I feel very conflicted when people approach me panhandling for money. The Greensboro-High Point metropolitan is often ranked as one of the worst, based on the percentage of the population, for people who have difficulties securing food. I give to food banks but I'm reluctant to give when approached by individuals. One reason is, working in an emergency department, I know some of these people and know they are going to spend any cash they get on alcohol and drugs rather than food. Still, it is very difficult for me to not give and I feel it's dehumanizing when I avoid eye contact with people. In a way, it's harder to be callous in Greensboro than when I lived in Seattle or Los Angeles because in those cities there are so many homeless and people panhandling that it is overwhelming. I've considered buying some $5 Subway sandwich gift cards and keeping them in my wallet to give to panhandlers. I eat at Subway and they have stores all over town including Walmart.
What is your experience with panhandling?
