Panhandling is defined as the request for money by people on the streets. Requesting or receiving food, clothing, water, or assistance is not considered panhandling. The following PPTFH guidelines were developed with input from the Pacific Palisades community.
“REAL CHANGE, NOT SPARE CHANGE”
- Be kind and respectful to panhandlers. If you choose to engage, assess the situation to ensure your own safety.
- Instead of giving money, respond to a panhandler by giving a PPTFH “services card,” which provides a phone number for contacting the Outreach Team. Contact info@pptfh.org to request services cards. In addition, you could offer bottled water or food certificates.
- If you are uncertain or uncomfortable when approached by a panhandler, consider donating to PPTFH or another service provider that offers real change through housing or other assistance.
- Understand that panhandlers are not necessarily homeless individuals.
- Encourage family and friends to refrain from giving money to panhandlers.
- Help children understand the difference between spare change and real change. Model compassion by joining children in supportive activities such as making hygiene kits, collecting clothing, or donating a portion of their allowance to a homeless prevention project.