Here in Columbus there are a few “professional” pan-handlers. They make enough money to live off of, just begging for money on the main street by the University. I’ve seen a few of them pull out cell phones, and even talk with other bums on their cell phones about where people are giving out good money.
The rapping Bum (locally famous in Columbus), is no longer a bum, and in fact has an album of his “raps” (which really are all just the same beat with different rhyming words). I’m pretty sure his begging has paid for a place to stay and then some now.