Rescue Cards

How Can You Help a Panhandler?

Many people are unsure of how to help a person who is panhandling. If you give them money, what will it go toward? It's nearly impossible to say for sure, so consider some of the ideas on this page.

homeless man
Rescue Card snip aug 2023

Give a "Rescue Card"

You can always give the panhandler a Rescue Card. These cards have the address and phone number for the Mission, where men and women can get the help they need!

Give a "Survival Pack"

If you are worried that the panhandler will spend the money on drugs or alcohol, you can always hand them a Survival Pack, a gallon Ziplock bag with some helpful items in it. Below are some examples of things that can be put into a Survival Pack. (many of these things can be bought at a local dollar store).

  • Pair of Socks
  • Granola Bars
  • Toothbrush
  • Bottled Water
  • Bus Ticket to Get to the Mission
  • Bible Track

    If they don't know Jesus, we hope they come to!

  • TCUGM Rescue Card

    If they are homeless, they can come to the Mission for help!

volunteers helping elderly woman at TCUGM

Be Kind. Be Careful.

If you do decide to interact with someone panhandling, always treat him or her with love, as Jesus would, but also be careful when dealing with anyone you don't know personally. Don't allow yourself to be caught in an unsafe situation!

homeless man's hands

Pray

Even if you decide not to give to someone on the street, it's always good to pray for them. The Lord knows the person, and knows what they need. Pray that the Lord would look after them, and save them if they don't already know him.

volunteers working in the kitchen at TCUGM

Support Our Mission

If you want to give money, but worry about what will happen with it, consider donating to the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission. We have been helping the homeless since 1954, and are blessed to be able to continue helping the hopeless and needy of the Tri-Cities through your generous donations.