Do You Agree With Portland’s Solution For Panhandlers?

According to WGME, Portland is trying to come up with a solution to the over abundance of panhandlers around the city.  Which, I have observed over the years getting worse and worse.  Augusta, in my opinion, is having a similar problem.  But, whether or not I agree with this temporary solution remains up in the air.  

The city of Portland got the idea from Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The program will offer panhandlers a day of work cleaning up the city's parks and other light duty positions.  The temporary job will pay minimum wage, which in Portland is $10.68/hour.  The city will also provide food and water for the day.

I'm up in the air about this suggestion.  The more I read the story, the more genuine it sounds.  Sometimes all a person needs is a helping hand.  A kind gesture.  As the saying goes, teach a man to fish.

But I, also, am disappointed in myself for thinking that panhandlers won't appreciate the help.  Or that "pssh, they make more money panhandling...would they really want to give up their gig?"

At the end of it, I hope the plan is successful.  I'd love to see less people panhandling.