What are your thoughts on panhandlers impeding public safety?
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Dover City Council has been wrestling with panhandling and how it relates to the safety of motorists, while other communities in Kent and Sussex counties have similar problems. Do you think panhandlers can cause distracted driving? If so, how can cities and towns address the issue, while maintaining awareness of homelessness?
It’s a safety hazard. — Nancy Johnson-Petitt
It should never have been allowed to occur at all. The proposed legislation is long overdue. It is a commonsense issue; why would it be acceptable that pedestrians would be permitted to stand in the road, at intersections, and interrupt the flow of traffic? Not only are they endangering themselves, but their actions can create scenarios where a collision will occur. This isn’t an issue of having sympathy and understanding for the homeless or addicted individual, as there are plenty of outlets where those who want help can find it. This is an issue of public safety, period! — Dennis Kirkwood
I think it’s a logical rule. You shouldn’t have loitering in the middle of the street, right next to a sign that got run over last week because of a driver not paying attention. These people aren’t always sober, and they’re sometimes leaning over, looking like they may fall right into the street. I don’t think panhandling should be banned but allowed in a logical, safe area that isn’t in front of a business. — Richard Kerchevall
Panhandling, at times, can be a cover for sex trafficking, solicitation and loitering for open-air drug transactions. Some of the individuals are not unhoused and are faking need. The general public offers help because they are unaware that individuals are provided meals and shelter through various public and private agencies. Place signs discouraging panhandling in prominent areas and request that donations go to those entities through a QR code or a phone number. Panhandling may be funding substance abuse or covering sex trafficking. Funds need to target the basic needs of the unhoused, which are food, clothing, shelter, access to communication networks (phones), medical care and transportation to services. — Tammy A. Hardy-Kesler
It shouldn’t be allowed. They all walk fine, and some have better cellphones and sneakers than us. And, if it is allowed, then Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts can set up fundraisers without permits or permission. — Dennis Orlando Jr.
If it is allowed, there will be no stopping it. They will come in from other states and be on every corner of the city, forcefully washing your windshield, while demanding money. Just like New York City. — Chuck Holliday
No one should be panhandling anywhere. With the amount of public services and charitable organizations, if someone needs food, shelter, clothing or medical help, all of those things are covered. Why are we allowing people to panhandle? It’s just ridiculous. — Jessica R. Eckbold
It is a safety hazard, for sure. And they leave litter behind. I don’t think the ones on the corners are actually homeless, since someone transports them there, and they seem to have assigned corners. — Susan Newark
I wish the city would enforce vagrancy laws. I’m tired of obnoxious panhandlers shoving their hands in my face and then cursing me when I refuse to contribute to their lifestyles. — Ronnie Ponde
In some states, the authorities have investigated, and most of the panhandlers are organized and not in need. I say that Delaware should do the same and find out where these individuals are from. — Charles Garrod
They need to be stopped! They are starting to get dangerous. One day, one of them is going to hurt an innocent person. — Faye-Laura Wing
