Homelessness is one of America’s worst problems, yet one with very few solutions. I can’t leave class or go to the grocery store without seeing people panhandling. I know city and government officials see this too, because we all go to the same places essentially. During the time I’ve been at Central Connecticut State University, I’ve attended New Britain city council meetings on panhandling and fines. I’ve taken opportunities to write about panhandling for the CCSU journalism department. In my experiences talking to both the unhoused and city council members, I’ve learned that the actions taken against panhandlers are insensitive and ineffective. While residents of New Britain recognize the issues of homelessness and panhandling, there seems to be an ongoing debate on how it should be handled. Brianne Johanson There are arguments made by business owners expressing their concerns about how panhandlers affect their businesses negatively. Other business owners are happy to welcome homeless members of the community and help out where they can. In a city council meeting on Feb. 28, Alderwoman Lori McAdam, a Democrat, petitioned for detailed information on panhandling tickets issued and arrests made. McAdam, who is one of the council members who wants to reduce the penalties for panhandling, said that “the restrictions on the homeless are counterproductive and will likely make it harder for people to escape homelessness.” The current fine for panhandling is $99. This is outlandishly detrimental to any unhoused person. Instead of a ticket, an unhoused person should be provided with resources at the very least. After spending time in downtown New Britain last spring, I heard from several people who were panhandling at the time. I was shocked when I heard the story of a man who was issued a ticket for panhandling– but he didn’t pay with money. He was instead exploited for labor and had to complete 40 hours of community service from 8 a.m to 4 p.m for a week. According to the New Britain Progressive, in 2023, 26% of all households are at risk of being homeless due to their income being 30% below the area’s median income. If a person in a city struggles for shelter, how can we expect that person not to beg for help? Why should we penalize someone for desperately trying to escape an inhumane situation? The debate shouldn’t be whether it’s your problem if someone needs $1 while you wait at a red light. It’s up to you what you do with your money, but understand that the issue is not so black and white. I don’t believe penalties should be lowered. They should be revoked instead. This isn’t too much to ask, considering the homeless crisis in New Britain has not improved,even with these penalties. There are many ways we can lend a helping hand to improve this community, and sometimes all you must do is hear someone’s story. Brianne Johanson of Rocky Hill is a fourth year student at Central Connecticut State University.     https://ctmirror.org/index.php?gf-download=2024%2F12%2FBrianne-Open-Ed.pdf&form-id=1&field-id=11&hash=d48f4cee5d6cfa71c540dc4c5f4ed0a4c8d04b56124e606fee6adaed532877e6