Perhaps contact your electeds about addressing the plight of homelessness and poverty instead of complaining. It’s constitutionally protected behavior, so get over it or move. This site is to fix actual problems not just gripe about the things you don’t like.

I was also approached several times this week, and while some of it may be legitimate people in distress and we need to find a way to help, others presented as a scam. There is no obvious simple solution because it seems it isn't a simple/single problem.

Just to clarify, my post was not a complaint... but a call to action. I do sympathize and I am willing to help. Thank you for your advice and I will follow up on that

Social services does not even want to help people with health issues/disabilities. It can be an ordeal. No wonder so many who seem to have issues are on the streets. If people only knew. Granted, there are better ways for people to solicit money than to aggressively approach people. But the stereotypes are often wrong and the majority of people out there were let down in their time of need.

I’m really sad to hear that. You’re only as strong as your weakest link so to say. By helping out the ones in need, it helps us all. In this situation, I’m sure there are other similar cities that have the same issues and resolved them in a win win manner. I guess it’s time to do a little research on that..

I completely understand why someone would, especially if there is a reward for it. Plus one has to do what they can to get by, live etc; But giving to a panhandler on a street corner is not the answer. I’m sure the money they collect isn’t spent on real needs. At least the majority of it. There has to be a carrot and stick approach that has worked. I don’t want to overwhelm the police either. NYC eliminated the window washers years ago.. there is a solution that doesn’t require reinventing the wheel.

My biggest concern: an aggressive panhandler instigating a situation that causes an accident. It’s easy to see that happening.

I cannot walk anywhere these days without being stopped by someone looking for a handout. Some are getting rather aggressive about it. It has definitely gotten out of control recently.

There is no way that people diving in front of a car to stop and demand a hand out nor to approach aggressively and demand to someone on foot is constitutionally protected and if it is it is violating my rights to life and liberty. When you tell them you do not carry cash or offer to buy them food they get even angrier and we the ones being harassed are the ones in the wrong???!!! No, I don't think so. Albany! DO SOMETHING TO PROTECT YOUR CITIZENS!

JustJen I guess I missed the part in the original post where she said someone dove on her car...again, this is not the forum for whining about the things you don’t like in society. Come back when you’ve got a leaky water main

Thank you for your message regarding the complaint pertaining to panhandling.

The Albany Police Department does ticket individuals who are obstructing traffic, however as per the First Amendment and several U.S. Supreme Court decisions, we cannot regulate the activity so long as they are not being aggressive or obstructing traffic.

If you or someone you know find that a person is in the road obstructing traffic or preventing you from moving as you are walking, you are encouraged to immediately call the Albany Police Department by dialing 911 and/or 518-438-4000.

Additionally, signs like the ones shown here have been posted in various high-traffic areas, reminding individuals of the dangers of giving money to panhandlers in the road is dangerous, and providing an avenue to donate safely.

David, Mayor's Office assigned this issue to Albany Police Department Administrator