INC NEWS - [pac2] RE: [DSIC] Panhandling Thoughts from Terry Allebaugh

Wed Jan 25 21:04:34 EST 2006

Newman,

I was at the INC meeting last night.  Lewis Cheek's proposed changes to our panhandling ordinance is not a ban at all.  He made some very good points in his presentation that we are overlooking.  As presented last night, part of the proposal works to connect those in need with resources.  

Before we scrap the entire proposal, let's get a copy of it for everyone to read.  

Another point that seems to have been overlooked is one of abused jail space.  A percentage of our homeless population uses the jail as a place to get lodging, food and medical attention.  Not only is this astronomically expensive, but it robs our community of space where we could be housing our suspected murderers.

I will obtain a copy of the proposal from Mr. Cheek and submit it to these groups in the next few days.

Also, we should wait until the minutes of the INC meeting are released.

Ken Gasch

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Newman Aguiar 
  To: DSIC at googlegroups.com ; pac2 at yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 8:46 AM
  Subject: [pac2] RE: [DSIC] Panhandling Thoughts from Terry Allebaugh

  I think Michael has done a super job of helping us understand why addressing panhandling as a crime is not only an improper use of the broken windows theory, but also why applying such a ban would likely have very little impact on our crime or on the problem of panhandling.

  Terry's message is also right on.  Panhandling is a social issue, and I believe that we will be successful in addressing it if we, as a community, treat it as such.  In my view, the ban on panhandling is the wrong way to go about it.  The existing City ordinance already gives us a good tool to help us manage it.  We are not the first city to look at this issue and it is clear from other attempts to ban panhandling that they have failed to eliminate the problem.

  From the messages that I have read on this issue, it seems to me that whether it is because we believe it is for safety, or appearance, or whatever, we all generally agree that we must do something to help.  Michael has offered some good suggestions to help create information packets to assist these individuals.  Also, as Terry points out, I think we would have more success if, instead of offering money to panhandlers, we can connect them to resources that can offer them sustainable assistance.

  I recognize that panhandling is a serious problem in downtown and in the unscientific survey that I posted to the PAC lists, panhandling was very high on the list of concerns.  Perhaps, if we can get past our effort to ban panhandling, we can move forward with real solutions that will help us address the panhandling issue. 

  Cheers,

  Newman

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  From: DSIC at googlegroups.com [mailto:DSIC at googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ken Gasch
  Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 7:26 AM
  To: pac2 at yahoogroups.com; inc-list at durhaminc.org; DSIC at googlegroups.com
  Cc: terry allebaugh
  Subject: [DSIC] Panhandling Thoughts from Terry Allebaugh

  The INC had invited Terry Allebaugh of Housing for New Hope to attend last night's panel discussion on panhandling.  Terry could not make the meeting.  Because his experience is valuable to this discussion, we asked him if he would be willing to put together some thoughts on the issue to be shared with the group.  Below are his thoughts.  - Ken Gasch

  ----- Original Message ----- 

  From: TeeBaugh4 at aol.com 

  To: ken.gasch at hldproductions.com 

  Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:52 PM

  Subject: Re: Proposed Panhandling Ban

  Ken:
    It is late in the day so I am not sure if you will get this in time for tonight's meeting, but I hope so. It was good to talk to with you yesterday, and I am glad there is a group meeting to discuss the issue of panhandling. What follows are a few thoughts to share with the group if appropriate.
    First I think panhandling is a social and, at times a safety issue, that warrants the response of a thinking and caring community. I don't think it is a criminal issue, and attempts to render it so across the country have either blatantly walked over people's individual rights or have done little to reduce or eliminate its presence. There is something illogical about fining a homeless person or poor person and/or jailing them as a deterrent. If we really want a legal component I would suggest that if we criminalize panhandling, then perhaps we should arrest the one gives money. Using the analogy of prostitution, both parties are guilty of a crime. I say that in jest, but only to lead to my main thought which is this:
  I think the key to curbing panhandling is to work the supply side of the matter, the givers. I would like to see a major promotional campaign undertaken that encourages all of Durham to say no to panhandlers and say yes to getting involved to support a community-wide effort to end homelessness. In March, Durham will unveil its 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, which many of us in Durham have been working to develop. One strategy is to develop housing that is service-enriched for the chronically homeless, many of whom suffer from mental illness, poor health, and addiction. Some of these folks are who you are seeing out there. The body they found in woods off 15-501 a few weeks ago was one of these guys.
    While we are working on implementing longer term solutions like this, a step to take now would be to encourage people not to give to panhandlers. Empower people to say no, while also making sure the City and County have established a call-in number where people can be referred, and that adequate staffing is in place to respond to people's need. Advertise in churches the importance of saying no to panhandlers, and simultaneously organize teams to do outreach to deliver food and a caring presence. 
    Panhandling is not a police issue. If a panhandler is threatening, it's not panhandling, it's robbery, and we have laws for that. 
    Okay, there's a few thoughts. I hope I will have the opportunity to interact with your group in the future. 

  Terry

  Terry Allebaugh, Executive Director
  Housing for New Hope
  (919) 220-3777
  TeeBaugh4 at aol.com 

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