News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville Rescue Mission officials support amending the city’s ordinance regarding seeking donations and panhandling in roadways and streets.
Director of Operations Luke Eldridge said he would support the city if they amend the ordinance.
“Some people know they’ve made it into a job. They make a lot of money doing that,” Eldridge said. “The other thing too is, giving money to people like that, you really don’t know their story. So you don’t know their background. You don’t know what they’re going to do with the money. I agree with the city 100 percent on that to put a stop to it. I think it that will help tremendously, just weed out those who are just trying to do that rather than trying to get the help they need.”
Cookeville City Council removed an ordinance from their Oct. 11 agenda to further discuss the changes with Cookeville Police and clarify several points in the amendment. The amendment would prevent anyone from seeking donations within the city streets, including fundraising groups and the homeless.
Pastor Ryan Henry of the Cookeville Mission said people shouldn’t have to rely on panhandling in order to get by.
“There’s too many resources to help somebody, and panhandling is just [a way] to make some quick cash, get something to eat, or it could be to buy liquor or drugs,” Henry said. “You don’t know a person’s intentions with it. But I don’t see how that’s going to hinder someone from getting help. If anything, it might be a motivator for them to get help.”
Henry encourages people who encounter someone that’s homeless to use their best judgement when deciding whether to help or not.
“If you feel like giving someone a dollar, give them a dollar,” Henry said. “But at the very least, let them know there is help at the Cookeville Rescue Mission. They’re more than welcome to come and talk with us and see what kind of plan we can put together to help them. In the end, it comes down to personal choice.”
Eldridge said the mission typically receives calls from concerned citizens regarding those who may be in need or panhandling. He added he has tried helping people when he can if he thinks they’re in need of help.
“We’ll go by and either talk with them or try and see what we can do to help them,” Eldridge said. “I actually saw two guys at Walmart doing this and I stopped by to give them some water because it was so hot. But I also asked them if they needed anything from the Mission and they said no. I said OK, here’s where the Mission is. If you need anything let us know.”
Cookeville City Council did not discuss the potential amendment during last week’s work session or council meetings.
The Rescue Mission offers several tips on their website on what to do if you encounter a homeless person who may be in need of help.
