The City of Fort Worth is putting a new tactic into place to gently persuade residents to rethink their generosity. Instead of giving directly to panhandlers, they are being asked to support local charitable organizations. According to what was published on Fort Worth's official city news, signs will soon be installed at various intersections with high rates of panhandling as per complaint data gathered through the MyFW app. These signs will bear the message “It's OK to Say No to Panhandlers,” directing citizens to donate via an online site.
Fort Worth is pushing for a safer and more effective way to extend a helping hand to the homeless. The city advises its residents to contribute to organizations that have a track record of sustainable assistance. The goal here is to disrupt the cycle of dependency that direct giving can sometimes inadvertently reinforce. This move is part of a broad community pact in Fort Worth to reduce homelessness and support safety. The city's news release lists organizations with a Gold Star Membership in the Tarrant and Parker County Continuum of Care that are supported by the City’s Homeless Strategies program.
For managing the panhandling situation, the city has a variety of reporting channels. Concerns can be addressed by using the MyFW app, calling the Fort Worth Police Department's non-emergency line at 817-392-4222, contacting the Fort Street Contact Center at 817-392-1234 or texting 817-835-MYFW (6939). The implementation of these protocols allows for a more centralized way to monitor and ultimately aim to reduce panhandling incidents.
Additionally, the city enforces an Aggressive Panhandling Ordinance to maintain public order and safety. Identified as Section 30-16, this ordinance specifies unlawful behaviors such as making threatening gestures, continuing to ask for money after being refused, preventing the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles, and soliciting in restricted places like ATM areas and transport stations. Those who defy this ordinance may find themselves seeing citations or even facing arrests.
