Working Title: “Panhandling: Help that Hurts”
Thesis: Among the methods used to combat homelessness, panhandling serves as the most ineffective and should be considered as inhibiting the issue’s progress rather than helping society to work toward its solution.
Introductory Rationale: Homelessness is a prevalent issue in the United States (Triplett). A common way that individuals can be seen as hoping to help those experiencing homelessness is through participating in an activity called “panhandling (Gomez).” Panhandling is the act of asking for money that holds capabilities of unrestricted use by homeless individuals (City of Bloomington). This exchange of unrestricted capital between an individual and a homeless person presents an issue due to the fact that it is very common that the funding received by the homeless individual will not contribute to their rehabilitation, rather, it will be used to feed an addiction such as alcoholism, drug abuse, or gambling (Gomez). This issue should be important to my audience due to the fact that it is a common misconception and can easily be stifled through education. Further, my audience should find interest in this issue because if they are proponents of the continuance of panhandling, they may find that they would rather give their funds in a more productive way; to a nonprofit or social service agency.
Essay Map:
I. Overview of Homelessness
A. Causes
1. Addiction
2. Cyclical Poverty
3. Mental Illness
Sources: Ross, Triplett, Stein
B. Proposed Solutions
1. Panhandling
2. Shelters
3. Incentive Programs
4. Rehab centers
Sources: Triplett, Ross, Katel
II. Issues with Panhandling
A. Unrestricted Funding
1. Description
2. Uses by homeless
Sources: Gomez, City of Bloomington
B. Effect on City/Donors
1. Misguided Altruism
2. Effect on tourism/citizen satisfaction
Sources: Gomez, City of Bloomington
III. Comparative Analysis of other Options
A. Rehabilitation
1. Analysis
2. Strengths/Weaknesses
Sources: Triplett
B. Shelters
1. Analysis
2. Strengths/Weaknesses
Sources: Katel
IV. Conclusion
1. Reiteration of thesis
Resources:
Gomez, Alan. “Cities Crack Down On Panhandling.” USA Today 10 June 2009: Web. 20 Mar.
2014.
Evidence of the woes of panhandling and how/why cities have created policies against it in the past
Katel, Peter. “Housing the Homeless.” CQ Researcher 18 Dec. 2009: 1053-76. Web. 20 Mar.
2014.
Evidence of current strategies used to house homeless
Ross, Winston. “Internet Addiction Left My Brother Homeless.” Newsweek. 7/10/2009:
Web. 16 Feb. 2014
Evidence of the causes/solutions of homelessness
Stein, Joel. “The Real Face of Homelessness.” TIME 1 Jan. 2003: 54-60. Web. 20 Mar.
2014.
Evidence of the causes of homelessness/who the homeless are in the USA
Triplett, William. “Ending Homelessness.” CQ Researcher 18 June 2004: 541-64. Web. 18 Mar.
2014.
Analysis of the causes, current solutions, and demographic info of the homeless in the USA
http://www.alternet.org/hard-times-usa/why-people-react-differently-panhandlers-hard-times-usa
Counterargument (See below)
http://www.inlander.com/spokane/kicked-to-the-curb/Content?oid=2138984
Counterargument (See below)
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/10/30/2856411/panhandling-stats/
Counterargument (See below)
https://bloomington.in.gov/sections/viewSection.php?section_id=571
Evidence of how Bloomington advises citizens to interact with panhandlers
– “Donate your money to legitimate organizations dedicated to helping homeless and low income families in our community”
– “Volunteer http://www.bloomington.in.gov/volunteer your time to organizations and service agencies addressing this issue”
– “Become more knowledgeable about panhandling, homelessness by visiting local social service agencies to learn of other ways you can help.”
Counterarguments:
1. Some people feel that it is the right thing to do based on religious motives
a. Golden Rule
b. Source: “Why People React Differently to Panhandlers” – Hard times USA
2. Some people feel that it is the right thing to do because they are more fortunate
a. Ability to identify with homeless individual
b. Source: “Why People React Differently to Panhandlers” – Hard times USA
3. Not everyone uses money attained from panhandling for illegal/unhelpful purposes
a. “Not everybody is out there just for their beer or their weed…people are just trying to survive.”
b. Source: “Kicked to the Curb” – Inlander Magazine
4. Survey data shows that most panhandlers use money for food (although they use if for other things as well)
a. 94% use the money for food
i. 44% use it for drugs or alcohol
b. Source: “Everything You Think You Know About Panhandlers is Wrong” – Thinkprogress.org
Concluding Rationale: Panhandling is not part of the cure; it is part of the issue (Gomez, City of Bloomington). With knowledge of my argument information, readers will find the ability to differentiate more successfully the philanthropic giving habits that are helpful from those who are simply enabling. Further, keeping in mind that my readers are probably Americans and will spend some amount of time in a metropolitan area, they are, in fact, the right individuals to put the new knowledge into action as they will no doubt interact with a homeless individual attempting to attain funds through panhandling. Although it may be uncomfortable to say “no” in the moment, my readers will have the peace of mind that by giving their philanthropic dollars to organizations that work toward the eradication of homelessness and help homeless individuals to overcome their addictions and other debilitating struggles, they are truly making a positive change in their community
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