Homeless Population May Have Their Share of

¶ … homeless population may have their share of difficulties with certain areas of life, there are also certain benefits. Although the "job" may not be glamorous, panhandling can be an easy, work-free way to gain financial income. In addition, panhandling income is tax free, and sometimes more lucrative than a regular full time position. Panhandling can be a lucrative "business," depending on the area of the country a person is living. For example, in Philadelphia, Reginald Tull, a 36-year-old, gentle, smooth talking panhandler made a health income from panhandling.

Tull himself brought in $250.00 to $300.00 a week, just through panhandling. According to city statistics, the average working person, earning minimum wage and working 40 hours a week, earns only $206.00 (Hinkelman, 2002). According to the Santa Cruz County Homeless 2000 Census and Needs Assessment Report, over 11% of respondents got their daily living money through panhandling, and earned more than they would have through Social Security or through General Assistance (Applied Survey Research, 2000). In addition, the income generated through panhandling is, for the homeless, all profit.

With shelters available to supply food and bathing facilities, some free health clinics to provide immunizations and minor treatment for medical conditions, and the Salvation Army to provide clothing and blankets (Homeless, org, 2004), the money earned from panhandling can be used for things other than housing and health care (Hinkelman, 2002). There is no concern for funds to cover a mortgage or house insurance payment. Also, the income generated from panhandling is tax-free.

There are no taxes paid to the federal government for income from panhandling, even if that income is $200 a day (Hinkelman, 2002). At that rate of tax free capital, if the panhandler were to work only 5 days a week, his or her income would be $52,000.00 a year, and that income would be purely profit. In addition, while they may be collecting Social Security income, they are not responsible to pay into the Social Security system, equating to a completely free source of income.

It's not just the income that is a beneficial part of being homeless. In addition, there are no set hours of work, although there are "peak" times to generate the most income (Hinkelman, 2002). There is no hard labor, other than walking, no demanding management, and no responsibilities of owning or renting a home, or holding employment. Since they are not working for a company, there is no risk of job loss. Finally, there is a benefit to being homeless in that there is no social responsibility or social pressure.

There is not a social gain for good looks, or high priced clothing, or well-kemp appearances. In fact, the reversal is often true, in that the more unkempt you appear, the more likely you are to gain sympathy. There is no social stigma for drug or alcohol use, in that there is an existing stereotype for the homeless which includes these types of activities. There is no social pressure to advance in the job market, and there is no concern about current economic trends or downsized corporate employment (Homeless.org, 2004).

While there are definite downsides to being homeless,.