ESPNA - A Note From the President

While the City Council of St. Petersburg debates the issue of panhandling within the City limits, and how to clean up the worst elements of it without infringing on people's civil rights, we here in the neighborhood are seeing the problem a little closer to home.

In the last month or so, there have been over a dozen reports of a panhandler knocking on people's doors at all hours, claiming, amongst other things, that his "car won't start", or that he "just needs bus fare to get to Clearwater" or whatever. The descriptions would seem to indicate that it's the same guy, again and again.

This, folks, is not a man in need of help. This is a professional panhandler, working his schemes, and taking advantage of people's good nature and inborn willingness to help. He is, in short, a parasite. Also, as suggested to me by one of our Community Officers, he and others like him may also be casing your home for a later visit.

There are some areas of the City, mostly downtown, where it's a violation of ordinance to panhandle, and it's illegal EVERYWHERE within City limits after dark. Should anyone approach you at any time asking for money, and they're not selling cookies or school candy, you are well within your rights to call the Police. Especially after sunset. Most especially in the middle of the night.

There are at least 14 agencies in this City that offer help to the homeless. Very few who go looking for help have trouble finding it. It may not always be the right help, or the best help, but it's real, and it can lead to better help. These agencies talk to each other, and make referrals.

Those who don't really want help, but just want a few of your hard earned dollars, are the ones we're being forced to deal with. And yet, every one of those agencies could put your dollars to better use, and provide real help to people who really need it. As the poster says, "A hand up, not a handout".

Please consider this if you are approached by someone looking for a few bucks. A handout is not a hand up.

Raoul Simon
ESPNA prez