I was asked today what my approach would be to the increasing problem of panhandling in Buncombe County. Here is my answer:
Some people holding signs at intersections are genuinely homeless, mentally ill, or in crisis. Others are struggling but not unhoused. And yes — a small number are exploiting the generosity of the public. Any honest policy has to deal with all three realities at once.”
1. Lead with Services, Not Punishment
Public assistance should not begin with police contact — it should begin with outreach.
- Fund trained civilian outreach teams (social workers, peer-support specialists, mental-health professionals) to engage panhandlers regularly.
- Offer on-the-spot connections to:
- Shelter
- Detox & recovery services
- Mental health evaluation
- ID replacement and benefits enrollment
- Many people panhandle because the system is hard to enter. We must lower the barriers to care.
This helps the genuinely homeless and mentally ill immediately.
2. Create Safe Alternatives to Street Panhandling
If people truly need income, we should offer dignified alternatives:
- Expand “work-for-pay” community programs (litter cleanup, park maintenance, community gardens, graffiti removal).
- Provide same-day cash stipends or debit cards for completed shifts.
- Partner with nonprofits for day-labor and transitional work programs.
This removes the economic incentive for deceptive panhandling while helping those who truly want to work.
3. Address Scams Without Criminalizing Poverty
For the small group intentionally scamming:
- Enforce laws narrowly and proportionally, focused on:
- Aggressive solicitation
- Organized fraud rings
- Harassment or intimidation
- Do not criminalize simple sign-holding or non-aggressive requests for help.
- Focus on diversion programs, not jail.
Fraud should be addressed, but poverty should never be treated as a crime.
4. Redirect Public Generosity Into Transparent Channels
Many citizens want to help but don’t know what’s effective.
- Install “Give Smart” donation kiosks or QR codes near high-panhandling areas that send money directly to:
- Homeless services
- Food programs
- Mental health care
- Launch a public campaign: “You don’t have to choose between compassion and wisdom — you can practice both.”
This shrinks the incentive for scams while increasing real help.
5. Long-Term Solutions Reduce Panhandling More Than Enforcement Ever Will
Panhandling is a symptom, not the disease. The real cures are:
- Affordable housing
- Mental health access
- Addiction treatment
- Living-wage work
Communities that invest in these always see panhandling decline naturally.
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