This is in response to the Herald news stories and opinion pieces written about the increase of panhandlers in Durango. There are many negative things said about those who choose to beg, many judgments are made, but we need to take a moment to realize they are human just as we all are. Each human life is just as valuable and precious as the next, regardless of social status, job title or where we sleep at night.

That being said, I never have seen any of these panhandlers force a person to give them money or things. I’ve not once seen anyone held at gunpoint in Durango until they empty their pockets to a beggar. It is your legal right to refuse or even ignore a request, just as it is their legal right to ask. If it progresses to threats or violence, you have a choice to call the authorities if needed.

It also is a person’s right to refuse a job offer or even throw away food given to them. You may not know each person’s background. Perhaps he or she is unable to work a job offered, is allergic to something in the food provided, or just doesn’t like the offer. If you choose to help, you’ve done your part. What happens after is out of your hands.

The true problem is not the begging or how it will affect tourism; the real problem is homelessness and the things that cause it.

Our community simply does not have the resources at present to help every single homeless person in Durango or La Plata County. The shelter often is full, and the rest have very few options for a place to sleep without being kicked out or ticketed. These are the issues that need to be addressed. Communities need to work together to help all without discrimination. Rather than focusing on the negative and passing judgment, let’s start getting ideas together to truly help those in need in our own community.

Aubrey Lane

Durango