Panhandler investigation impacts community

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Panhandling has become a way of life for a growing population in Fort Wayne.  That’s why 15 Finds Out unveiled its two-month investigation into panhandlers February 4.  "Who's Behind the Sign?" stirred up different opinions on a topic not many wanted to address.  But since the three-part series aired, a leader with the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission says there has become a growing awareness toward a people in need of attention.

Watch "Who's Behind the Sign?"

15 Finds Out followed Derek while investigating three Fort Wayne panhandlers in December and January.  At the time, Derek was seen taking smoke breaks.  A gas station clerk said Derek used what looked like donation money to buy packs of cigarettes.

On Wednesday, 15 Finds Out discovered Derek once again.  This time, he was at a different location.  Derek said he watched the panhandler series in which he was featured.

“I don't think you need to worry about tobacco,” Derek said.  “Tobacco isn’t a big issue really.  It’s drugs and alcohol you need to worry about.”

Sharon Gerig with the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission agrees that givers need to worry about enabling addictions.  She encourages drivers not to give panhandlers money.

Gerig said she has seen changes after 15 Finds Out aired its investigation.

“It has definitely created a greater awareness in the community.  We've had many folks that have called or come by and said they saw that story and know better how to handle that situation now,” Gerig said.  “I think it's been a big plus for our community in seeing the need that's out there and knowing a better way of handling those situations...in a way that meets their needs and not their wants.”

Gerig continued, “I think awareness is really important in the area of panhandling because we want folks to change their lives.  We want there to be transformation.  We want them to be moving forward in their lives and not stuck in the same cycle.”

It's that cycle Derek and many others have been in for a while.  On Wednesday, 15 Finds Out asked Derek how long he plans on panhandling.  Derek said he will be out there holding a sign until he gets a job that pays about nine to 10 dollars an hour.

“Until I get that, I have to do this.  I don't want to go back to drug dealing,” Derek said.  “I mean I'm getting by, but barely.  I was actually doing a little better before.

Derek said since “Who’s Behind the Sign?” aired, he has seen a decrease in cash donations.  Gerig said that’s not a bad thing.  The true solution, she said, is helping panhandlers get to a point where they don't need to ask for money.

Recommended resources for helping panhandlers:

• Call 2-1-1 (United Way hotline for social, health, and government services)
• Community Harvest
• Fort Wayne Rescue Mission
• Fort Wayne Charis House
• Associated Churches (Some have food banks throughout the community)
• Buy panhandlers food or gift cards for food