Florida outreach stopped from feeding ‘crowd’ of homeless, it’s ‘adds to the problem’
Feeding the homeless in Daytona Beach, Fla. just got a little more difficult as police have stopped a couple from passing out food, noting it’s “illegal to feed a crowd.”
Debbie and Chico Jimenez photo: Spreading the Word without saying a word
Chico Jiminez and Debbie Jiminez run a ministry the two founded, Spreading the Word Without Saying a Word, to help people living in poverty. The pair lead a group to feed homeless on Manatee Island in Daytona Beach about once a week notes WFTV.
Debbie Jiminez said they have been feeding the homeless for at least a year and until now they’re never received a ticket or warning. But Police Chief Mike Chitwood told Eyewitness News that’s not the case.
“We’ve always enforced it. This got so big, it was posted on YouTube, it was really brought to our attention that, hey, things are really out of control on Manatee Island,” Chitwood said.
The city recently hired a consultant to analyze the homelessness issue and leaders are preparing to set up a possible transitional housing center near the county jail. The consultant told officials that feeding the homeless only adds to the problems, but Chico Jiminez and Debbie Jiminez feel they’re making things better.
“Most of them, they’re out there because they lost their jobs, lost their families and they’re out there homeless and they need help,” Chico Jiminez said.
This is a theme running across America – Check out these stories:
- Alabama pastor stopped from handing out food, needs “food truck permit”
- NC church ordered to stop feeding homeless or get arrested
- Bread of Life Mission battles to stay open and feed homeless
In an email to The Dispatch, Chico and Debbie confirmed all of the charges, fees etc… were dropped and the outreach has resumed.
“The ordinance is there, so if we catch you, we’re going to cite you.If you want to feed people, and you want to do a good, Christian act, we encourage you to coordinate with the social service agencies.” – Police Chief Mike Chitwood