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

Sun Jan 29 16:23:16 EST 2006

I've spent some time reading and re-reading Terry's note.  I've also done a
quick re-read of "Fixing Broken Windows."

Terry has a point and if Durham residents and non-residents working here are
fueling panhandling, it would be good that we confirm that through
observation.  I think he may have a point.

But panhanding is a problem not because its a crime.  There are several
points to consider:

*  There may be a need for triage...separating those who are passing through
in the 1970's sense....from those who are avoiding shelters and other
services because they have substance abuse problems....from those who use it
as a means to make a tax free living.

*  But one way or the other, tolerating rampant panhandling, along with
litter, unkept medians and right aways, loitering, prostitution and a wide
variety of conditions and behaviors, creates an overall sense of
lawlessness...or the appearance trhat no one is keeping order.

*  Its this "screen" provided by so many of these conditions existing that
provides cover for much more serious crimes, both violent and property.  It
isn't just the sense of personal unsafety that is effected...its that
residents, observers and law enforcement have trouble looking through this
screen to spot truly criminal behavior.

Durham is a caring place.  But the very people we care about the most...are
under seige from some very serious criminals...I dont' just mean shooting or
raping...but marauding parking lots, ripping up equipment for recyclable
materials, breaking and entering etc.

Whatever we do....we need to take some very different and intense
measures....then when we get this under control....back it off to resume the
kind of community (differs by neighborhood) that people want to live
in....raise kids in...work in...

This isn't just about visitors or other types of economic development
crucial to jobs and the business climate....its crucial to restoring a sense
of personal safety....beginning first and foremost for those at the most
risk.

On 1/25/06, Newman Aguiar <newman at nc.rr.com> wrote:
>
>  That's good news that we are not considering a ban.  I'm glad to hear it,
> as thus far we had been discussing a ban.  Based on your notes below, I
> wonder how Lewis Cheek's proposal got misrepresented so badly.  It will be
> helpful to have the proposal so that we can read it and discuss the
> details.  The minutes will be very helpful for those of us who were not at
> the meeting.  It sounds like the meeting was informative and productive.
>
>
>
> Newman
>
>
>  ------------------------------
>
> *From:* DSIC at googlegroups.com [mailto:DSIC at googlegroups.com] *On Behalf Of
> *Ken Gasch
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 25, 2006 9:05 PM
> *To:* DSIC at googlegroups.com; pac2 at yahoogroups.com; Newman Aguiar;
> inc-list at durhaminc.org
> *Subject:* [DSIC] Re: [pac2] RE: [DSIC] Panhandling Thoughts from Terry
> Allebaugh
>
>
>
> 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 <newman at nc.rr.com>
>
> *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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  ------------------------------
>
> *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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>  ------------------------------
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>  ------------------------------
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>

--
Reyn Bowman
2211 Hillsborough Rd Apt 1095
Durham, NC 27705
919-381-1497
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