Mid City Times

On April 11, 2025, the City of Fort Worth announced a new pilot initiative aimed at guiding residents to support charitable organizations rather than give directly to panhandlers. This move is part of a wider strategy to provide more sustainable assistance to those in need.

To implement this, Fort Worth is installing signs at intersections known for frequent panhandling, based on data collected from the MyFW app. These signs carry the message "It's OK to Say No to Panhandlers" and encourage residents to opt for alternative routes to aid those requiring help. The idea is to redirect funds to organizations offering sustainable solutions, as directly giving money to panhandlers can lead to ongoing dependency and unsafe conditions along roadsides.

The City emphasized, "Providing money or other assistance directly to panhandlers can perpetuate cycles of dependency and unsafe roadside interactions. Instead, Fort Worth residents are encouraged to donate to established organizations that promote the community-wide commitment to the goal of reducing homelessness."

Several organizations within Fort Worth provide essential services such as food, shelter, employment, and long-term aid, all aimed at maintaining sustainable support. Residents are encouraged to direct their donations to these groups, many of which have Gold Star Membership in the Tarrant and Parker County Continuum of Care and benefit from the City's Homeless Strategies program.

Beyond installing signage, the City has provisions for residents to report panhandling through designated channels. The city also enforces an Aggressive Panhandling Ordinance (Section 30-16) to ensure public safety. Violators of this ordinance may face citations or arrests.

Throughout the initiative, signs will continue to be placed across the city, and progress will be monitored over the next year. Staff will collect data on site visits and the change in the number of panhandling complaints.

This program represents a shift from short-term fixes to backing long-lasting, effective solutions to reduce homelessness in Fort Worth.