Panhandlers Often Reject Help Offers

Asked about Kalispell’s panhandlers, Samaritan House Director Chris Krager recalls an unexpected conversation his two children had 10 years ago. The family was leaving Walmart and driving past a man with a cardboard sign. “My little girl was like, ‘That guy doesn’t have a job. That guy’s probably drunk. He doesn’t pay taxes.’ And my big brute of a son was like rolling down the window getting a dollar out,” Krager said. Krager encouraged the children to talk about it, but they never resolved their different views that day. “The only thing they did say is they weren’t happy we didn’t at least talk to the guy.” Since then, Krager has talked to dozens of guys with signs. As director of Kalispell’s only homeless shelter, he’s fascinated by them. “Are they scamming? People always want to know if it’s a scam or not,” Krager said/ Tom Lotshaw , Daily Inter Lake. More here.

Question: Have you ever had a conversation with a panhandler?