Give a Hand Up, Not A Handout

Given the generosity of County residents, it is no surprise there is considerable effort to provide for others in need. Individuals standing in street median strips holding signs describing hard luck can pull at our heartstrings. However, giving money to panhandlers isn’t a way to help and it puts individuals at risk in busy intersections.

Service providers who work daily with the homeless report most of the money given to panhandlers is used to support their addictions – drugs, alcohol and tobacco rather than provide help.

For more information on how to help, visit the montgomerycountymd.gov/panhandling.