Panhandling

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Panhandling impacts our community, and there are no easy and fast solutions to address its causes and effects. Often, we are compelled to give to those who are struggling to make ends meet in hopes our generosity will make a difference. But is giving to people who are panhandling the best way to help? The first step is to understand panhandling - what is it, who does it, and why?

What is panhandling?

Passive panhandling is soliciting without threat or menace, often without any words exchanged at all, just a cup or a hand held out.

The courts have consistently ruled that panhandling or asking for money is a protected activity under the First Amendment as long as it is done on public property where members of the public are generally entitled to be such as public sidewalks and parks.

Panhandling is not allowed on private property unless granted permission by the private property owners. Private property owners have a right to trespass both panhandlers and people experiencing homelessness from their properties.

Panhandlers on public property may not disturb the peace, obstruct public thoroughfares, litter or threaten passersby while engaging in panhandling.

Who panhandles?

Statistically, panhandlers are more likely to be those with few family ties, male and unemployed, although every situation is different.

Although often associated with homeless populations, people who panhandle are not usually homeless (and people who are homeless are not usually panhandlers). Some people who panhandle have untreated addictions or mental illness.

https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/panhandling-0

Where do people panhandle?

Why do people panhandle?

Healthy Giving

Per the Healthy Giving Council of Arizona, healthy givers understand that not only the long-term needs of the individual must be considered, but also the impact of giving on the environment and the community at large.

The Gilbert area is fortunate to have many non-profits and faith-based groups that provide food, shelter, and other resources 365 days a year. These groups don’t just connect people to resources that improve their lives and help to end their situation; they provide human connections that can lead someone on the streets to feel valued, understood, and worthy of a better life. Healthy giving is about working together with these groups rather than doing it alone.

Our community has so many generous families and individuals who want to support those asking for money, unfortunately, one-off donations delivered at street corners, parks, or other locations provide short-lived relief and can delay or divert people from seeking services that can help end their situation. These kinds of donations also have unintended consequences for the surrounding area.

We believe generous people in Gilbert want to give in a way that will uplift our community and make a real difference for those having trouble. That is the kind of giving that lasts, that can change and life, and represents healthy giving. To learn more about Healthy Giving www.givesmart.org

How you can make a difference

Give to a local charity. Volunteer. Spread the word.

Gilbert’s Neighbor 2 Neighbor (N2N) program allows Gilbert residents to support those in need through a monthly utility bill donation or a one-time donation.

Donations made through this program are allocated to nonprofits assisting Gilbert low-income residents. These non-profits focus on essential human services for families, children, and the elderly. Services could include prevention of homelessness, strengthening families, support for victims of abuse, and positive alternatives for youth.

See the N2N page for a list of organizations currently supported by donations. https://gilbertaz.gov/n2n

Find volunteer opportunities: https://www.gilbertaz.gov/how-do-i/volunteer

Please help us spread the word about the importance of healthy giving.

Gilbert, Arizona

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