Cities Enforce Panhandler Bans, Hurt Some Charities in the Process

By Al Tompkins

Many communities have started banning panhandlers from walking up to cars and asking for money. But the ordinances have hurt some fundraising efforts, such as firefighters seeking charitable donations and high school kids raising money for field trips.

USA Today reported that the local bans often are enforced uniformly against panhandlers and charitable groups to help promote public safety and avoid lawsuits:

" 'It's popping up all over the country' and is 'a huge issue for us,' says MDA [Muscular Dystrophy Association] spokesman Bob Mackle. Firefighters raised $28.5 million this year.

"When Dallas passed a panhandling ban that included charity solicitations, MDA collections dropped from $260,000 to less than $50,000. The Texas Legislature voted to exempt firefighters, who raised $270,000 this year, Mackle says.

"The Hanover County, Va., Board of Supervisors plans an Oct. 14 hearing on a proposed ban on selling or soliciting on roads. 'This is dangerous for drivers,' says vice chairman G. Ed Via.

"Russ Acors, president of the Hanover Firefighters Association, says requiring firefighters to get permits would be a better solution..."

"Neil Donovan, executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, says communities 'should always apply one standard to everyone.' "

Various media outlets have reported on similar efforts by cities and counties to limit panhandling.

An editorial in the Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch argued against a Hanover County proposal to ban people on roadways from making solicitations.

The (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record reported on a proposal before the City Council to restrict the places where panhandlers can solicit people for money. WFMY-TV in Greensboro reported a related story.