ROANOKE, Va. – Driving around Roanoke City, you’ve probably seen people standing in medians along busy roads, panhandling for money or food.
One panhandler, who did not want to share her name or face on-camera, told 10 News that she’s been panhandling for three years while she tries to get counseling for her mental health issues. She said she suffers from agoraphobia, anxiety and PTSD after being in abusive relationships, which led her to losing jobs and stable housing.
“I’ve had a rough life. And I’m not out here to scam anybody. I’m not out here to do anything wrong. I’m just out here to try to get a little money to help me until I can help myself do better,” she said. “I never thought I’d be here.”
Although panhandling may be looked down upon socially, it’s not illegal. According to Roanoke City Code, it is only illegal to sit or stand in any median that is 48 inches or less in width. The woman who spoke to 10 News panhandles on a median that is bigger.
“A lot of cops come up here and tell me ‘Get off the median.’ Matter of fact, I was detained about a week ago because I was standing on the median,” she said. After she informed officers about the law, she said they let her go.
Capt. Andrew Pulley with the Roanoke Police get calls daily to report people standing in medians. However, he said there is some confusion among the public about what police can do to enforce the ordinance.
“Just because it’s uncomfortable and they’re staring at you, talking to you, whatever, doesn’t necessarily make it illegal,” said Pulley. “A large number of officers have charged people standing in the median with this ordinance. Myself, I’ve charged a few. It does not always deter it.”
Pulley said that police keep track of repeat offenders and will issue citations to those who violate the ordinance. The offenders are then required to show up at court and usually face a fine. However, Pulley said many who are cited do not show up to court.
In 2019, the city installed dozens of signs informing people about the law...and encouraging them to call 211 for resources. Nowadays, a lot of those signs are not there anymore. Pulley said many have been knocked down by cars in wrecks.
“It kind of proves the reason and the justification for the median ordinance,” said Pulley. “As far as the city putting the signs back up, it is on the list of things to do, it’s just not the most immediate thing. We have signal issues, we have other signage issues, crosswalks. It’s on the list of important things, it’s just not an immediate thing that has to happen.”
Pulley’s concern, and the reason for the law, is safety. Panhandling isn’t illegal.
“We can’t arrest our way out of the social issue,” said Pulley.
“We’re not all the same,” said the panhandler. “And we’re not all drug addicts. We’re not all alcoholics. There are some of us who have just lost our way,” she said.