Q. Why are you piloting a social service response to address panhandling?
A. In addition to working with people who are homeless, the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Division (SSHA) also provides a range of programs to people who are at-risk of homelessness and/or underhoused. SSHA has developed strong connections with Toronto Employment & Social Services, Public Health and a range of other City divisions and provincial ministries. Having piloted other intensive social service responses using a multi-disciplinary approach in the past, the SSHA is well positioned to lead this initiative.
Q. Will the pilot project "sweep" panhandlers off the streets of Toronto?
A. No. But individuals may decide to reduce or stop panhandling as a result of the pilot if the assistance provided supports that.
Q. Is the panhandling pilot project the same thing as Streets to Homes?
A. No. Streets to Homes helps homeless people living outdoors to get and keep housing, whether they are panhandling or not. This pilot is about assisting those panhandlers who are housed. If we encounter people who are homeless and panhandling, we will refer them to Streets to Homes so that they can get assistance in finding and keeping housing, if that is what they want.
Q. What does the City hope to learn from the pilot project?
A. Whether an intensive social service response can reduce the need for people to panhandle. Perhaps a person is panhandling because their housing is not affordable. Maybe it is because of a loved one in need. Maybe they do not have enough to eat, but don't know about the range of food programs across the City. Or maybe it is because of the opportunities for social interaction, or because of drug and/or alcohol addictions. For every need identified, we intend to learn more about the adequacy and availability of supports and services available, and ultimately make recommendations based on what we learn.
Q. What will happen to the information and results learned from the pilot project?
A. All information collected about individuals is confidential. But the summary information and observations, as well as other research will be provided in a report to Executive Committee early in 2008.
Q. How much does the pilot project cost?
A. No new funds have been allocated. It will be funded from within the current approved operating budget.
Q. What is the role of the police in the pilot project?
A. SSHA and the police have separate responsibilities. The police are responsible for enforcing legislation such as the Safe Streets Act. The pilot is about a social service response. SSHA staff will not be providing personal information to police about panhandlers we encounter.
Q. What will community workers do if they see someone who is injured or see a dangerous situation?
A. When public safety is an issue or there is a medical emergency, staff will call for assistance.
Q. What is the difference between panhandling and homelessness?
A. Not all panhandlers are homeless, and not all homeless people panhandle. In fact, the Street Needs Assessment of 2006 indicated that only 1 in 5 homeless people panhandle.
Q. Don't we already know everything we need to know about panhandling and poverty in Toronto?
A. Over the past few years, a range of reports have called for an increase in social assistance rates. We know that basic needs and shelter allowances for a single adult supported by Ontario Works total $548 a month. Currently average monthly rent for a bachelor apartment in the downtown area is $830. Average across the Toronto area us $743. However, since not all people on social assistance panhandle, more needs to be understood with relation to panhandling and poverty. In addition, there may be reasons other than poverty that come into play. This pilot project will gather this information and help inform future policy and program responses.
Q. What will be achieved in the pilot project by the end of September?
A. It is impossible to predict what will be achieved by way of addressing people's needs as the innovative approach has not yet been tested. However, we expect to understand significantly more about panhandling as a result of this pilot project and to know with more confidence which approaches to a social service response work, and which approaches do not.
Q. Is panhandling illegal?
A. Under the Charter, everyone has freedom of expression. Various courts have said that panhandling (begging) is a form of expression that is protected under the Charter. Therefore, panhandling itself is not illegal. However, the way in which one panhandles may be illegal. For example, panhandling that is done in a way that is threatening or violent or obstructive may be contrary to laws such as the Safe Streets Act, the Criminal Code or municipal by-laws.
Q. What type of panhandling would be contrary to the Safe Streets Act?
A. The Safe Streets Act does not use the term panhandling, but instead refers to soliciting. Under the Act, "solicit" means to request, in person, the immediate provision of money or another thing of value, regardless of whether consideration is offered or provided in return, using the spoken, written or printed word, a gesture or other means. The Act refers to two types of soliciting that are prohibited: that done in an aggressive manner and in situations where there is a captive audience.
An "aggressive manner" is a manner that is likely to cause a reasonable person to be concerned for his or her safety or security. Examples given in the Act:
- Threatening the person solicited with physical harm, by word, gesture or other means, during the solicitation or after the person solicited responds or fails to respond to the solicitation.
- Obstructing the path of the person solicited during the solicitation or after the person solicited responds or fails to respond to the solicitation.
- Using abusive language during the solicitation or after the person solicited responds or fails to respond to the solicitation.
- Proceeding behind, alongside or ahead of the person solicited during the solicitation or after the person solicited responds or fails to respond to the solicitation.
- Soliciting while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
- Continuing to solicit a person in a persistent manner after the person has responded negatively to the solicitation.
As for "captive" audience,", the Act states that while on a roadway, no person shall solicit a person who is in or on a stopped standing or parked vehicle. In addition, no person shall solicit a person who is:
- Waiting to use, or departing from an automated teller machine
- Using or waiting to use a pay telephone or a public toilet facility
- Waiting at a taxi stand or a public transit stop;
- In or on a public transit vehicle
- In the process of getting in, out of, on or off a vehicle or who is in a parking lot
