What is Panhandling?
Panhandling is defined as solicitation of money or food, as well as a solicitation, in a public place or on the street. This solicitation can be active (e.g., asking a passerby), passive (e.g., holding up a sign), and/or exchange-oriented (e.g., offering to do nominal labor). Although donating to panhandlers is with good intention, it gives money to vulnerable populations who may not use funds for well-intentioned purposes, disrupts businesses, and may deter customers. Though panhandling is not illegal, there are more meaningful, safer ways to support people in need.
Give Change That Counts aims to reduce panhandling in the community by providing a more effective and safer way for people to help those in need. People compelled to panhandle are often in need of services- help with housing, food, mental health and medical needs, employment services- that they aren’t accessing. When we support panhandling, it can exacerbate the broad economic and social factors instead of helping. Through this countywide effort, we hope to educate the community and provide a meaningful pathway to donate to local day centers. These critical community partners work to quickly connect our community’s most vulnerable to housing, food, mental health and medical care, and employment opportunities.
Panhandlers: Who are they and why do they do it?
Recently Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless went around the county to interview, and survey individuals who were panhandling to help identify who they were and why they do it.
Gender
Nationality
Panhandling Income (Weekly Average)
Standard Income
Type of Income
“As long as I get 5 or 10, I’m gone. If they carry spare, I appreciate it.”
“I do not like it at all, I do not have another choice.”
“It sucks; don’t really want to do it. I want to work.”
“I feel like I do what I gotta do. It is necessary, right now.”
Visiting Savannah? Here are some important tips when visiting Savannah, Georgia for vacation or special events:
If you are approached by an individual panhandling
We encourage you not to give them money directly. You can encourage them to visit one of the many Day Centers in the area that can help provide the resources they need as well as connect with the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless.
Report any suspicious or dangerous behavior.
At times, emotions can run high within the panhandling community and tempers can flare.
If this occurs and you feel threatened in any way, please reach out to our local police departments.
Savannah Police Department
FOR EMERGENCIES PLEASE CALL: 911
SPD Headquarters: 201 Habersham Street
Savannah, GA 31401Information Desk
(912) 651-6675
Chatham County Police Department
FOR EMERGENCIES PLEASE CALL: 911
Chatham County Police Headquarters: 295 Police Memorial Dr.
Savannah, Georgia 31405Information Desk
(912) 652-6920
Donate to help panhandling initiatives.
The opening of Day Centers would not be possible without the generous donations from the visitor and local community to help fund and support existing faith-based organizations and the resources they offer attendees of the Day Centers. Every little bit helps.