Begging’s the question
AN INCREASE in the number of beggars has been noted by Capital Times readers. They say more people are asking for money around Lambton Quay, Cuba Street and Courtenay Place.
But Trina Saffioti, Communications Manager for Wellington city council, says it is perception not reality. Although the numbers of beggars increased during the Rugby World Cup they have reduced over the past eight weeks - and overall numbers have stayed “relatively static” over the past couple of years.
The Wellington night shelter is currently running at about 75 percent of capacity, the same approximate level as the last four months.
Philippa Meachen from the Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre, which runs the soup kitchen on Tory Street, says the number of people they serve has remained fairly consistent throughout the year at about 30-50 for breakfast and 80-100 for dinner.
“We haven’t noticed an increase.”
There is no specific council policy on begging but the council does contract the Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) to provide an outreach service to vulnerable residents. If members of the public report begging the DCM visits the area where the beggar was seen to offer assistance and report back to the council.
“They will return on a number of occasions if the first visit is unsuccessful. Often they already know the person in question,” says Saffioti.
Walkwise also responds to reports of begging and will approach people that they see while on patrol. They record these incidents for follow up by the DCM, request that the person moves on or contact the Police if there is a serious disturbance.
Saffioti says the number of beggars fluctuates seasonally.
“Numbers do tend to go up slightly in the warmer weather.”
The council keeps an eye on emerging issues regarding begging in the city and plans to carry out a review of its Homeless Strategy in the future, says Saffioti.
But Trina Saffioti, Communications Manager for Wellington city council, says it is perception not reality. Although the numbers of beggars increased during the Rugby World Cup they have reduced over the past eight weeks - and overall numbers have stayed “relatively static” over the past couple of years.
The Wellington night shelter is currently running at about 75 percent of capacity, the same approximate level as the last four months.
Philippa Meachen from the Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre, which runs the soup kitchen on Tory Street, says the number of people they serve has remained fairly consistent throughout the year at about 30-50 for breakfast and 80-100 for dinner.
“We haven’t noticed an increase.”
There is no specific council policy on begging but the council does contract the Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) to provide an outreach service to vulnerable residents. If members of the public report begging the DCM visits the area where the beggar was seen to offer assistance and report back to the council.
“They will return on a number of occasions if the first visit is unsuccessful. Often they already know the person in question,” says Saffioti.
Walkwise also responds to reports of begging and will approach people that they see while on patrol. They record these incidents for follow up by the DCM, request that the person moves on or contact the Police if there is a serious disturbance.
Saffioti says the number of beggars fluctuates seasonally.
“Numbers do tend to go up slightly in the warmer weather.”
The council keeps an eye on emerging issues regarding begging in the city and plans to carry out a review of its Homeless Strategy in the future, says Saffioti.
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