17-26 Resolution in Support of Putting Panhandlers to Work

Home Browse Search

PrintFriendly.com: Print & PDF Page 7 of 9 Burnell is one of the panhandlers who said he would happily take a job. "I would definitely hop in the van," Burnell said. "I would much rather be working than be out here getting hollered at." A number of people interviewed by the newspaper said some panhandlers would be unwilling or unable to participate in the program. Aaron Root said he has health issues that require blood transfusions and prevent him from working. The 41- year-old flies a cardboard sign seven days a week at various locations near Brighton Avenue at the Portland-Westbrook line. He said he is trying to get on disability for his medical condition and has a housing voucher, but can't find an apartment. If he earns enough money on a street corner, he and his girlfriend stay at the Motel 6. If not, they take a bus into town and stay at the city shelter. "(Recently), I'm spending a week in the hospital every month," Root said. "It's tough to find an employer who will work with that." Homeless through "a series of unfortunate events and bad decisions," Root said he takes no pleasure in panhandling. "I hate it," he said. "With every car that passes by, a piece of my soul goes away. For every little bit I get, my soul goes away a little bit more." " 5 r �R 7 _ a K Jr On On Riverside Street,22-year-old panhandler Bryan Tardiff expressed support for the jobs program that is under consideration in Portland,but added:"I make more money flying a sign than I do at a full-time job."Staff photo by Gregory Rec littps://www.printfriendly.com/print?url_s=uGGC_%7E_PdN_%7E PcS_%7E_PcSJJJiiiCE... 6/6/2017