What's With all the Panhandlers on our City Streets?
Have you noticed the increasing number of panhandlers operating on the streets of Rochester lately? On any given busy intersection you find a number of men, women and even teenagers standing on corners, near highways and even in front of businesses; but what is their reason? As we travel these roads daily and notice these unfortunate activities, can we help but wonder what their needs are and what their ‘why’ is?
Panhandling is common worldwide but on our city streets it causes great concern for many on the outside of this condition of living. Homelessness, mental health and drug addiction are typical reasons why many people in our society may find themselves soliciting.
But according to the Beaumont, California Police Department most panhandlers are not homeless, and most homeless do not panhandle. In their “panhandling-pamphlet” posted on their website at beaumontca.gov they caution against giving panhandlers money.
“Most panhandlers use the money to contribute to their addictions such as alcohol and drugs. An estimated 90% use alcohol and 50% use illegal drugs here in our city,” they note.
Beaumont officials note that they had an influx of panhandlers but attribute it to “the great support that they (panhandlers) receive from the citizens of our city.”
“If they are able to receive money by soliciting, they will continue to grow in numbers which increases issues,” they said.
Is Panhandling Legal in Rochester?
While panhandling is not illegal in Rochester, aggressive panhandling is. According to the City of Rochester Code §44-4, ”any type of conduct that can cause fear, bodily harm, or approaching or blocking motor vehicles is considered aggressive and these types of behavior is prohibited and that person(s) behavior could result in arrest.“
Citizens who experience this from panhandlers are protected under the city's code from intimidation and harassment, including threatening behavior. Also, the concern for public places to be kept safe and attractive because panhandling is not just practiced outwardly on our streets but in front of businesses and property as well.
Be The Change
In 2022, the city of Rochester developed a pilot program called, “Be The Change. Keep The Change.” This program was created primarily to discourage panhandling and connect people to resources for assistance with food, shelter and healthcare.
The program encouraged people to keep their change - and donate instead to outreach teams that provide direct services to those on our streets.
“When it came out I thought it was terrible because it went against the compassion that people in the community wanted to show to others and if we want to decrease homelessness and poverty, it’s not going to be by telling people not to donate to those they see on the street who’s suffering,” Legislator Rachel Barnhard said.
The program was eventually abandoned after getting mixed reviews and criticism from lawmakers and some community members.
Rochester Police Department spokesperson Captain Greg Bello says, while the program may not have solved the problem, it created a platform for people to discuss the issues.
“Ultimately, City Council decided it was better to focus on homelessness,” Bello said. “Hopefully the issue will be addressed again.”
In the meantime, we may need to get used to the panhandlers appearing at various intersections around the city. According to the Rochester Police Department, officers do not arrest panhandlers or ask them to move unless they are engaging in aggressive behaviors or if their presence poses a risk to traffic or pedestrians.
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