Help the homeless, but let's reduce panhandling

This article was originally published as an editorial in the Cincinnati Enquirer. To view the original publication, click here.

My proposal to restrict and regulate panhandling in Cincinnati has received a great deal of support and, not surprisingly, a fair share of criticism. It is important that we be compassionate to those who have less and need more. I have always been guided by that principle. We need to help the homeless. But panhandling doesn't help anyone - the panhandler or the person who gives him change.

Aggressive panhandling is a growing problem that was being ignored before we got the conversation started this week. Panhandling detracts from our vibrant city and, some would argue, is one of the major impediments to attracting shoppers, diners and other visitors to downtown. It is an uncomfortable truth, but we need to face it head on. We need to continue to work together to solve this problem. Enabling panhandling is not the answer.

I have consistently supported city funding for programs to help the homeless. With the aid of $11 million this year alone, we have an infrastructure of homeless shelters and substance abuse treatment facilities to help the homeless with the challenges they face. Yet we still have a major problem of panhandling downtown and at highway exits throughout the city. Clearly, these programs will not work for those who are able to feed their addictions without treatment, and that is exactly what panhandling leads to. Compassionate treatment means helping people when they are most in need - enabling a drug addiction or other chronic conditions does not help anyone.

Up to now, the city has been unwilling to confront our panhandling problem. My proposal was intended to get the conversation started. The details can be debated and improved, but a solution must be found.