Just wait, it might become even worse: http://www.salemnews.com/news/local_news/sanctuary-cities-face-loss-of-fed-funding/article_6648e449-3437-5f29-9699-8037944ee282.html

The issue is really bad around Starbucks. Panhandlers outside, making a mess with litter, cigarette buts, etc.

Consider viewing them as fellow humans? Possibly grow organ that produces empathy? idk just ideas

Where have you been the last 2 years. We have had discussions and town hall meetings about this. Its been addressed in the Salem paperon the TV, even the Boston Globe did an article. It's time self educate yourself aand realize that this issue has been here for years and it wont go away because someone sends in a Click Fix. We need to get engaged and support the efforts being made and challege them when we feel they dont address the issue. Stop listening to nay sayers and anti-government haters will not get Salem any closer to resolving this issue.

And yes, the homeless have rights. And not everyone laying under a tree on the Common or panhandling in front of Starbucks is homeless.

IMO the crux of the problem and solution is Lifebridge. Like kids who wanted a puppy but now won't walk the dog, Lifebridge attracts the homeless from all around but then sends them out on the street if they don't meet certain criteria. Then they just wander around. Lifebridge needs to take more responsibility for those they turn away. Paying Pilot would also help cover the growing police expense the homeless are costing us.
In six weeks we can also vote for city management that consciously puts the tax PAYER'S quality of life ahead of the tax TAKERS.

Everybody understands this. The problem is across US. I came here in the early 90's. There was a few bums, but not like now. I will explain later why is that... So I got to CA and I was working as gardener (like most of Mexicans do in CA), cleaning guy, delivered PizzaHut (my favorite job - free pizza everyday!) was an apartment maintenance, worked at Kmart nightshifts sorting shelfs with rats and their crap, worked as a driver, was a car stereo installer, worked for a crazy Jewish guy (although he was genious - sold the @#$% that doesn't work for $12 mil! :) Then just sat, read a Windows 95 book and got myself a first job in High-Tech.

Now going back to the subject - modern days bums, 90% of them are the once who just don't want to work. On the streets of San Francisco, they are begging. BUT before, they were "politely asking", now they are demanding for you to give them something. There are so many of them now one of my reasons for moving - the SF city is fakin dirty as hell), that you wouldn't have enough money to give to every mafakka out there. And when you just walk by - there is a 70% of bottle chasing your @#$%.

The point is - nowadays these are not people who CANNOT work, I saw so many young healthy dudes - he can go to some construction they pay well there. In SF - you walk on Union Square, I only give some cash to the guys that are "creative" at least. Some Batmans or standing like a statue then suddenly scares the @#$% out of everyone :))) That's it. All I wanted to say. If you are healthy, young and single - @#$% settle in Bermudas (@#$% Irma) and have fun/work as whoever! Bartender would be the best ;)

Thank you for your feedback and concerns on this matter.

Please always feel comfortable to call the Salem police at 978-744-1212 or, in an emergency, 911. Salem patrol officers are receiving additional training on dealing with transient and homeless persons and are prepared to respond appropriately, whether it requires a law enforcement response or not. We also now have an outreach caseworker who will be able to intervene to divert a qualifying homeless individual to support services that can help move them off the street. You can email the outreach caseworkers at hope@salem.com to report a situation that you feel may require their response.

The City this summer launched a new initiative to try to address instances of homelessness in Salem, using several different tactics to help deal with the situation. You can learn more about this effort in the presentation from the public meeting that launched the initiative: http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/files/homelessness-salem-presentation-july-27-2017 or watch the meeting here: http://ondemand.satvonline.org/vod/11593-Homelessness-in-Salem-7-27-17-Medium-v1.mp4

The issue is not a 'closed' one. All the above noted actions have made no difference.
Time for a change in Salem, & some real planning that works for the residents of this city.
It's not a lack of empathy. It's about where this city is headed. Thus far, tourism ranks #1, at all costs.

Issue has already been identified and Waste Management is picking items up today. Residents/homeowners will be provided with info on proper disposal procedures for bulk items. Thank you for reporting to See, Click, Fix.

NOW we're talking!!

Thank you for your feedback.

Thanks for fixing this request!