‘We’re not trying to criminalize homeless people’: Mobile considering jailing people for panhandling, sleeping in parks

At its pre-council meeting Tuesday, the Mobile City Council discussed proposed regulations that would impact the city’s homeless population.

The three ordinances proposed by Mayor Sandy Stimpson deal with harassment, loitering in parks or playgrounds after dark and blocking public sidewalks.

Under the solicitation regulations, it would be unlawful for an individual to make a claim for private property or to continue to do so after being asked to leave the property.

Travel regulations state that, with some exceptions, all city parks close at dark. Remaining in the park after dark or closing hours will be a violation of the regulations.

The regulation on pavement obstruction stipulates that the person who blocks the pavement or refuses to move after the decision of law enforcement officers will face criminal sanctions.

Changes will change and update the language of existing codes.

Penalties for violating each ordinance will result in a fine of up to $500, six months in prison and the potential for community service.

Recommended changes Follow a recent decision by the US Supreme Court Giving cities the ability to ban individuals from sleeping or camping outdoors in public places.

said Kendell Young, Mobile’s Homeless Outreach Coordinator. The ordinances are not designed to criminalize the homeless, he said, but will help the city’s outreach team try to “direct” people to facilities that can provide needed resources.

The outreach team consists of Mobile Police Department officers.

Young said the first option would be to refer homeless people to community services, but if a person refuses help, the decision about what to do with them would be left up to the officer who takes them into custody.

“We are not trying to criminalize the homeless,” Young said. “That’s not the point. This creates an opportunity for us to engage with individuals who have not agreed to receive services from our outreach team.”

Many people spoke for and against the proposed ordinance at the city council meeting.

Sabrina Mass strongly opposed the ordinance, saying the city should allocate funds to help homeless people rather than criminalizing them.

Mass noted that Mobile has invested more than $500 million in a civic center that could go into housing facilities.

“You’re investing more than $500 million in a recreational civic center. You put entertainment before humanity,” Mass said. “This city needs to stop… focus on getting people off the streets and getting homes and properties to give them a place to live.”

Frankie Little, a local business owner, said he hopes the regulations will address safety concerns about protecting his staff and guests.

Little talked about a fight that occurred outside his job in July between two homeless people, both of whom were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The incident occurred in front of staff and guests, Little said.

After the fight, one of the men was taken to hospital, while the other remained at the scene because the police were unable to arrest him because they did not see the fight.

Little said the man threatened to shoot him and his crew, so 911 was called. Little said he thought the man was later arrested.

Determining how to manage homelessness has become a major issue for many cities across the country.

An annual survey released in December 2023 found that homelessness has reached the highest level in the country since reporting began in 2007.