‘Keep the Change’ reads a sign erected at Twigg near Artesian Park. The signs are being installed downtown, uptown and on North Beach as part of a recently approved ban on panhandling in those areas. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast Photo
Asking for money from strangers in certain areas of Corpus Christi is now against city ordinance. The council voted unanimously Jan. 19 to ban panhandling in downtown, uptown and on North Beach. It also includes a ban on panhandling anywhere in the city that is within 25 feet of a bus stop, an ATM or an entrance to financial institutions or restaurants with outdoor seating.
Homeless panhandlers can get help in better ways, pointed out assistant city manager Susan Thorpe. Donation stations using old parking meters will be installed in the banned areas. Also, local stores will have coupon books on sale that will provide the homeless with vouchers for food or drinks.
The voucher program, which is set up in conjunction with the ordinance, will be ready to go in 60 days, Mayor Nelda Martinez said. She called panhandling in the greater downtown area a “chronic problem” that she believes this ordinance will solve.
The intent of the ordinance is not to criminalize, Chief of Police Mike Markle said. Panhandlers will be allowed to ask for food.
“The purpose is not to reduce the amount of giving,” Markle said. “It’s to reduce the amount of money going to alcohol or drugs.”
He added that it is also to protect the public from aggressive panhandling. Panhandlers have verbally abused and followed people asking for money.
