Panhandling has been an issue in the downtown district of Bloomington for several years. The issue is most prominent on Kirkwood Ave, which is constantly swarmed by locals and IU students alike. The presence of panhandlers is constant and invokes pity in some passersby. “I feel like [panhandling is] the only source of income for some people,” IU sophomore Nathaniel Kohlmeier said.
Technically, asking passersby for donations isn’t violating the law, according to Beverly Calendar-Anderson. Calendar-Anderson is the director of the City of Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department. Panhandling is only illegal when it involves harassment of passersby, including but not limited to the use of profane language, unwanted physical contact, and blockage of pathways. Panhandling is also prohibited between the hours of sunset and sunrise, regardless of method.
However, the city of Bloomington recently decided to take steps towards a solution to panhandling. This attempt was executed by installing 28 metal signs in the downtown region, encouraging citizens to not donate to panhandlers. Twenty-three of the signs were stolen days later and have not been located. The installment of the signs was criticized by Shalom Community Center director Rev. Forrest Gilmore, who claimed that the “don’t feed the animals” template was degrading and inappropriate.
Many community members aren’t bothered by panhandling, and are happy to spare a few dollars when asked. “If people want to give money we encourage them to give directly to one of the agencies that work with people in poverty or experiencing homelessness,” Calendar-Anderson said. Bloomington organizes several programs for people experiencing homelessness, including the Interfaith Winter Shelter, New Hope Family Shelter, and the Shalom Center. The effort from volunteers to run these organizations is tireless, yet there are still people seeking handouts for financial stability.
As the community attempts to provide shelter and meals for those who need it, there are people who are deeply bothered by panhandling. These are individuals who perhaps are happy to volunteer their time, but don’t want to give away money to strangers. An unfortunate misconception is that these people don’t care about the homeless population and are selfish – this isn’t true. Some people simply aren’t comfortable with panhandling, myself included. When someone succumbs to panhandlers, they don’t know what the money will be used for and whether it will actually benefit the individual they wish to assist.
That being said, it’s a personal choice whether one wants to spare a few extra dollars or not. It doesn’t hurt to be generous, but a person can also ignore the request and continue on their way. Non-aggressive panhandling isn’t illegal, but if a person feels violated, they have every right to decline.
Giving money to an individual can make a difference in their life for the next 24 hours, but donating to an organization dedicated to battling homelessness can make a difference in the lives of many, for an extended period of time.
Bloomington’s Crawford apartments, established in September of 2013, are named in honor of Frank Crawford, a homeless man who passed away in 2011. The apartments are meant to house previously homeless individuals who suffer from mental illness or physical disabilities. The goal is to provide affordable, safe housing for those who need it most. This kind of project is meant to set homeless families up for success and permanent stability. By contributing to organizations instead of individuals, you become part of the solution instead of indulging panhandlers.
