Homeless Shelter Locale Approved

So the city commissioners finally decided on a place to put the homeless shelter -- 3335 N. Main Terrace (MAP). I've mentioned the issue here in Gainesville before, and I sincerely hope this does something to alleviate human suffering. Recently, some students tried to stage a camp-out in the Plaza area, in protest of the plight of the transients in Gainesville, and were forcefully removed, only the latest in a long series of efforts to raise awareness and concern.

The center, named the GRACE Marketplace, will contain beds, showers, phones and laundry facilities. Social services, including budgeting help, legal aid, drug intervention and vocational training, will also be offered.

About $1.4 million will be spent per year in aid and services.

To me, the only responsible city policy is one in which panhandling is outlawed...IF you have a city-run shelter that will provide basic needs for those people panhandling. If you don't have such a shelter, then it is morally reprehensible to kick people off the sides of the roads (or arrest them) for trying to get money that may or may not be used for food and survival.

I think the former option is the most humane and intelligent solution -- panhandling is bad for everyone involved, and those who wish to give to the homeless now have a central location to find them and an associated charity (and responsible, accountable administration over it) to give to.
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