Homeless and impoverished people live their lives in constant worry. “Where will I sleep tonight?” “Will I even be able to eat today?” These are things that many people don’t even think about because we know that someone has it covered. Sadly there is no one looking out for these people and they are forced to stand on their own and try to get money from people on the streets.

Some people look at beggars and think they are the scum of the earth while others want to do what they can to help them in any way that they can. However, there are another group of people that are different from both of these groups. They see what beggars are doing and instead of hating them or wanting to help them, they see opportunity. KCRA did a story in 2014 on a family in California who claimed “Panhandling is their job.” You can view the broadcast here.

These “Bogus Beggars” are taking money from people on the street and playing on their sympathy just to make a quick buck. Some of these people make up to $100 a day panhandling plus their day job pay. What ever the majority of opinions are on this are, it cannot be denied that this is an interesting sociological phenomena that while many actual homeless people are embarrassed begging for money even when they really need it, there are people who are very well off and have well paying jobs that put aside their pride and beg along with the homeless. Another interesting thing about this issue is that most homeless people report that panhandling is not an easy job because of the rejections and necessity to put aside their pride.

So why are people willingly doing this when they don’t need to?

Check out my interview with two homeless shelter volunteers who give their insights and thoughts on the issues at hand.

Ethan Williams (25) is a volunteer at Brotherhood Mission in Philadelphia, PA

Sean Fink (23) is a volunteer at St. Mary’s Shelter in Butler, PA.