May 17

Neighborhood proposal to curb aggressive panhandling

Uncategorized

0  comments

For awhile now, the all-volunteer FAWN (Fremont Aurora Wallingford Neighbors) group has noticed a growing problem: aggressive panhandling. Incidents have been most apparent outside the Upper Fremont grocery, Marketime (4416 Fremont Ave. N.).

In response to these concerns, FAWN neighbors are discussing with Marketime a strategy to work with them and other businesses to curb aggressive panhandling.  Some of the behavior by panhandlers appears to match that prohibited in current municipal law. Some of the panhandlers appear to genuinely need shelter, food, or some kind of medical or mental health care. Real Change solicitors, who sell a product, do not seem to be part of the problem.

We must balance the right of individuals in public areas to ask for money with the right of others to use public right of way without aggressive, threatening interference. Needy panhandlers could be helped more constructively–for example, by providing information to connect them with nonprofit organizations to help them with appropriate services.

We propose to offer the community constructive alternatives to giving cash to panhandlers. We plan to enlist businesses to post notice of what kinds of behaviors are prohibited by law.  People would have a real alternative, offering help instead of giving money. It would be clear to everyone what kind of behavior could justify calling the police. Some panhandlers probably would accept help, while others would stop panhandling where it does not pay.

The group has proposed posting the following sign at local businesses. What do you think?

A HAND UP – NOT A HAND-OUT

Panhandling has been on the increase in Upper Fremont, with some of those involved becoming increasingly aggressive. Some of the individuals appear to be in true need of help. But please consider these steps to truly help these people instead of giving them cash that only perpetuates the situation:

  • Offer to help them call 211 to connect to the help they need – emergency shelter, food, medical care, including substance abuse and mental health care. (Business cards with help numbers available inside store).
  • Support needed services: donate to United Way of King County online at www.uwkc.org or by check to “UWKC” mailed to Pledge Processing, UWKC, 720 Second Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
  • Purchase a copy of “Real Change” from a street vendor who has proper I.D. Real news and real change.

Although it is lawful to ask for money on a public sidewalk, certain behavior is a misdemeanor under the current Seattle Municipal Criminal Code. Unlawful behavior includes asking for money in an aggressive and intimidating or fear inducing way or blocking a person’s movement on the sidewalk. (SMC 12A.12.015A&B

Readers: thoughts on this proposed sign? The proposal that precedes it?

The FAWN group list is available only to those who live within the areas bounded by N. 36th and N. 46th, from Fremont Avenue to Stone Way. They also participate in weekly block watches/walks.


Tags

crime, FAWN, panhandling


You may also like

Sephora coming to Ballard Blocks 2

Sephora coming to Ballard Blocks 2

Self-Defense

Self-Defense

Subscribe to our newsletter now!