Battle Creek’s Leading Organizations for Homeless Assistance Discuss Panhandling Issue

As Battle Creek city commissioners work to sort out a possible panhandling law to address aggressive panhandlers in the city, we continue to consult with experts on the issue. That includes the directors of two of Battle Creek's main organizations assisting the homeless in the community.

While both Doug Stewart of the Share Center and Elaine Hunsicker of The Haven of Rest agree there is a contingent of "aggressive" panhandlers in the city, both were hesitant to unequivocally endorse the concept of added teeth to the law to target them.

"Everyone has their First Amendment rights," Stewart said.

"The argument is do you have the right to stand...on the sidewalk or beside a door and ask people for money? That's a tough question," Hunsicker said.

Hear the entirety of their comments by clicking the player below.

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