There's a Better Way to Help!
The desire to help those in need in our community is wonderful! However, giving directly to panhandlers may not actually address their true needs. Often panhandlers use the money to support alcohol and drug addictions. We often perceive panhandlers as having an immediate need for cash to buy food, shelter, and services. In reality, all of these are available in our community for free. Although panhandling is often associated with homelessness, many panhandlers are not homeless. Lastly, panhandling has a negative effect on our community by keeping people away from patronizing businesses and services in downtown Chapel Hill. Choosing not to give to a panhandler is not making a personal judgment on someone's life; it’s a choice to use your money effectively to help those in need.

Instead of giving cash to panhandlers or someone in need - offer them help in the form of the Orange County Pocket Guide to Support Services. The guide can be printed out for FREE and offers information on services and housing! Keep them in your car, wallet, purse, diaper bag or bookbag and if you see someone in need -- offer them the pocket guide!

Tips for Responding to Panhandlers:

Simply say “No” or “No, have a good day”. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. A sarcastic

comment or argumentative tone can provoke aggression, while ignoring a request can make the other person feel invisible -- something that street people may already experience.

You don’t need to engage with panhandlers if they approach you, it’s okay to walk away.

If someone is aggressively panhandling you- loudly say “No!” several times. Panhandlers don’t like to draw attention. If you are followed, walk in to the nearest business and report the incident.

Act confident; your attitude is a powerful tool in dealing with aggressive panhandlers.

If you ever feel threatened or harassed by a panhandler, don’t hesitate to call 911 as soon as you can. Calling 911 in Chapel Hill is not just for emergencies! It is okay to call 911 simply to report a safety situation or concern.

More Information on Homelessness Issues:

Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness & The Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness

The Problem of Panhandling - Michael S. Scott - This guide from the Center for Problem Oriented Policing begins by describing the panhandling problem and reviewing factors that contribute to it. This guide answers the often asked question - "Why not just make 'tougher' panhandling ordinances?".

Chronic Homelessness - This brief published by the National Alliance to End Homelessness in March 2007 provides a better understanding of how chronic homelessness is defined and what can be done to address the needs of those who are chronically homeless.

What is Housing First? - This brief published by the National Alliance to End Homelessness in November 2006 provides a better understanding of the Housing First concept and some examples of how Housing First has been implemented in different communities.

Town of Chapel Hill Panhandling Ordinance

National Coalition for the Homeless

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

National Alliance to End Homelessness

Homelessness-HUD