Panhandling is an issue which ignites passion on both sides. While a federal judge ruled last year that it can't be banned, on free speech grounds, city officials in Lowell are embracing another tactic. They are putting up signs in an effort to discourage citizens from giving to people who ask for money on the streets. Center For Social Innovation CEO Jeffrey Olivet ( @jeffolivet) and Boston Globe Opinion Writer Tom Keane ( @tomkeaneboston) are on different sides of the argument, and they joined Jim on Tuesday night to discuss.
Keane argued that giving money to people panhandling is most likely feeding their addiction. He suggested that people give their money to an advocacy organization instead. The best tool, he said, would be to build more shelters, housing options and mental health services. He also said that giving food to people is more effective than money.
Olivet disagreed, and said that it is a deeply personal issue. He explained that it is a difficult situation for the people on both ends: the person choosing to give, and the person asking for money. He emphasized the importance of treating people who panhandle as humans, and looking at them in the eyes. Olivet also explained that homelessness has been a part of this country for 350 years, and there are times in history where we pay attention to it, and times that we do not. In terms of policy, Olivet said that we need to look at the deeper issues with panhandling, such as mental health issues and lack of housing, rather than fixing the surface issues.
