Haynes acknowledges that panhandlers and homeless people are not necessarily the same. That’s true. He also concludes that if you give money to panhandlers, then you’re keeping the institution of panhandling happy and growing. Which is not something anybody but panhandlers wants to see happening.

So. Is “Just say no!” an outmoded, oversimplified response? Not necessarily. People in our community seem to be pretty big-hearted, generous people. We do encourage you to think before you give. That doesn’t mean you need an elaborate plan, but if you are led to offer financial support to homeless service providers, by all means do so.

And when a panhandler approaches you, you really can say “no” to a request for money. You can point them towards Knox Area Rescue Ministries, for instance, in the knowledge that the person you’re talking to will be able to find essential help there.