Calling for a Public Hearing before the Legislative Oversight Committee on aggressive panhandling in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, There has reportedly been an increase in aggressive panhandling in some areas in the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, In cities such as the City of Cincinnati, passive forms of panhandling, i.e., standing or sitting on the sidewalk with a sign asking for money are legal; and

WHEREAS, In cities such as the City of Detroit, police are discouraged from arresting panhandlers who loiter because of higher priority crimes; and

WHEREAS, In the City of Vancouver, anti-poverty organizations are charging that anti-panhandling laws violate the rights of the poor; and

WHEREAS, The University of Pennsylvania joined with Horizon House and the Chestnut Street WAWA to counsel substance abuse victims and to support the University City Hospitality Coalition to feed Homeless people; and

WHEREAS, Sister Mary Scullion and Project Home, as well as Brenda Cooper-Cutts and Horizon House, have the authority to refer individuals on the street for food, clothing, shelter, substance abuse commitment, or call the police when individuals present a danger to themselves or others; now therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Authorizes the Legislative Oversight Committee to hold hearings on aggressive panhandling in the City of Philadelphia.

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