Panhandling and Homeless in Downtown
Downtown attracts people from all walks of life, including those in need. Downtown Greensboro and communities across the country are addressing the issue of panhandling. DGI has examined several ways to develop compassionate ways to reduce panhandling and offer support without infringing on any constitutional rights. Workers and visitors are also sensitive to panhandling and we hear about their discomfort when approached by a person asking for money.
In June 2011, in partnership with the Interactive Resource Center (IRC), DGI is collaborating on a new approach to progressively and proactively reduce begging. While DGI has led past efforts to address panhandling license requirements, prohibit soliciting near ATM’s and other areas and adjusting physical settings that enable interaction, panhandling is still a concern.
With DGI’s support, the IRC recently launched a street team who periodically circulate in Downtown looking for people who are panhandling or appear to be homeless. Street Team members personally talk to these individuals to encourage them to use free services of the IRC to improve their circumstance and also reduce panhandling and homelessness in Downtown. For more ways you can help on this issue, contact the Interactive Resource Center at 336.332.0824.
DGI, with input from community service agencies and partners developed an education card outlining panhandling rights, laws and resources for those in need. Our goal is to reduce panhandling and homelessness and continue to improve Downtown for all users.
Below is a downloadable pdf of the educational card:
download PDF
