With the country working its way out of a years-long economic recession, it has not been uncommon to see more panhandlers around town.
In Redmond in recent years, individuals have been spotted standing on the corners of busy intersections and in front of grocery stores and fast-food restaurants. And while it may be easy to make assumptions about them, City of Redmond human-services manager Colleen Kelly said there is little known about panhandlers and the circumstances of their situation — there is more unknown about them than there is known. This is part of the issue when it comes to trying to help.
“We don’t know much about these people,” Kelly said.
She said in most cases people panhandle because they need money and they see this as the best way to get it.
STAYING WHERE THEY SHOULD
Jim Bove, spokesperson for the Redmond Police Department (RPD), said there are a number of reasons why someone becomes a panhandler.
“Some are legitimately broke and need money to survive, some are homeless, some are looking for money to feed addictions, and/or a combination of all three,” he said.
However, Bove said while driving, it is difficult to tell whether someone is homeless or if they are just trying to get money and it is a traffic hazard to stop and try to carry on a conversation. If someone is in front of a grocery store or in a parking lot, it is easier to talk to them.
Legally, Bove said there is no law against being in public and asking for money unless the individual is “blocking you in some fashion, obstructing, or harassing you.”
“All in all, we don’t really have much of a problem with panhandlers getting involved with crimes,” he said. “They do a pretty good job of staying where they should.”
HOW TO HELP
For those who want to help, Bove said people should not give monetary donations because they don’t know what the money will be used for.
“If they are homeless, then we have been told by advocates that socks and toiletries are good things to give them and they will normally take and appreciate them,” he said, adding that if someone is in front of a grocery store, people can ask them what they need and buy them something to eat or drink.
Bove also suggested people put individuals asking for help in touch with local social services such as the Together Center.
Kelly said people can also call 211, the number for King County’s Crisis Clinic. Through the Crisis Clinic people can connect with health and human services in a number of areas including food, shelter and housing, rent and utility assistance, legal assistance, financial assistance, governmental assistance programs, health care, employment, education and family support programs.
For individuals in crisis, who need immediate assistance, they can call the Crisis Clinic’s 24-hour crisis line at 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747).
There is also a directory of human-services providers on the City of Redmond website. The city provides financial support to some of these agencies, as well.
Kelly said if people want to help, there are a number of ways they can do so. They can volunteer with any of the organizations listed on the city’s directory, donate money or provide meals for the local shelters.
