New Panhandling Bill in Atlanta Wants People to Give Money to Charities Not Individuals

from My Fox Atlanta and writer Justin Gray

City of Atlanta officials plan to announce a new plan to help fight panhandling within the city. In 2005, the city made it illegal for people to ask for food or money in the downtown Atlanta district. Now, officials want to take it a step further.

It's called 'Give Change That Makes Sense'. But some say the plan doesn't make any sense at all.

"When a man gets hungry he's going to do what you have to do to eat," said J.J. Harvest.

J.J. Harvest has been homeless for six years. He knows about begging for money. And he knows about aggressive panhandlers.

"The aggressiveness is a little bit too much some time, but I don't know how hungry a man is," said Harvest.

City councilman Kwanza Hall says panhandling is out of control in Atlanta.

"Even homeless people complain about the panhandlers," said Hall. "Panhandlers do aggressive things and make people be frightened not to give. It's almost like strong armed robbery."

Hall said he's looking forward to Atlanta's new strategy to combat the problem. Hotels and businesses will be handing out flyers encouraging people not to give to individuals. Instead they should give to agencies that help people get back on their feet.