A recent spate of complaints about aggressive panhandlers in Santee triggered a report this week by city staff on potential ways to curb problems associated with transients.
Residents can do their part by not giving money to panhandlers, who typically use the money to feed their tobacco, drug or alcohol addictions.
If you see people with signs asking for money or are approached and asked for money, please call the San Diego County Sheriff’s non-emergency number to report it at 858-565-5200.
To ensure your money is actually helping poor and
homeless people, you should donate to nonprofit charities such as United Way,
Project Alpha, St. Vincent de Paul Village,
Veteran’s Village of San Diego, the Santee Food Bank or Feeding America.
Keep in mind that some panhandlers are
professionals who make their living by begging on the streets. Some collect
more tax-free money than many people with jobs. Click here
to read a story about a panhandler in Oklahoma City who says he easily made
$60,000 a year.
This week, the City Council voted
4-0 to have city staff explore methods to better control panhandling, as well as problems associated with homeless
people camping in the thick foliage along the San Diego River.
City staff will look at amending the city’s soliciting ordinance to
prohibit aggressive conduct.
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