Beckley looks to curb panhandling, connecting people to services over spare change

RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – For some, asking for help means holding a sign on a street corner.

It reminds Beckley city leaders that solutions go beyond just giving cash.

Addressing the issue, the Beckley City Council passed an ordinance requiring a permit to panhandle within the city. They followed that by installing Say No to Panhandling signs at intersections with the biggest problems.

“I think it’s helped tremendously for people who used to come up to me and complain,” Mayor Ryan Neal said. “I’ve had so many of my friends and other people I know and talk to about that saying the situation has gotten way better in the city of Beckley.”

Panhandling is a daily reality here, but the focus is on connecting people to services and not just handing out cash.

According to Neal, when he recently drove down Harper Road and passed the usual spots where panhandlers congregate…

“I didn’t see a single person out there, said the mayor. “So I do think the signs have helped. We’ve had them up for a couple of weeks now, and I think it’s made a huge difference.”

The signs are there to encourage people to donate more safely by calling 211. Neal says that money is going directly to food pantries.

“For people who may be homeless or down on their luck. The difference is when people give them money outside their vehicles, you can almost guarantee it’s going to something other than food,” the mayor said.  

It’s up for debate whether people will adhere to the signs.

“I feel like it will do a little bit of justice; I don’t think it’ll make it 100%,” said Kristi Burge, a concerned citizen. “There are people who do have a heart. But I also feel like it is a good idea for them to be able to give them local resources for 211.”

The mayor says 99% of the community cannot stand the panhandling and know it’s dangerous with people standing on every corner. He says the 1% keep giving money, and that’s why the panhandlers are out there.

“When these people are at these food pantries and places, then we have people in place who can talk to them and try to give them the help they need,” Neal said.