Panhandling is often a vicious cycle, and University students may be enabling it.

Money donated at a red downtown parking meter is used for bus tickets that will take those seeking help to local shelters and kitchens.

As recent efforts by the Athens Downtown Development Authority to change panhandling laws have brought the issue back into the local spotlight, students may remain unaware of their own contributions.

Information gathered by the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing showed that higher percentages of students give money to panhandlers than any other group. Some attribute students’ greater giving to inexperience with panhandlers or simply not knowing where else to donate.

“People in rural areas may not understand the dynamics. Some people think its a joke, and others think they are actually helping,” said Katherine Lookofsky, executive director of the ADDA. “They don’t realize that they shouldn’t give on the street, or that they can give to organizations that will help these people.”

Lookofsky said panhandlers target younger or incoming students in a effort to get more money.

“Students are an easy target as far as panhandlers getting handouts, so there is more panhandling at the change of semesters when new students arrive,” Lookofsky said.

David Diss, a 53 year-old Athens panhandler, does not agree with the assessment, though.
“Students give money fewer times,” Diss said, “I think it’s because they’re warned in their orientation classes.”
Diss has been homeless in Athens since 2007 when he lost his job in Gainsville as a machinist. He said he didn’t start panhandling until he got to Athens.

The worry of some Athens groups and businesses is that panhandlers will create an uncomfortable or uninviting atmosphere, driving away potential customers for local businesses.

“I think everybody feels uncomfortable about it,” said Chuck Jones, director of the Athens Visitors Bureau. “People could learn to steer clear, particularly if there is an area that has a lot of panhandlers.”

Diss said most people don’t seem to mind panhandlers, as long as they don’t become intrusive or aggressive. Diss doesn’t approach people for donations, and instead carries a sign that says “HOMELESS Every little bit helps.”
“I don’t like to be bothered by others, so I don’t like to bother others,” Diss said, “I just let the sign do the work.”

While businesses have the option of removing panhandlers from their buildings, they have no authority on the streets and sidewalks just a few steps beyond.

Nationally under the First Amendment, panhandling is considered a protected form of public speech, as long as it adheres to a city’s anti-aggression laws on the practice.

In Athens, county commissioners are considering a proposal to bar panhandling near ATMs, banks, bus-stops, taxis, sidewalk cafes and business entrances, but face debates about the legality of barring public expression.

Because there are few restrictions that can be legally implemented, some students may feel less safe in areas where they already have money out.

“I think some people might feel threatened if you have money out, if you’re at a parking meter or ATM with your wallet out,” Jones said.

Diss said he understands the move for a change and would agree with the ordinance if it were passed.
“It would limit the number of places [for panhandling], but there are plenty of other places,” Diss said.

Nonetheless, the Athens ordinance only bans panhandlers that, ”accost or force [themselves] upon the company of another.” Even in cases of aggressive panhandling most people want to avoid spending additional time pursuing legal action.

“It takes people time to call the police, file a report and go to court,” Lookofsky said, “If you’re coming downtown and you just want to pick up dinner you’d rather just forget about it.”

As students come into contact with panhandlers more frequently, though, they find out their own ways to help or avoid the issue.

“There are tactics you have to learn to avoid or ignore them. Sometimes I will give them a cigarette or leftover food in loo of money,” said Ansley Davis, an international affairs major from Athens.

Even though students might find alternatives, some panhandlers are only interested in money.

“One time we were giving out sack lunches and there was a woman sitting about ten feet from us panhandling, but never walked over for food,” said Jeromy Causeway, an advertising major from Savannah. “I guess she just wanted some money.”

For those that desire to give money, the Northeast Georgia Homeless Coalition maintains a donation box — in the form of  a red parking meter — at the corner of College Avenue and Clayton Street. The money is used for bus tickets that will take those seeking help to local shelters and kitchens.

“It’s a transferable way to get money from people who would like to donate to panhandlers but don’t want to donate on the street,” said Samantha Carvalho of the NGHC membership committee.

She said the organization raises $300 to $400 through collected donations every time they empty the meter, which is a lot of money in “quarters here and there.”