Ease up on the churches Amy. C'mon board and you will find that many - never all - churches are great providers to the community all year long. We enjoy giving because of what our Lord has given us (Hebrews 10:9).

That was supposed to read most nonprofits dont pay property taxes, yet most nonprofits provide a service to the community that they couldnt do on their own. You can pray anywhere anytime of the day. Does first woodway really need to spend 1 million dollars in tax payers money to build a new addition to their church? If you look at the books these churches donate less than 10% of their "income" back to the community.

Most nonprofits pay property taxes, except for churches.

Amy- You do realize that is because a church is non-profit right? Maybe you should jump on other organizations as well. Seriously, get over yourself. If you really took a look around, you would see that MANY churches around here do an amazing job of helping those who are less fortunate. What are you doing to help Amy?

I like to give them the stale bread that I forget to eat instead of throwing it away

FYI,the government loses about $200 billion a year in revenue from property taxes on churches. Thats more than enough to pay for shelters, medicare, and other social programs that the churches cant do, with their 3 times a year holiday meals or once a month give aways.

ALL churches dont pay taxes on their land which is why the majority of them have so much of it. Churches are tax free. Its common knowledge as well as in the books. And come on, do you reall need million dollar plus churches?

Is this "jump on" the church day? Amy, tell me of where all this tax free land is, or do you not have facts to back up your statements. A statement without facts is just air blowing in the wind. Churches do much in Waco, as listed by me and listed by Leslie. Come visit us sometime. :) <><

Last time I checked being homeless isnt just during the holidays, maybe if these churches built some shelters on the ridiculous amount of tax free land they all own we would be better off.

If I am confronted for money, my husband and I will go immediately to the nearest grocery store and buy groceries. We have actually bought dog food is an animal is present. Food may consist of peanut butter, bread, can meat, none perishable foods.

randallsbest- that's the term and it's being used correctly by Wendy. get over yourself dude.

Alison Wayback- No one does what the Bible preaches? Clearly you are unfamiliar with what many churches and organizations do for those in need of help here in the Waco area. Check out Carenet, Church Under The Bridge, CareCenter, Mission Waco to name a few. Maybe if you personally would get out there and help out you would see that there are many churches and organizations helping!

Oh my gosh, Leslie, that story is the exact one I was told by someone at Hastings! Thanks everyone, for your comments. I've appreciated the thoughtful conversation.

as a former homeless person i never panhandled,didnt have to because every day of the week,3meals ,a day i could get and not be hungry.all in the downtown area.there are some very nice folks to include mission waco,compassion ministries,salvation army,gospel cafe.i know from experience that mission waco has several programs that empowers people.in my opinion giving money to panhandlers only enables them to buy drugs and alcohol.i learned this during my time on the streets.if you want to help some one in need as a christian is supposed to help these programs help get these brothers off the street.

I am a Panhandler!! I live in Amarillo, so that qualifies me. Find another reference to those who "solicit" on the street. I for one am proud to be from the Panhandle.

I take some offense that churches do not follow their obligations to reach out to the poor and hungry. The Church of the Holy Spirit offers meals at holidays and has had a once a month money giveaway to those that qualify. There is a food collection continually. Christ the King on Lake Shore and Hillcrest do much to feeding the poor and sharing the gospel. I don't know about Antioch, but I would feel they work their feeding in, as does the Church under the Bridge, among many others. Please do not categorize all churches into one sentence. <><

If someone comes up to you and tells you that they're from West, need money, and are trying to make it to Scott & White or Hillcrest, tell them that story has been going around for years and they should have gas by now!

Always call the police, it is illegal to solicit without a permit! That being said, we give to our church faithfully. They run a center for those in need and then also have a benevolence fund that they use to help people pay bills. So sorry, but I do NOT feel guilty when I tell them I can't help them.

Its simple, just follow the good book. It amazes me at the number of churches in Waco yet no one does what the Bible preaches. Give what you can, if you cant then there is no reason to feel guilty. If you can and dont then there is good reason to feel guilty.

Years ago my boyfriend and I were walking down 6th street in Austin when we were panhandled. He gave him a dollar to get rid of him. I thought it was rewarding bad behavior but he felt it was worth it not to ruin the evening by potentially engaging a mentally ill man.

Luke 6:30 tells us to give to whoever asks us. Now I don't always do this but I really try. Sometimes I just don't have something to give but It is not my job to judge anyone so I just do the best I can.

Homelessness and panhandling are on a continuum like most things are; and some folks are nearer the bottom of the fall than others. Those not so close to the bottom are probably still trying to figure out a way to avoid the "help" they can get from agencies. I'm ambivalent:sometimes they get money, sometimes not but one thing I know for sure - on any bad day of my life it might be me out there and I would hope at least occasionally, someone would give me a couple of bucks (yes, even for cigs)

If you're looking to soothe your conscience, Wendy, then give 50 pounds of dog food to Fuzzy Friends, or donate to Caritas. The longer you talk to a panhandler, the greater your chances of getting assaulted or robbed. Report them to the HEB manager.

Once a person has lived a few years he becomes more understanding of people in need. Yes, referral to agencies is fine, but twofold. Some know but do not want to go, others just don't want to go. Imagine your son or your daughter who has run away from home. These people are somebody's child. Again, it is difficult and often I do not give, but I do have compassion on them. <><

Everytime that I refer someone that is begging to the Salvation Army an excuse is always given as to why that is not an option -- such as 'They are closed this late in the day' or 'They don't serve meals after x time', etc. There are many good social services in Waco but many of the panhandlers are not interested in getting help from them. Many are only interested in getting cash. I do want to help those who are truly in need but there are systems in place to provide assistance. Panhandling is not a good solution for anyone involved.

I think handling pans or any other kitchen tools is best left to the smart, qualified people. My wife thinks she's smart and qualified for lots of things, so I'll leave the panhandling to her....

Refer the beggars to the nearest tea party headquarters. The compassionate conservatives therein will know what to do. Or, just let the free market take care of all the freeloaders.

Ask to see their permit from the city to solicit money (or anything else). If they don't have one, start dialing the police station number or 911. You are being harrassed.

Panhandlers are all liars. Don't give them anything, and get away from them as fast as you can. All they are looking for is money for beer, cigarettes, and drugs. If you give them money, they are checking you out to see how much cash you have, so they can decide whether to rob you. They have used the gasoline story so many times, I finally told one guy to get a new story because they have has used that one too much. The city banned panhandling at traffic intersections, so now they are moving to grocery stores and strip malls. What irks me is when a carload of Baylor students will hand a panhandler a fist full of dollars. All they are doing is enabling their alcohol and/or drug habit. It's true that you have to be cold and callus with these people, or they will never leave you alone.

Never give them money. Period. It's dangerous. If they need help, they'll appreciate a gift certificate for food at McDonalds or my second suggestion, a call to the police for referral to social services in the area.. especially if it's a "hungry baby" story. Give to your church or Caritas as you can.

In the Navy, I was approached by so many "needy" people I became callous. I do know I have heard the same story from the same person at several different times at the same location and it gets tiring. But, yes, guilty feelings can follow. I suppose I will find out after I meet my Savior. Do what your heart tells you, Wendy. <><

I, too have noticed an increase in pan-handling here in Waco. I feel there are ample community services here to cover the real needs of these people. Recently, at the mall, I did offer to buy a distraught expectant teen Mother lunch, but she declined. She only wanted cash. I gave her names and phone numbers for WIC and Caritas, but she didn't seem interested.

I always refer to Mission Waco. Waco has SO MANY resources for the homeless that are available (Mission Waco, Meyer Center, My Brother's Keeper, access to bus passes, Caritas, Salvation Army) that giving money isn't necessary. The resources are there, the panhandlers just need to seek them out.

I have heard that Jimmy Dorrell, director of Mission Waco, says not to give money to panhandlers. The ones who actually need help tend to know the proper channels. The one who don't tend to prey on the weak (of which I count myself among.) I say that if they need something specific, and I can provide it, then I will get them that something specific, but not money.

It is not only people in the streets who are panhandling, but employees is some stores who are. Whiel checking out at a local store here in Waco, the cashier proceeded to tell me how much money was needed for utility bills, and the salry dos not cover it. I told her there were agancies to help out. The reply was a self pity whimper.

giving them food oftentimes is what's best. in your similac situation, they probably wanted cigarettes. i'd say it's okay to not feel bad if you can't give them any money, but if you can, spare a couple dollars. if you don't need it, there's a better chance that they do. not a surefire chance, but why should you not try, you know?