Patrick]

ibda12u, that was a nice storey. i actually learned from it.

I think getting the gift cards is a great idea. take care.

I concur! I think McDonalds gift certificates are probably the best option, especially since they don't serve liquor. Problem with Wal-Mart gift cards is they can still by alcohol with them. I believe Mick Cornett and company is trying to come up with a plan where you can purchase coupon books for a small price that would include free dinners at City Rescue Mission and bus tokens. Handing these out instead of money might reduce the pandhandler problem, especialyl for those simply wanting money.

[Patrick]

A guy in my medical school class lives at Regency Towers. He finally got tired of the bums asking him for money everyday. He told one guy he'd save him the trouble....he went up to his apartment and brought down a bottle of beer and gave him.