Anyone else notice a huge increase in panhandling recently?

In the past few weeks, I feel like I can't go for a car ride without being solicited at least once at a stoplight and at least once any time I get out of my car. This morning I was solicited FOUR SEPARATE TIMES on my way into and inside my local Kroger. Is anyone else experiencing this? I try to be kind and respond politely but my patience is wearing super thin and I even worry for the safety of my girlfriend and me. How do you respond to solicitors?