MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- The Mayor of Murfreesboro is urging residents to call police if they “feel threatened” by aggressive panhandlers on city streets.
In a press statement released Thursday, Mayor Shane McFarland cited panhandling as a “growing problem” in Murfreesboro. He says no one should be asking for money on city streets because there are “ample services available for those in need.”
In 2012, then Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg and City Council members made similar comments just ahead of crackdown on panhandlers by city police.
City Councilman Eddie Smotherman told WMOT at the time…
“If they really need clothing or food - we provide those services, and currently they’re certainly not taking advantage of the services we’re providing. They’re just willing to stand on the corner and ask for money.”
In his press statement, Mayor McFarland goes on to warn panhandlers that they are not permitted to interfere with another person on city sidewalks or stand in the street.
He notes that local homeless charities have joined forces in what’s being called the Rutherford County Homeless Task Force.
If you 'd like to learn more about the Task Force, contact Scott Foster at 615-809-2643 or ascottfoster@comcast.net. You can also view a YouTube video about the Homeless Task Force.