Panhandling
Regulating begging is still bad solution to poverty, public safety concerns
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 12-12-2017 under OPINION
I work at The Rapidian now and have for about three years, but before I was a staff member, I was a community journalist. The second article I wrote on The Rapidian was an opinion piece detailing why I thought banning panhandling was a terrible idea...
Focus on Issues: Panhandling in Grand Rapids
by (GRTV)
Submitted 09-10-2014 under NONPROFITS
The latest episode of Focus on Issues focuses on panhandling in Grand Rapids. In early June, the Grand Rapids City Commission attempted to pass an ordinance that would put limitations on panhandling, such as banning begging from motorists. The vote...
Security director examines proposed panhandling restrictions
by (Sara Ransom)
Submitted 08-08-2014 under LOCAL LIFE
For the past five years Russell Wolff has had many experiences with panhandlers on the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Pew Campus and the surrounding area. "It’s a public university; panhandlers are welcome to come on our campus,...
Guiding Light director: Proposed panhandling ordinance a mistake
by (Sara Ransom)
Submitted 08-04-2014 under LOCAL LIFE
“To continue to marginalize panhandlers without addressing the systemic issues is a mistake,” says Stuart Ray, about the proposed panhandling restrictions. Ray is the executive director at Guiding Light Mission and has been working at...
West Michigan ACLU Attorney: proposed panhandling ordinance threatens free speech
by (Sara Ransom)
Submitted 07-25-2014 under LOCAL LIFE
Three years ago, the American Civil Liberties Union of West Michigan challenged the anti-begging laws in Grand Rapids with a lawsuit after hundreds of people had been arrested and prosecuted for panhandling in Grand Rapids. In August 2012...
Grand Rapids City Commission postpones vote on panhandling restrictions
by (Ana Olvera)
Submitted 06-04-2014 under NEWS
After debating at Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, the Commission decided to postpone its vote on an aggressive solicitation ordinance in order to come up with restrictions that will gain wider public support. Mayor George Heartwell led the...
Creating the city we live in: why I spoke up at a recent City Commission meeting
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 06-02-2014 under VOICES
After attending my first City Commissioners meeting two weeks ago, I came away with a new respect for every Commission in every town ever. They have the patience of Job and poker faces to rival Las Vegas gamers. Citizens are given three...
"City of churches" to consider legal action against begging
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 05-20-2014 under OPINION
Grand Rapids City Commissioners will be meeting tonight, Tuesday, May 20, to discuss a proposal intended to put great restraints on panhandling. It wasn't too long ago that we removed laws against begging in our city, and the Federal Court has...
Downtown Ambassadors strive to improve quality of life
by (Marjorie Steele)
Submitted 11-27-2013 under NEWS
Most of us who live or work downtown have seen them: the Downtown Ambassadors. They’re easy to find on segway, bike or foot in their teal polos with white “info” logos on their shoulders. The question buzzing around town is: what...
Ethical responsibility to panhandlers
by (bjr25)
Submitted 11-08-2013 under NEWS
Bracing against the frigid wind, a grungy-looking man stands with a sign stating, “Anything helps. God Bless.” He has a lean, hungry look about him and is shivering in the cold. But should you give him money? “The Bible...