CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians' unexpected and exciting playoff run brought tens of thousands to downtown Cleveland to be a part of the ride when the Tampa Bay Rays were in town last weekend.
More of the same is expected when the Guardians welcome in the New York Yankees as part of the American League Division Series this weekend.
The rise in foot traffic throughout the downtown area is expected to produce a rise in panhandling.
Panhandling is a term that comes with a lot of negative connotations. Chris Knestrick of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless wants to clear up how those who participate in the act of panhandling do not represent the homeless population as a whole.
"I don't think its fair to equate homelessness with panhandling. It needs to be clear. Not everyone who is homeless is panhandling and not everyone who is panhandling is homeless in our community," said Knestrick.
It is normal to see an uptick in panhandling when big events happen in the city. The Cleveland Division of Police know there will be an increased presence of panhandlers, but know that non-aggressive panhandlers are protected by the law.
"The United States Constitution protects people for the freedom of speech in [being] able to ask people for help," Knestrick continued.
According to the Cleveland Division of Police, "Panhandling with aggression is illegal. If it happens to you call police. During the playoffs Cleveland Police will have extra officers on duty to keep you safe."
Nestrick asks those who may encounter panhandlers while in downtown Cleveland this weekend to treat them with respect and not to be aggressive with them, "These are community members and you should treat them as human beings. If you are feeling safe and comfortable give them money if that's what you want and are called to do. And if you don't have money, acknowledge them and tell them 'I don't have any cash on me'."
Meanwhile, the city of Glendale, Arizona approved two ordinances on Wednesday to tackle panhandling in the city. This comes after residents complained about panhandlers approaching their cars during busy traffic times. Glendale City Council members said they passed the ordinances not only for the residents, but for the safety of the pandhandlers.
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