They’re outside fast food restaurants, coffee shops, and dodging in and out of traffic on highway on-ramps.

The apparent increase in their numbers and/or visibility, has Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds concerned.

He said, “Our ministry is housing about twice as many people as we did just four years ago, but many of the individuals we see on the streets never come to Joy Junction, or, I suspect, to the other homeless agencies in town. I know some of those panhandling are hungry – I’ve bought meals for some of them, but I suspect some are less than honest. I saw a truck with out of state tags drop off a panhandler the other day and pick up someone from the same spot. They appeared to be trading places.”

Reynalds said people want to help, but they don’t want to be taken advantage of. With that in mind, he had advice for those people wanting to help panhandlers.

He said, “If you see a person who is asking for money for food, you can take him or her to the nearest restaurant and buy a meal. You may even want to buy some coupons for a fast food restaurant. If you have time and feel so inclined, consider talking to the person learn their story. However, I advise against giving money as you could be contributing to life-controlling issues that the panhandler may be experiencing.”

Reynalds had a note of caution for people who might be considering personally sheltering people they meet on the street.

He said, “In years past we’ve had tragedy from people doing this. It’s impossible to adequately screen everyone you see on the street asking for money or a job, so our advice is to NEVER take anyone into your home. In fact, never give someone you don’t know your home address or your residential telephone number.”

Reynalds said while he suspects some of the people on the streets panhandling are less than honest, many are in desperate need, and it is not helpful just to tell them to “go get a job.”

He said, “Just like our guests at Joy Junction, I suspect some of those panhandling have been through unspeakable emotional and physical devastation in their lives, and as a result they are unable to find regular employment until those issues are addressed.”

Reynalds said that Joy Junction is seeing remarkable results occur with addicted individuals who complete the shelter’s faith-based six-month life recovery program.

“It is very exciting to see lives being put back together with the ultimate aim of people getting back on their feet again and becoming contributing members of the community,” he said.

Reynalds added, “And just like the title of my upcoming book says, ‘We all need a little help.’”