HOW TO DENY PANHANDLERS W/O INCIDENT

[Gopher]

I think that once self-esteem has been lost it's very difficult to get it back again, the nearest parallel I can think of is depression:  when it strikes, it overwhelms and is very hard to get out of.

[P.C.]

I help the unfortunate by donating to many of these community programs or to needy families.  I really feel strongly that giving to panhandlers is not helping them or the community

  That's a really good point 49er.  I've heard this angle expressed before, how in the long run, we are perpetuating their situation.  Donating to the organizations who work closer with these people, is a far better idea.

[tenkani]

^^^^ What she said.

I didn't mean to imply earlier that giving handouts is the best way to deal with the situation.

49er puts it very well.