Memphis Union Mission Christmas Dinner 2006

Being panhandled can be a frustrating (and, at times, frightening) experience.

Most of us want to help someone in need. But well-intentioned gifts to panhandlers usually enable their self-destructive lifestyle and encourage them to continue panhandling, rather than seek the help they need.

Instead of giving cash, consider giving coupons from Memphis Union Mission. Each coupon entitles the bearer to a dinner and night's stay at the Mission, including breakfast the following morning.

Coupons can't be converted to cash, and they direct panhandlers to a place where they can truly be helped. Coupon books consist of six coupons and are available for a suggested donation of $20 per book.

For more information, please call (901) 526-8403, or click here to download a coupon book request form.

"I Need Money to Stay at the Mission"

Panhandlers often use a line similar to this one: "I need $[Fill in the blank] to stay at the Mission."

This excuse causes a fair amount of confusion. To clarify, here is how our policy works for overnight guests:

Each calendar month, overnight guests receive four free nights at Memphis Union Mission. After they've used up their four free nights, they are asked to pay $6.
Even after using up their free nights, guests can still use Mission coupons, as well as vouchers from various Downtown churches and non-profit agencies.
On nights when it is 32 degrees or colder, we waive this policy to protect our guests.
We provide work and day-labor referrals to guests who are seeking work.
We encourage those with substance abuse problems to enter the Mission's free recovery programs.

Like most rescue missions, our goal is to encourage responsibility and address our guests' real needs without becoming enablers. Furthermore, it is our experience that the panhandlers who use this excuse rarely use the money to stay at the Mission.