Panhandling What can you do about It

Panhandling What can you do about It

To report aggressive panhandling call 911

  Educate Yourself

  1. What is Panhandling?
    Indiana law defines panhandling as a vocal solicitation involving a request for an immediate donation of money or other gratuity made in person in a public place.

    What is not Panhandling?
    Passive solicitation, such as sitting on a corner holding a sign or jingling a cup of change, is protected by the United States Constitution in the Bill of Rights.

    When is Panhandling Illegal?
    Panhandling is illegal when the vocal solicitation is made:
    • at specific times. Panhandling is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
    • or, in specific places when the person being solicited is at or in:
    a bus stop, public transportation vehicle or facility;
    a vehicle on a public street or alley; or
    a sidewalk café; or
    a line to enter a business; or
    an area within 20 feet of an ATM or bank entrance.    Panhandling is illegal whenever there is aggressive contact with a person being solicited. This includes:
    • touching the person without consent; or
    • blocking the path of the person being solicited; or
    • walking behind, ahead or alongside the person; or
    • directing profane language at the person; or
    • making an intimidating gesture or statement to the person; or
    • panhandling in a group of two or more.Illegal panhandling is a Class C Misdemeanor. Individuals can be processed through the Arrestee Processing Center where preliminary mental health and addiction needs are evaluated.2. Report aggressive panhandling. Call 911!!Call the police when you experience aggressive panhandling or other illegal activity. Reporting the activity helps provide the needed law enforcement and legal attention.
    3. Do not give money to people on the street.    Giving money to panhandlers only encourages more panhandling.
    • Most panhandlers are not homeless.
    • Many panhandlers are scam artists.
    • Many panhandlers have alcohol and/or drug addictions. Giving money to panhandlers often feeds drug or alcohol addictions and may deter individuals from seeking the help they need.4. Encourage your guests and employees to give to their favorite charity

• There is a better way to help. Instead of giving money to a panhandler, please give to a Local charity of your choice who works with the Homeless , or  Exit 0  where your generosity will help provide food, Medication, Supplies, Shelter and other assistance to those in need.

• Do not be fooled. In spite of pleas for help or signs indicating a need, please do not give money to people on the street. Instead, direct them to the food, shelter and assistance locations below.

5. Direct people on the street to food, shelter and assistance locations or call 211 or fill up a gallon size bag with some snacks & water keep this in your car Pass this out your window for those truly in need it helps them out.

 

Shelters

Haven House Shelter 
1727 Green Ave Jeffersonville Indiana
(812) 285-1197

Wayside Christian Mission 
432 East Jefferson Street Louisville, KY
502-584-3711

Salvation Army Center Of Hope Center of Hope
831 S Brook St Louisville
502-625-1170

 

Clark County Hot Meals

LUNCH

Community Kitchen
1611 Spring street Jeffersonville IN
Monday Thru Friday @ 11:30 AM till 1:00 PM

Gilt Edge Church
1713 Green Street Jeffersonville, IN
Monday Thru Friday 11:30-12:30

St Lukes Fishes & Loaves
St Lukes Church 329 Walnut street Jeffersonville
Saturday 1130-1230

DINNER

Exit 0 Ministry
Feeding is located at Exit 0 In Jeffersonville
Across from Waffle House

Sat & Sunday @ 4:00 PM

Monday @ 6:00 PM

Tuesday @ 6:00 PM

Wens @ 9:00 PM

Thursday @ 6:00 PM

Friday @ 6:00 PM
Sat NONE

Northside church of christ
2510 East hwy 62 Jeffersonville, IN
812-282-6272
Last Sat of the month 430-6