Massachusetts city tells public to stop enabling panhandlers

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — A city in Massachusetts is asking residents and visitors to stop giving money to panhandlers.

Lowell City Manager Kevin Murphy tells The Lowell Sun “it’s better to donate to organizations that deal with these issues rather than give to panhandlers and enabling them.”

The plan has been devised by a task force that includes city officials and community agencies.

The move follows an effort by the city to outlaw panhandling last year. A judge blocked that plan following a challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union.