By Rachel Seo, KUAM News Intern

Panhandling continues to spark heated debates among residents and yet panhandlers remain present in high-traffic intersections despite increased enforcement efforts.

“Well they did try and help them, but I don’t know what’s happening again why they’re all out there again,” said a Dededo resident.

Local residents share their insights into whether they view panhandling as a criminal act or not.

“Is it a crime? Wow, why would it be a crime giving money to homeless people,” said Rosendo Rudolf, a Yigo resident.

More residents agreed that panhandling should not be considered a crime.

“No, I don't think so,” another Dededo resident said. “But I know, I don't think there's nothing wrong with that.”

“They’re just trying to get somewhere I guess,” said another resident.

They believe that panhandlers often ask for money purely for survival, a need that should be met with compassion rather than criminalization.

“If it’s a homeless [person], I will guarantee just give them the money because they do need it for their survival,” said Rudolf. “I’ll give them the money for them, just for them to survive.”

And even if these panhandlers do not use the money for survival purposes, residents feel it’s ultimately their choice.

“I mean if it’s up to you and if you just want to give them money, it’s up to you if you want to. But if they want to use the money for something else, that’s up to them,” said John Marc Martinez, a Yigo resident.

With panhandlers still a frequent sight on the streets, residents are calling for solutions that address their immediate needs.

“We could just give, you know, make some kind of charity for them for food and a little bit of shelter until they get back on their feet,” added Martinez.

“You know, provide them shelter. That’s okay to at least to have shelter, have a roof over their heads. They have something for themselves to eat, a place for them to sleep,” said Rudolf.

It's all things residents wish that can provide meaningful support.

So some local residents believe panhandling is not a crime and emphasize the need for more compassionate solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and poverty.