We realize this is a sensitive subject and a hot topic in many downtown areas across the country. We advocate assistance but to those organizations in each community who specialize in lending a helping hand or meal. We also believe that education is the key as to what is allowed and protected and what is not. We have put together this information.....
PANHANDLING RESOURCES
Panhandling, vagrancy, and
homelessness are not the same issue, although then can often overlap. Some
people feel intimidated or don't know the best way to help. The following
information is provided as a general guide. For chronic issues or concerns,
please contact your city council representative and/or the Durango Police Department.
What is and is not allowed in the City of Durango:
Passive solicitation—seeking a donation without approaching or stopping an individual or addressing a donation request to any specific person—is permitted throughout the City on public property.
Aggressive solicitation is prohibited throughout the City. Please report panhandlers who:
- Continue to solicit after being told “no”
- Make unwanted physical contact
- Follow or obstruct pedestrians
- Use profane or abusive language, exhibit violent behavior or make threats
- Solicit in a group of two or more
- Feel threatened in any way
Please call the Durango Police Department at
970-385-2900 to report panhandlers who
Violate these City ordinance provisions.
What to do when you see a panhandler or street musician in
Historic downtown Durango….
Every
year, shop owners, employees, locals and visitors give thousands of dollars to
panhandlers, musicians, and those attempting to sell their goods on the street.
Unfortunately, giving directly to
panhandlers does not provide long-term solutions to homelessness. Instead,
panhandlers negatively impact the economic development and quality of life of
those living in, working and visiting our city.
Some interesting facts… many
panhandlers:
• are not homeless;
panhandling is their profession and they travel all over the country.
• prey upon our sympathies
• use money for drugs or alcohol and not
basic needs
Guidelines for dealing with
panhandlers…
DO
answer
requests for money with a firm NO
DO
treat
homeless with respect, realizing that only a small portion of panhandlers are
actually homeless
DO
offer
information on where they can get help, including Manna Soup Kitchen,
Volunteers of America, and United Way of Southwest Colorado.
DO
make
donations to organizations that have a proven track record of helping the
homeless
DO
talk to your
kids about homelessness and panhandling
DO
contact
your City Council representative with your concerns
DO
call Durango Police if you see someone smoking marijuana, being aggressive,
or drinking an open alcoholic beverage. This is
for everyone’s safety!
DON’T
give
money or food
DON’T
allow
anyone to camp or loiter on your property
DON’T
allow
anyone to store shopping carts, bedding or other personal belongings on your
property
DON’T
feel guilty!
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