Ngrams data reveals that panhandle (geographic sense) was lightly used beginning in the 1880s. It was probably a regionalism, growing slowly after 1900 to a peak in 1942 that it didn't reach again until almost 1970; it then crept upwards, reaching a new plateau from about 1992 to 2003, after which use has dropped.

What percentage of panhandlers are actually homeless?

82% of panhandlers are homeless. 4. The average panhandler asks people for assistance about 6 hours per day. The average panhandler will ask for help every day of the week as well.

Why do they call it panhandling?

† "Panhandling," a common term in the United States, is more often referred to as "begging" elsewhere, or occasionally, as "cadging." "Panhandlers" are variously referred to as "beggars," "vagrants," "vagabonds," "mendicants," or "cadgers." The term "panhandling" derives either from the impression created by someone ...