Fort Lauderdale seeks to end panhandling

A number of the arguments in this article are similar to those used when arguing against the OWS protestors. The objectors to the attempt to end panhandling say that it "criminalizes undesirables" and that is should be okay for a person to use money given to him or to her for drugs and alcohol if they choose:

http://southflorida.sun-sentinel.com/topic/fl-panhandlers-not-wanted-20111106,0,739267.story

In addition, the city is apparently broke and already spends over $135 million on assisting the homeless--so if that is the case, then why do panhandlers continue to exist in Fort Lauderdale when they have access to a number of helpful programs?

Personally, I see nothing wrong with banning panhandling from certain areas of the city, if the city continues to allow it in other areas. If people stop frequenting certain areas of the city because they fear the people who are a little too assertive while panhandling, then it affects the businesses in that area, which affects the economy of the city, which affects all of the citizens of the city--not just the citizens who happen to be panhandlers. I know that some of you will not agree with this position, but I welcome any polite discussion on it.

 

What they have done in OKC is to discourage panhandling is to make available certificates good for a night's stay and a meal(s?) to pass on to the panhandlers. When these certificates get some publicity, the panhandling seems to decrease. Lately, they need to do some more advertizing.

So far as Florida goes, they should have every right to restrict panhandling. However, once you give the money, are you saying there should be some way to control how it is spent? IMO", once they have the money, it is theirs to use as they please so long as it is legal. One of their example was begging at a restaurant. Really?? That is private property and that should be readily fixable.

Tahen they add this line;

It sounds to me like someone needs to learn how to write a bill.

 

Legalize it then tax it

 

We have a program in Chicago whereby people who might otherwise panhandle sell copies of "Streetwise" to people on the streets. They buy the copies for about $1 and sell them for $2. They have to manage their own finances. It's funny how you have your regular Streetwise guy/gal that you tend to look for. They become less like dangerous strangers and more like people just trying to get by and need some help for whatever reason. You get to know their names and their stories in some cases. It certainly has replaced panhandling without the heavy hand most cities tend to use.

http://streetwise.org/

 

We have something similar it is called the Big Issue and the vendors have to be licensed

 

Same here and they have to carry their ID cards around their neck while selling.

 

Those are fantastic programs! I wonder why other cities don't put similar programs in place? I know that panhandlers here must get a permit, but that doesn't make them as approachable as the magazine idea. Whoever came up with that idea is a genius!

 

This is the UK version, it is now 20 years old

http://www.bigissue.com/