'People think he's just trying to get booze'
EUGENE, Ore. -- His cardboard sign gives a glimpse of a story.
"People think oh, well he's just trying to get booze or something," Robert told KVAL News. "No, I want a job."
He says he has been clean and sober for three years now.
"I've been homeless a while," Robert said. "I was taking care of my grandmother with my mom. She passed away..."
According to a non-scientific poll on SurveyMonkey of KVAL.com users and KVAL News followers on Twitter, almost 50 percent of respondents said they've given money to panhandlers before.
Of those who give, more than half gave away at least a dollar.
How much do panhandlers make in a day?
"Well, I'm by myself right now, but um, I have a girlfriend and she's in a nursing home," Charles told KVAL News. "She broke her leg last week. With her, I can make 50 bucks."
Charles told KVAL News he spends three to four hours a day working as a beggar in the Eugene/Springfield area.
Do the math: if he and his girlfriend make 50 dollars a day, seven days a week, that is $350 a week -- more than $18,000 a year, tax free.
But should you give money to panhandlers?
"Well, that's a big question, isn't it?" said Ernie Unger, director of the Eugene Rescue Mission.
Unger said it's easy to be judgemental, but there are many people who actually need help. A report released last week by the state labor department shows Lane County's unemployment rate is at a new high: 13.1 percent.
Combine that with an anticipated rash of unemployment benefits running out, and homeless advocates expect to see a big increase in those trying to get back on their feet.
Unger's best advice: remain compassionate.
"Stop and visit with them and try to find out what their real needs are," he said. "This is a generous community."
If you do want to give directly to a panhandler, there are some options, Unger said, to control how your donation is spent. For example, he says a gift certificate to a restaurant helps ensure the recipient will get food.
