The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors identified panhandling, or the solicitation of money or food for personal use without offering goods or services in return, as an issue in the community that they wished to better understand. To explore the experiences, needs, and characteristics of people who panhandle in Fairfax County, researchers at the Urban Institute conducted a study comprising 40 field surveys and 6 semistructured interviews with people who panhandle. This report describes the characteristics and experiences of the sample of people who panhandle, identifies resources and services that people who panhandle may need, and makes recommendations to better support the well-being of people who panhandle.

Why This Matters

The findings from this report offer insights into the experiences of people who panhandle in Fairfax County. Our analysis can be used to improve outreach and supportive services for this population. These findings can also be used by other jurisdictions interested in addressing the needs of people who panhandle in their communities.

What We Found

• Safety and daily experiences: Most respondents reported feeling safe in their daily lives and while panhandling.
• Duration and patterns of panhandling: Many respondents had been panhandling for a year or longer. Panhandling typically occurred during periods of high necessity, such as needing to cover rent or buy living essentials.
• Economic drivers: Limited or no employment income was the main reason for panhandling. Most respondents reported annual incomes of under $10,000, and panhandling income was primarily used for basic needs like food and shelter.
• Housing instability and living conditions: Unsheltered homelessness was the most common living situation among respondents, and most respondents had been living in their current housing situation (including homelessness) for at least one year.
• Health and service needs: Many respondents reported managing a chronic health condition or living with a disability. Most respondents had used food assistance and medical or mental health services in the past six months. Many respondents reported needing but not being able to access permanent housing assistance and general outreach services.
• Perceptions of panhandling: Interview respondents shared that people who panhandle in Fairfax County face persistent public misconceptions and significant daily hardships. Interviewees also described living in precarious conditions and relying on food banks, SNAP benefits, emergency services, and informal help from others who panhandle.

To improve the well-being of people who panhandle in Fairfax County, we recommend the following:

• Build broader service networks to reach people who panhandle.
• Expand street outreach to connect individuals with housing, health care, and employment resources.
• Improve language access, especially for Spanish speakers.
• Increase awareness of housing programs, as many respondents were unaware of available resources.
• Enhance access to affordable health care.
• Strengthen employment and benefit supports.

How We Did It

Between July and November 2025, the research team conducted 40 field surveys and 6 semistructured interviews in English and Spanish with individuals who panhandle in Fairfax County. During the survey collection period, pairs of researchers canvassed for three to five hours a day at varying times of the day. Canvassing areas were selected based on panhandling “hot spots” identified by Fairfax County. Surveys asked respondents about their service needs, housing situation, income sources and amount, panhandling experiences, spending patterns, and feelings of safety. Interviews expanded on these themes while also exploring questions related to health, well-being, and perceptions of panhandling.