For more information call: Brian Davis at 216/432-0540
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Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless 3631 Perkins Ave. #3A-3 Cleveland 44114 |
For Immediate Release |
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Proposed Panhandling Legislation Is Empty, Will Be Ineffective
Cleveland’s proposed panhandling legislation appears to address aggressive solicitation but in actuality, 90% of the ordinance is about restricting when and where panhandling may occur. Despite those restrictions, the legislation is very unlikely to effectively decrease panhandling based on similar efforts in other Ohio cities. Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton each passed legislation similar to or stricter than Cleveland’s proposed legislation with very little impact to show for it. Such legislation just shifts panhandlers from one area to another but does not eliminate panhandling. As for aggressive panhandling, specific legislation is not needed to take care of “aggressive” behavior because such activity is already illegal under existing laws including menacing or theft. “Rather than trying to pass an ordinance that effectively does little, the City Administration should work on creating legislation that addresses the issue of panhandling in a more comprehensive way,” said Brian Davis, executive director of NEOCH.
Panhandling can be decreased through a number of short-term solutions and of course, addressing poverty. Panhandling diversion and discouragement programs can work with people who have had to resort to asking for money in order to survive. The business community should provide more appealing alternatives to panhandling than through the criminal justice system. Previous success was demonstrated by hiring panhandlers in the Flats to distribute passes to nightclubs and bars. The reformed panhandlers make money in a dignified manner and businesses gain an inexpensive form of advertising. This also provides competition to other panhandlers in the area, and corporate executives should understand the value of competition. Vendors who sell copies of The Homeless Grapevine, Northeast Ohio’s street newspaper, also provide effective competition to panhandlers.
Long-term prevention of panhandling can only occur through addressing the root causes of the poverty that leads to panhandling. Working on solving poverty issues that lead to homelessness through increasing the supply of affordable housing and through providing jobs are the surest way to decrease panhandling. Davis said, “ In their misguided attempt to stop panhandling, the City of Cleveland does not address any of the reasons that lead to panhandling. It seems that the City hopes that removing panhandlers from sight will show progress on a problem in an election year.” The main argument for this proposed legislation is that those who work or visit downtown are disturbed by people asking them for money. The priority here seems to serve suburban and non-Clevelanders to spare them the sight of the uncomfortable but extreme expression of poverty.
There are many more pressing matters than panhandling that Cleveland needs to address. Rather than spending time focusing on panhandling, the City Administration should spend that time working on issues that will improve the lives of those who actually live in Cleveland. Regarding enforcement of this legislation, the shrinking Cleveland police force have more important priorities than shuffling panhandlers from one location to another. “Rather than passing empty legislation, the Cleveland Administration should think about better ways to address poverty,” Davis said.
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