What’s happening
City workers recently installed signs on some major roads such as Wurzbach Road and De Zavala Road, both near I-10, within City Council District 8, to urge motorists to not give money to panhandlers.
Council member Manny Pelaez said he requested placement of signs in his district in response to constituents who have voiced concern about individuals on street corners seeking money from passing motorists.
Put in perspective
Pelaez previously told Community Impact that he feels for people resort to panhandling for various reasons, but that such activity endangers both the panhandler and the motorist in traffic.
In a recently posted social media video, Pelaez said, based on conversation with San Antonio Police Department officials, money that panhandlers get from motorists typically goes toward buying illegal drugs, and not toward obtaining shelter or something else that helps the panhandler.
Take action
Pelaez said the signs are designed to encourage the motorist to instead donate money toward local nonprofits and charities that help homeless people and individuals who feel the need to panhandle.
“What we want you to do is to be very mindful that there are organizations here in town, such as Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, Haven for Hope, even your own church who dedicate that money that people contribute to our homeless population here in San Antonio, and they will stretch every dollar to make sure that it really impacts and changes lives,” Pelaez said in the video.
Pelaez said he understands it can be a hard choice for motorists who want to be compassionate and do what they can to help an individual in need on the streets, but that protecting public safety is a priority.
"San Antonio, don't roll the window down. Instead, redirect that money to nonprofits around San Antonio,” Pelaez said in the video. "I promise you that people will get real help with that spare change.”
