Photo: Peter Clark

A HAND UP
NOT A HANDOUT

HOW TO OFFER
SUPPORT TO
SLC’S HOMELESS
COMMUNITY
PANHANDLING
DOES GIVING HURT THE GREATER CAUSE?

Asking people to not give a little money to a panhandler

is not always going to be a popular idea. We recognize
that as human beings, we need to be compassionate to Photo: Brand X Pictures
our fellow man, being open to sharing what we have
with others who are in need. In fact, there are people
and organizations who work towards that goal every When it comes to statistics concerning panhandlers and people on the street,
day of the year. It is for that very reason that you should it is difficult to come to clear, solid conclusions. It’s not like we can check
reconsider giving to panhandlers and think about using IRS reports or bank deposit statements for those who function on a cash-
that money to support those who can be trusted to only basis. We rely on surveys from panhandlers themselves. These statistics,
directly help the homeless and those in need in ways taken from a poll of panhandlers in the San Francisco area, offer one view
that they need it most. into how these people use the money given to them.
The U.S. Department of Justice has stated, “Statistics
show that most panhandlers are not homeless,
and most homeless do not panhandle. For some, 94% use a portion of their money for food
panhandling is a career... and a lucrative one.˝ For
many, though, panhandling is little more than a
means of scraping enough money together for basic
daily needs. What, exactly, those needs are is the 44% will also use money for drugs or alcohol
question. Are we contributing to helping someone
eat or are we enabling them by contributing to a
substance addiction or similar vice? Yes... it is their
freedom to choose what they use their money for, but
32% are addicted to drugs
by giving we will only encourage them to continue
panhandling. Supporting programs that help with
securing shelter, housing, employment, medical care 25% are alcoholic
and other essential services will be placing our money
into hands that will use it responsibly.

Survey: 2013 GLS Research, San Francisco

SHOULD PANHANDLING BE ILLEGAL? WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP
In a recent poll released by UtahPolicy.com, nearly two-thirds of Salt Lake City Salt Lake City’s Homeless Outreach Service Team, aka HOST, is a collaborative
voters believe that panhandling should be illegal. However, trying to legislate effort between the city, police, and service providers that work towards directing
the problem away by criminalizing homeless individuals and families to the services they need. HOST, with support
the behaviors has been found to be from local businesses and sponsors, has a number of parking-type meters located
a violation of our 1st Amendment in the downtown area to collect donations. 100% of these donations will go to
rights to Freedom of Speech. While homeless services, managed under the Pamela J. Atkinson Foundation.
we may not like what they are asking HOST offers a list of 10 ways to help homeless individuals:
for or how they do it, panhandlers do
have a Constitutional right to beg for 1) Resist the urge to give cash to a panhandler. Cash contributions to solicitors often enable self-
money. This aside, the public does not destructive behaviors. Give a hand up, not a hand out.
need to tolerate aggressive panhandling 2) Smile. Civility and politeness can help restore dignity.
techniques or any behavior that makes 3) Encourage homeless people to get help through local service providers. Free meals, shelter,
them feel unsafe or harassed. There clothing, medical care and other services are available every day right in our community.
are also limitations to the locations 4) Get to know what programs are out there. Contact existing providers to learn more and see how to
and times that panhandlers may solicit support the good work they are already doing.
donations in public spaces. 5) Give generously to support homeless service providers.
Your contributions will help homeless people rebuild their lives.
You can donate directly to the organization of your choice listed
on slchost.org.
6) Donate food and other supplies. Coordinate directly with
service providers to make sure that your donation will do the
most good for the most people.
HOW TO RESPOND TO 7) Volunteer. Many of the service providers rely on volunteers to
help run their programs. Find out how by contacting a provider listed
SOLICITATIONS on slchost.org.
8) Start a community service project. Ask service providers about
We encourage people to stand by the Golden Rule and show courtesy and the greatest needs right now and organize your friends, family and
respect to others, no matter their situation or condition. When confronted by a neighbors to help.
panhandler, a polite “No” or “Sorry” is appropriate. 9) Become informed and advocate. Tell your elected
representatives that you value programs that reduce poverty and
Be firm with your answer, but avoid confrontation or argument. assist people in recovery.
10) Involve the police. If you witness a crime or are concerned for
If a panhandler becomes aggressive, blocks your path, touches you, follows you, someone’s safety or your own, call Salt Lake City Police dispatch at
makes you feel unsafe or fear for the safety of others, contact the police. 801-799-3000. Dial 911 for emergencies.

In any case where you meet an individual or family who you feel is in need of Visit www.endpanhandling.com for more
immediate help, contact the HOST hotline at 801-799-3035 or Volunteers of information on HOST, donation meter locations,
America Homeless Outreach at 801-519-9721. and other related programs.

Photos: A Knight Errant

SERVICE PROVIDERS
Below is a list of the organizations recommended by the HOST program. You
can contact them directly to give money or volunteer your time. Tax deductible
donations can also be made into the HOST account at any Zions Bank branch
in Utah. Your money will be put to use where it is needed most.

Catholic Community Services

www.ccsutah.org
Weigand Homeless Day Center
and St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall
745 East 300 South
801-363-7710 or email nperkins@ccsutah.org

The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake

www.rescuesaltlake.org
463 South 400 West
801.746.1006
They also offer help cards that you can give to
panhandlers to alert them of available services.

Volunteers of America
www.voaut.org
MORE ORGANIZATIONS THAT HELP
435 West Bearcat Drive
801-363-9414 IN SALT LAKE CITY AND ACROSS UTAH

The Road Home Utah Food Bank

www.theroadhome.org www.utahfoodbank.org
210 S. Rio Grande Street Utahns Against Hunger
801.359.4142 www.uah.org/help-fight-hunger

The Fourth Street Clinic Crossroads Urban Center

www.fourthstreetclinic.org www.crossroadsurbancenter.org

409 W 400 S United Way - 211 INFO

385.234.5726 or email www.uw.org/211/
laurel@fourthstreetclinic.org
SLC Giving
www.slcgiving.org
Photo: Cyro Masci