What should I know about panhandling?
  • Not everyone who panhandles is homeless. Many studies have found that only a small percentage of homeless people panhandle and only a small percentage of those who panhandle are homeless.
  • Those who panhandle target locations where there are a lot of pedestrians and motorists.
  • The average daily income from panhandling varies by area - $50-$60 a day in good areas of Seattle.
  • Instead of giving money, consider some of these things a homeless person could use (PDF).

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1. I discovered an encampment, what can I do?
2. I called the police, but the tent is still there. What now?
3. Why doesn’t the city do something about panhandling?
4. How can I help someone who asks for money?
5. What should I know about panhandling?