Cincinnati Reviews Panhandling Law
A law in Cincinnati, Ohio, that requires panhandlers to register
with the city is up for renewal next month. City officials plan
to discuss renewing the panhandling ordinance, which was put in
place last year to enhance outreach to homeless residents with addiction
and mental-health problems, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported May
18.
Under the regulation, police officers can arrest anyone who solicits
money and doesn't have a panhandling permit.
Brent Chasteen, an outreach coordinator who works for Downtown
Cincinnati Inc., said the ordinance has given him an opening to
approach panhandlers. First, he asks them if they have a panhandling
license, and then talks with them about places where they can receive
various services, including a hot meal, housing, and addiction and
mental-health treatment.
"I think I've proven that they can trust me, and that I'll
do what I say," said Chasteen. "You have to build that
trust."
According to Chasteen's statistics, of the 204 panhandlers he had
made contract with, 78 are now off the streets.
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