Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott send Letter to Bottoms over Homeless intimidating guests (Atlanta: apartment, theater)

[bu2]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

Just cause they have somewhere to sleep doesn't mean their basic needs are taken care of.

Just because they aggressively panhandle doesn't mean their basic needs aren't taken care of.
There are some of them who just prefer that to finding a job. If they put on a good show, it might make them more money than any job they could get.

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by bu2

Just because they aggressively panhandle doesn't mean their basic needs aren't taken care of.
There are some of them who just prefer that to finding a job. If they put on a good show, it might make them more money than any job they could get.

If only it were that simple.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

Just cause they have somewhere to sleep doesn't mean their basic needs are taken care of.

Nor does it mean they are not. "Homelessness" is a complex problem that requires a complex set of solutions.

What do you think should be done about people who have a home and their basic needs taken care of, but still choose to aggressively panhandle?

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Nor does it mean they are not. "Homelessness" is a complex problem that requires a complex set of solutions.

What do you think should be done about people who have a home and their basic needs taken care of, but still choose to aggressively panhandle?

How do you define "aggressively panhandle". Like physically accosting people? Yelling at them? Blocking their way?

I know what you're trying to get at: put them in jail. But, I'd like to find out what your line is.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by samiwas1

How do you define "aggressively panhandle". Like physically accosting people? Yelling at them? Blocking their way?

I know what you're trying to get at: put them in jail. But, I'd like to find out what your line is.

All the above would qualify under most definitions and regularly happen.

What do you think the solution is?

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by jsvh

All the above would qualify under most definitions and regularly happen.

What do you think the solution is?

Sure...if they're physically accosting someone or getting in their face and yelling obscenities at them or physically stopping them from walking, they'd probably get arrested, just like any of us would. If they're just sitting against a building shaking a cup or asking passersby for change, not much you can do except to offer them help (not jail and not forced).

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by samiwas1

Sure...if they're physically accosting someone or getting in their face and yelling obscenities at them or physically stopping them from walking, they'd probably get arrested, just like any of us would. If they're just sitting against a building shaking a cup or asking passersby for change, not much you can do except to offer them help (not jail and not forced).

Seems enforcement is lacking on that (see original post in this thread).

[architect77]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Think I am deciding we need to have a backstop to end homelessness. We need to make trespassing / loitering / sleeping on public property an accelerating misdemeanor offense. First violation $200 or 24 hours in jail. Next violation goes to a week in jail, then a month.

These people sleeping on the streets are doing no one any good. We at least need to get them sheltered and provided with food, water, and basic medical care even if it is in prison. On release they should be connected with non-profits and other organizations that can help them / provide them housing options outside of jail. But clearly those organizations are not cutting it on their own.

We got to have some backstop for the people on are streets that are unable or unwilling to find other options.

Arresting them and clogging up the court system isn't the way to go. They'd enjoy the temporary lodging.

The fact is about 70% are mentally ill, and there are no easy answers.

Many like living on the streets and they won't follow any rules that come with shelter accommodations.

Perhaps a center that feeds and assists in other ways a few blocks away from downtown would at least not make downtown the spot where everyone wants to be.

There are people sleeping in my apartment complex's parking deck everynight in midtown near the Biltmore hotel. I'm ok with it, could easily be me in that situation.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by samiwas1

Sure...if they're physically accosting someone or getting in their face and yelling obscenities at them or physically stopping them from walking, they'd probably get arrested, just like any of us would. If they're just sitting against a building shaking a cup or asking passersby for change, not much you can do except to offer them help (not jail and not forced).

You can enforce short of putting them in jail.

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Nor does it mean they are not. "Homelessness" is a complex problem that requires a complex set of solutions.

What do you think should be done about people who have a home and their basic needs taken care of, but still choose to aggressively panhandle?

What are you on about? Have you walked a mile in their shoes? Or are you just playing armchair quarterback with the lowest people on the economic ladder?