The Lubbock Police Department Homeless Outreach Team says the trash accumulating on street corners, near businesses and anywhere you see people asking for a hand can become a problem.
“With the panhandling, you got the people that start to panhandle at a corner, people will drop off food, they’ll go get drinks and sometimes they’re not even hungry,” said Sgt. Steven Bergen, with the LPD Homeless Outreach Team. “So when people do give them food, it just sits there by the side of the road and it causes a littering issue, and it just doesn’t look good.”
There are many opportunities for the homeless to get a meal in the community without having to stand by the side of the road.
“When it comes to panhandling, it seems to be a story that constantly goes on. Our main message to portray out there is not to give,” Bergen said. “You can basically eat free three times a day, seven days a week here in Lubbock.”
KAMC caught up with one man who said it is tough to ask others for money every day.
“I know I panhandle and everything, but I try to touch somebody’s heart,” said Stevie, a panhandler.
He says he brings trash bags to keep his area clean.
“We could just leave the trash everywhere, someone else could come here and pick it up, or the wind would blow it away, but we chose to do that,” Stevie said.
However, law enforcement said the best option is to give to local charities that help people restart their lives completely.
“I think it’s more of educating the public to give in a better manner,” Bergen said. “To give to the organizations that are out there, having these individuals come in seeking services and helping them get off the streets.”
