2008, 01-18 Panhandling in Spokane ValleyPanhandling in Spokane Valley
Ian Robertson
Cell: 389 -3211 • PastorIan@aol.com
January 18, 2008
In response to the request from Mayor Rich Munson, here is a preliminary suggestion. I look
forward to meeting with two council members and others who desire to be a part of the solution.
This is just my initial approach to the challenge following research into what other cities are
doing. We recognize that panhandling is protected under "free speech." However, there are
safety and other issues that need to be addressed. This should involve government, business, and
the faith community working together for the common good.
Operation FREEDOM
F = Fund help for truly needy people
R = Register panhandlers and others who solicit funds in the city
E = Educate the public using the "Change for the Better" Campaign
E = Expand services for the poor
D Designate areas for "no panhandling" -
O = Offer help to homeless and transients
M = Move toward regional consensus
Overview
Fund help for the truly needy
Issue
Funding
Safety
Education
Prevention
Safety
Help for the needy
Safety
There are companies, churches, NGOs, service clubs, and individuals who will give
generously to see a workable solution to the panhandling challenge. Hotels, restaurants, and
retail stores are willing to contribute up to certain dollar limits annually.
We also suggest a five percent entertainment tax on tickets to events sold in Spokane
Valley. This would include theaters and the fairgrounds. The City of Liberty Lake system is a
good model.
Register panhandlers and others who solicit funds in the city
Not just panhandlers, but street vendors, street musicians, girl scouts, Salvation Army,
firemen with the boot, etc. Require picture ID. This allows us to identify and help those who
really need help.
It is recommended that the police train and deploy civilian chaplains, who would ride
along with police officers or SCOPE personnel who are likely to deal with the panhandling
problem. Spokane Valley Partners and other social service agencies may help with the training.
(Ian Robertson was a part of the "Clergy- Police Council" at Los Angeles Police Department's
Foothill Division, where similar challenges were worked on together.)
Educate the public using the "Change for the Better" Campaign
Adopt "Change for the Better" Campaign, following the model in Anchorage, AZ.
Slogans include: "Your dollar can change his life if it goes to the right places." "Spare change
doesn't make real change." "Give change that actually makes change." "Don't feed an
addiction." "What to help a panhandler? Don't give money from your car." This will be the
starting point for the entire project.
Expand services for the poor
The long -term solution needs further research. However, elements may include providing
(1) more affordable housing, (2) more job training, (3) temporary jobs requiring little skills, (4)
more homeless shelters. However, before anything is attempted here, complete an inventory of
present services. (There are over 300 agencies in Spokane County already offering social
services.)
Designate areas for "no panhandling"
Pass an ordinance that prohibits soliciting funds and panhandling in specific locations and
perhaps at specific times, based primarily on safety. There could be fines and/or community
service for both those soliciting funds and those giving. Areas and conditions could include no
panhandling: (1) With 20 feet of a bank, ATM machine, bus stop, traffic signal, or on a paved
street (as opposed to a sidewalk) (2) As a group of two or more people.
A new ordinance is needed to prohibit aggressive panhandling and panhandling at
various locations, and to establish as a penalty a fine, completion of community service, or
referral to an alcohol, drug, or other appropriate rehabilitation program.
"Ticket" goes to owner of vehicle, who would pay fine, or name the driver, who would
be required to pay fine, etc. "Ticket" also goes to panhandler, who would be required to report
to, say, Spokane Valley Partners for an evaluation
as to the need for social services, including drug
rehab, mental health, counseling. ® CA 1 1, .
Offer help to homeless and transients
Perhaps 20 percent of panhandlers have a
mental or other illness that requires compassion
from the community. We recommend that
Spokane Valley Partners be the designated agency
to continue research in this area, bringing back
possible solutions to the committee, the city, and
other organizations.
According to Spokane Valley Police, an
estimated 80 percent are professional panhandlers,
doing it because it is lucrative.
Move toward regional consensus
Work in conjunction with Spokane
County, Spokane, Liberty Lake and Millwood to
find a uniform solution. It does not help the region
to transfer the problem to a sister city.
To accomplish this, we recommend an
ongoing group to monitor progress for one year. It
could be continued if a need still exists.
Spokane
Valley
Partnership
HANGEIRE
IETZI 0M