Current Coalition Newsletter

Panhandling, Homeslessness and Drug Abuse

by Assistant Chief Annie Stevenson

As with any other jurisdiction, Greensboro is faced with the full spectrum of substance abuse and the behavior that is associated with that abuse. While the “War on Drugs”, specifically cocaine, seems to have taken the spotlight, the centuries old problem of alcoholism has not diminished.

A recent trend seen in Greensboro is the advent of panhandling; individuals occupying the corners of major intersections begging for money. When money is offered by a sympathetic motorist the panhandler enters the roadway, crossing multi-ple lanes of travel if necessary, to accept the dona-tion. The safety concerns surrounding this practice are obvious. The number of complaints received by the City as a result of the actions of the panhan-dlers was, here to for, unprecedented.

Ordinances were enacted to provide safety guidelines for the panhandlers who are participat-ing in a constitutionally protected activity. The Department’s Community Resource Teams were tasked with addressing the issues surrounding pan-handling. The ordinances enacted by Council provided for some structure of safety for the activity and for enforcement measures for non-compliance, but they do not address the root prob-lems.

Surveillance conducted by the Resource Teams showed that by and large once a panhandler had received sufficient funds, a trip was made to the nearest convenience store where alcohol was purchased and, shortly there after, consumed. Through surveillance and investigative encounters the Resource teams learned that the majority of the chronic panhandlers were abusers of alcohol, however the abuse and addiction to other drugs was also noted.

To compound the problem, many of the panhandlers are homeless, living in nearby woods, underpasses and abandoned buildings. To work towards a long term solution, the Resource Teams, in addition to taking any necessary law enforcement actions, provide information regard-ing available community assistance for those wanting help for drug abuse. The availability of these resources is reinforced with every contact with referrals and assistance provided when requested. In the past, through these contacts transportation to arranged housing has been provided, both in town and out of town; arrange-ments for new clothing has been coordinated and, where the individual has been willing, arrange-ments have been made for drug abuse counseling.

Substance Abuse Affects the Entire Community

A report prepared for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Substance Abuse: The Nation’s Number One Health Problem, estimated that the national economic costs due to alcohol abuse may be as much as $166.5 billion. Costs related to smoking may be as high as $138 billion, and economic costs associated with illicit drug use are estimated $109 billion. These costs are due to chronic illness, medical care and criminal activity. The economics costs impact the entire community, not only the substance users. The repercussions of sub-stance abuse can be felt in other areas of community life---health issues, crime, child abuse and neglect, and social economic problems.

Health Issues:

• Alcohol and tobacco are causes of chronic disease—heart disease, cancer and stroke.
• Alcohol contributes to crime, violent crime and injury and death due to driving while impaired. In Guilford County, the fifth leading cause of death is death due to motor vehicle injuries.
• Greensboro is ranked the second worst city in the state for accidents while driving under the influence. High Point is ranked 11th.
• Illicit drugs—crack and heroin—are involved in the spread of diseases: hepatitis, syphilis and HIV/AIDS , through injections and sexual activity, specifically prostitution.
• Guilford County has higher rates of syphilis, HIV infections and AIDS cases compared to both national and statewide rates. The County rate of syphilis is triple the state rate; the County rate of HIV Infection is almost double the state rate.

“My girlfriend O.D’d on drugs and died. It affected her family’s lives along with mine.”
G.C. Needs Assessment – November 2003