City of Arlington launches pilot program to battle panhandling

Arlington – Dallas Metro News reported that the City of Arlington has launched new pilot initiative telling its citizens and tourists that turning down requests from panhandlers is “ok” and in most cases beneficial to those asking for help.

A conspicuous message to this effect now adorns signs positioned at several bustling intersections in the city.

City authorities have given the green light to a trailblazing program that features signs discouraging financial donations to panhandlers.

These prominent signs are strategically installed at three intersections with heavy traffic flow. They not only caution against giving money to street beggars but also motivate people to contribute to Arlington's homeless services instead.

The signs are visibly placed at the junctions of Interstate 20 and Bowen Road, Interstate 30 and Collins Street, and Division and Collins streets.

Arlington's police department conjectures that donating cash directly to individuals on the street can inadvertently fuel drug and alcohol dependencies. However, they also recognize that this may not universally apply. The department cites research stating that fewer than 10% of homeless individuals are actually involved in panhandling.

The motivation behind Arlington's innovative initiative extends beyond addressing concerns around public safety linked to panhandling. The city also hopes to shed light on resources that homeless people can avail, such as shelters and aid organizations, like Salvation Army, Arlington Life Shelter, and Safe Haven of Tarrant County.

By discouraging panhandlers from venturing into traffic to solicit donations from drivers, the signs aim to enhance the safety of both residents and visitors.

This signage initiative follows the Arlington police's move earlier this year to monitor traffic cameras at nine intersections frequented by panhandlers. City administrators are also considering ways to redesign intersection infrastructures to deter individuals from positioning themselves at median strips with high vehicular traffic.

Projects are also in the pipeline for the junctions at Matlock and Sublett roads, and Randol Mill Road and Green Oaks Boulevard.

People wanting more information about how to help Arlington's homeless population can visit http://www.arlingtontx.gov/homeless.