The city of Tampa is poised to crack down on panhandling and the congregation of homeless people downtown when it should be engaged in a broader discussion about long-range solutions.
The City Council endorsed two proposed ordinances last week that come close to criminalizing homelessness, and there should be a more thoughtful debate when council members return to the issue July 18. Any long-term solution will require a new strategy from the city for moving homeless people into safe and stable housing, not making arrests.
We would like to invite you to participate in our forum at www.homeless-oftheworld.com/?page_id=206
