Removing homeless from sidewalk (apartment, legal, shopping centers)

[hank0604]

I manage an apartment building, and for the past couple days I have noticed a homeless person hanging around, sleeping in alcoves, etc. Also, residents have reported a homeless man sleeping inside the building, so I suspect it's the same guy.

What option do I have to make him leave? Can I call the police, or do I have to talk to him, or does he have a right to the sidewalk and I'm just out of luck?

[Jesse69]

Guide him to the nearest homeless shelter?

[chitown85]

There are two options: Legal and moral.

Legal: If he is inside the building, that is a criminal and civil trespass. Call the police to remove him. He can be issued a trespass notice so the next time he is there he will be charged. They will also guide him to a homeless shelter.

If outside the building on the sidewalk, not much you can do. It's a public way, unless there is an anti loitering ordinance, but generally that is only applicable to commercial business thoroughfares.

Moral: Call the community service officer in your district and they will likely direct homeless outreach services to the area.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by chitown85

...If outside the building on the sidewalk, not much you can do. It's a public way, unless there is an anti loitering ordinance, but generally that is only applicable to commercial business thoroughfares.

There is no loitering ordinance in the city that covers a non-criminal activity (or intent) like a homeless person sleeping on a public sidewalk (commercial business thoroughfare or not.)

[Drover]

A garden hose works remarkably well.

[Dis99]

Originally Posted by Drover

A garden hose works remarkably well.

No need to waste water though. Just beat them with the hose. Thank you.

[chitown85]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

There is no loitering ordinance in the city that covers a non-criminal activity (or intent) like a homeless person sleeping on a public sidewalk (commercial business thoroughfare or not.)

Commercial shopping centers usually own the sidewalk, but it is considered to be limited public use.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by chitown85

Commercial shopping centers usually own the sidewalk, but it is considered to be limited public use.

Your first statement did not clarify if you were talking about a private sidewalk or not.

[hank0604]

Thanks for the tips. Ended up calling a couple of nearby homeless shelters, each told me to just call 311, and the van would come get them.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by hank0604

I manage an apartment building, and for the past couple days I have noticed a homeless person hanging around, sleeping in alcoves, etc. Also, residents have reported a homeless man sleeping inside the building, so I suspect it's the same guy.

What option do I have to make him leave? Can I call the police, or do I have to talk to him, or does he have a right to the sidewalk and I'm just out of luck?

If calling 311 doesn't work, you could always try a bribe. Offer to pay him some money if he'll relocate to the next block over.