Saturday, May 25, 2013
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City to Fine Drivers Donating to PanhandlersThe next time you see someone on the side of the road with a cardboard sign… you may want to think twice before handing them cash.Related Content
The Municipality of Anchorage kicks off the “Change for the Better” campaign to get rid of panhandling on the streets of Anchorage.
Mayor Dan Sullivan is teaming up with the Anchorage Police Department and local social service agencies to increase public safety and awareness about panhandling, for both the people handing out and receiving donations. Hundreds of cars drive by the street corners of Anchorage. Most are lined with signs…and people asking for money or a helping hand. “They need a hand up more than a hand out. If somebody's out there going to give them the hand up that’s what they need,” said homeless resident, Ricardo Molina. After years of trying to thin the streets of homeless residents, the Sullivan administration is changing the rules of the road with a new ordinance because the issue is not about being homeless, but homeless residents and drivers engaging in panhandling. The city said Anchorage police will issue fines for drivers caught luring people into the roadway to give them money or donations. “I think we'll see that behavior change, and if the motorists aren't giving money, panhandling goes away,” said Sullivan. “Why panhandle if you don’t make any money?” he continued. Several homeless residents agree with Sullivan, saying while they appreciate donations, drivers are to blame. “It’s not the one asking, it’s the one who's giving,” said David Pash, a homeless resident in Anchorage for more than 30 years. “There are a lot of people out there with big hearts, there is,” he said. But the people with big hearts will be faced with big fines if they don’t stop interacting with people on the street. The Anchorage police said anyone giving a panhandler something from their car could face up to a $300 citation. The police will begin stopping traffic violators Wednesday night, giving them warnings instead of fines, in addition to PSA cards about the “Change for the Better” campaign. However, the police will start enforcing the new laws by this weekend. Which is why the city is encouraging people who give on the streets to give to a charity instead. Agencies like the Salvation Army and Catholic Social Services will use the donations to provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need. The “Change for the Better” program created a fund for people to donate to on their website, www.changeforthebetteralaska.org. |
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Mel H said on Tuesday, Jun 14 at 2:11 PM
One guy from a group of four waiting at a bus stop, approached me saying they needed $1.50 for bus fare. I hesitated, then said 'Okay, but you guys have to sing me a song.' He looked surprised, but they ended up singing to me, two songs. One was a native woman, and she sang a very heartfelt song in her native language, and the other song they all sang to me, and we were all laughing by the end of it. I enjoyed spending that $1.50, they enjoyed receiving it, isn't that the best way to spend money? And now, they can put on their resume' 'professional entertainer'. : )
68979634Mel H said on Tuesday, Jun 14 at 2:09 PM
I saw a veteran's association set up outside of Carr's about a week ago, with big signs asking for money, blankets, bus tokens, etc. Some people in cars were stopping to talk to them and give them stuff. No, this wasn't on public roadway, but I don't see it as all that different.
68979458ustabehouseless said on Wednesday, May 25 at 8:25 AM
In Los Angeles they started fining any pedestrians who gave money to panhandlers.Such a travesty.It violates the first amendment.Why penalise charitable people?And why criminalise homelessness?How many of you have walked in ntheir shoes?
67708157Squanto said on Friday, May 20 at 11:49 AM
I see the bums are blaming other people for their problems. Does anyone take responsibility for their situation anymore or is it always someone else's fault?
67423501foodserver said on Thursday, May 5 at 9:23 PM
i know david p. from bean's cafe and the buses. he and his brother are two of our easier to work with lunch-timers and will hopefully be housed this year.
66566587Robert Lee said on Thursday, May 5 at 6:53 PM
The city is in conflict with the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause" because they call it a charity fund raiser when their employees ( or anyone else)do exactly the same thing during the "Fill the Boot'. The constitution provides equal protection to all citizens.
66561757Bec the X said on Thursday, May 5 at 5:57 PM
I don't trust "charities." Too often we hear about the money being stolen by the people who run them. The panhandlers are a traffic safety problem. If the law, and fine, are enforced, I hope they put up big signs every so often along the routes. There are bound to be good-hearted not local street-wise people passing through. Unfair.
66559121SOHWWOW said on Thursday, May 5 at 2:15 PM
So will the money go to pay the city workers that water the baskets in the rain or more art work that know one asked for or maybe to buy grass seed for the center strips that turn into weeds. I agree pan handling is getting out of control, and if I want to give someone money on the side of the road I should do it in a safe way for both of us. But no one is going to tell me what I do with my money as long as I don't break the law. As far as giving to charities, I don't make enough to pay for there nonprofit office staff. They don't work for free. "Do onto others" but not all of them. So no more campaign donations, thats a real crime.
66549561matt said on Thursday, May 5 at 1:58 PM
If there was no drugs and booze,also a lot of jobs openings in Anchorage.That seems like a better way to go.Have job openings for the many that don't have jobs.Let's see ANchorage go Damp and put a limit on booze,or tax them high.
66548804MarvaNLA said on Thursday, May 5 at 12:40 PM
this could turn into a string operation, with the driver that donates, might be handed a ticket. drivers beware.
66544439foodserver said on Thursday, May 5 at 11:50 AM
i'm not the sharpest pin in the box but would'nt a 1 day in jail for the "change hunters" be more sensible? i like the new traffic ticket idea, 300 seems kind of a high price, most people would learn their lesson with $100. if you really want to help them, offer food, water, clothes, prayers, or call csp or 911 to pick them up. p.s. food bank and other local orgs accept donations all year.
66541081jamie said on Thursday, May 5 at 10:09 AM
I had a guy jump out in front of me to get to a car that was trying to give him money, I almost hit him. It would have been devastating to injure a person in any circumstance, so I applaud the Mayor for trying to stop this dangerous practice. I see the same people on the same corners everyday and people are giving them money and food,they have found that this is easier than trying to find work.Good job Mr. Sullivan. If people stop giving then the homeless will stop being a problem to traffic and saftey.
66534474Tonja said on Thursday, May 5 at 9:17 AM
They're homeless for a reason and aren't helping themselves. By donating to them is ENABLING them to stay this way. Every little bit counts, right??? Apparently so!!! If you want to give your money, food, clothes to someone who needs it-go to a shelter. For the people who put their time, effort and money into the homeless-they deserve YOUR generosity!!!!!!!
66530079fred said on Thursday, May 5 at 9:04 AM
Seems to me the person being fined should be the person walking out into the street..aka panhandler. However, since they are begging for money, etc. the admin can't get anything from them... soooo to generate income, let's go after the ones who "lure" and "force" these panhandlers into the street. Way to go... and I agree, the fines should be given to a charity that helps out those who are TRULY in need of a "hand up" not hand out!
66528912akmadenproud said on Thursday, May 5 at 8:58 AM
Why not hire homeless ppl. to spring clean the areas and parks and who knows where else they hang out for warmth,food and shelter besides the shelters,camps and along roadsides..Imagine how much trash and unwanted items would disappear if the City Municipals can get the homeless on payroll to clean up the city...That would also lessen the roadside handlers dont you think???
66528487booklady said on Thursday, May 5 at 8:51 AM
the main difference between the homeless and the military/jerry's kids/firemen's assoc.. at least 2 of those (not sure about the military..) are short one or two day spurts and, I believe, are required to get permits for it. Hence the big showdown last year about the firemen's association. They may not be allowed to run boots in the road much longer either.. and the vets, well, I've only seen them set up in parking lots.. which are not city property, and don't cause near the hazard as being on the streets I'd rather not have people darting between cars on busy intersections anyway, so would love to see them set up in parking lots or store entrances, etc, like you see the salvation army.
66527893Kim said on Thursday, May 5 at 8:22 AM
It wouldn't be that bad if the state would give the "FINE MONEY" to the charities, but of course that would never happen.
66525858AnchResident said on Thursday, May 5 at 8:18 AM
It was already illegal for panhandlers to step into the street and accept money, but that didn't bring revenue, so now they are turning to the people with the money to generate revenue. For those that still want to give, it is still legal to safely pull off the road, walk over to the homeless person and hand them your donation. Now don't think I'm someone that hands out money to the homeless or believes it's an acceptable option. I am all for the social programs that are in place and I do agree the panhandlers should not be out preying on people's heartstrings or fears. What I don't agree with is the method the mayor is going about to achieve this. Maybe if that fine could be exchanged for a receipt showing the equivalent amount donated to a local charity I would be more excepting, but as is I doubt one cent of that fine will go to charity.
66525542FOREAL said on Thursday, May 5 at 7:47 AM
Really a fine to the people giving the money!!! The people doing the panhandling should be responsible for being out there. Make them do community service and then maybe they can earn a job that will pay them for something other than holding a sign asking for free money.
66523189flipflip said on Thursday, May 5 at 7:21 AM
A homeless guy of 30yrs is blaming drivers. That's rich!! I guess he doesn't every ask for money or help. What a disgusting group of people. Of course the drivers are the blame. They are the ones with the money!
66521357boop said on Thursday, May 5 at 7:05 AM
what really disturbs my driving is the signs when it is time for an election..talk about distractions.
66520241sinbad68 said on Thursday, May 5 at 5:22 AM
The drivers are to blame? It's not the one's asking, it's the one giving? WTH? And all of his problems were caused by somebody else. Yeah, I get it.
66512962Ticked off said on Thursday, May 5 at 3:45 AM
This is an outrageous fine. A "fine" should be no more than is required to discourage specific conduct. Any more than that is a "tax". This so-called "fine" is mostly a tax designed to fatten the city treasury at the expense of well meaning citizens. It has NOTHING to do with safety. This kind of government theft has to end.
66507382matt said on Thursday, May 5 at 1:43 AM
I bet the police won't ticket those who give to the military,jerry's kids,firemen,or church.But if you give a handout to the homeless your up the creek.just one more reason to pick on the helpless.One person gives to he military one to homeless,WHO would get the ticket?BOTH...I would have to see it to belive it.Should I call the police if I see Jeery's kids asking for money.What about the Military vets.Should I call also on them?Will it be illegal to drop money from a car?Money isn't trash.It's ok than to tell police"I saw him give money from the car"give him a ticket.
66503547akrock said on Wednesday, May 4 at 10:07 PM
It seems to me that Mayor Sullivan just shot Jerry's kids and the Fireman's charity drive in the foot while he was at it. Although I will feel more secure not to see them out there in traffic panhandling either, no matter what cause they support. Equal justice and safety for all.
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