Frequently Asked Questions about Panhandling

Q: Is panhandling illegal?

A: Panhandling is not illegal, but it is regulated in some instances. In June 2000, Denver City Council passed an ordinance that sets limits on panhandling, or soliciting pedestrians for money. The panhandling ordinance strikes a balance between public safety and the freedom of open public space, and seeks to enhance the safety environment of Downtown Denver.


Q: What is prohibited in the panhandling ordinance?

A: The following descriptions illustrate illegal panhandling behavior that should be reported:

• Panhandling on private property after being asked to either leave or refrain from panhandling. This includes public parking lots and parking structures

• Panhandling within 20 ft. of an ATM machine, bus or light rail stop, or pay telephones

• Panhandling from occupants of motor vehicles under the premise of reserving, occupying or blocking a public parking space

• Panhandling on any public transportation vehicle

• Panhandling within 6 ft. of a building entrance

• Panhandling after dark (1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise)

• Aggressive panhandling
  

Q: What is considered "aggressive" panhandling?

A: Continuing to solicit from a person after the person has given a negative response

• Intentionally touching or causing physical contact while panhandling

• Intentionally blocking or interfering with another's safe or free passage

• Using violent or threatening gestures when asking for money

• Persisting in closely following or approaching someone with the intent to panhandle

• Using profane or abusive language towards the person being solicited

• Soliciting money from people who are waiting in line for tickets, to enter a building, or another purpose

• Panhandling as part of a group of two or more people, using words or gestures intended to intimidate a person into giving money

Aggressive panhandling, as described above, is illegal. If you feel endangered, seek out a police officer or call the Denver Police non-emergency hotline at 720-913-2000.


Q: How Can You Help? Who Should You Contact?

A: Give to agencies such as Denver's Road Home, the City's 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. Learn more about the Denver's Donation Meter Project and how your business can sponsor a meter.

Use the following numbers to learn more about some of the many organizations committed to helping people in need.

St. Francis Day Shelter: 303-297-1576

Denver Rescue Mission (emergency shelter for men): 303-294-0157

New Genesis (working man's shelter): 303-831-4910

Sacred Heart House (shelter for single women and families): 303-296-6686

Salvation Army Crossroads Shelter (shelter for men): 303-298-1028

Samaritan House (temporary emergency shelter): 303-294-0241

Shelter On The Hill (men's emergency shelter): 303-861-2501

Urban Peak (youth shelter for ages 15-20): 303-777-9198

Urban Peak Resource Center Downtown: 303-292-0641

Volunteers of America: 303-295-2165

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: 303-293-2217

Denver CARES (detoxification facility): 303-436-3500

City & County of Denver Human Services: 720-944-2031 or 720-944-2185



RELEVANT PRESS RELEASES:
BID LAUNCHES PANHANDLING EDUCATION CAMPAIGN BLANKETING DOWNTOWN DENVER WITH ONE MESSAGE: PLEASE HELP. DON'T GIVE.
(Click here to read more)

BUSINESS COMMUNITY, CITY SEEK TO RE-DIRECT GREAT GENEROSITY OF DENVER RESIDENTS INTO LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS
(Click here to read more)

PARTNERSHIP STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE 10 YEAR PLAN TO END HOMELESSNESS
(Click here to read more)