You might consider it "paying to beg." Along FM 1960, panhandlers has become as common a fixture as traffic lights at major intersections. Some believe it's because a law in Houston forced them into the county. Others think it's the economy.
A lot of people think it's a problem, and it's gotten to the point that there's talk of requiring anyone who solicits cash to have a county permit.
On a stretch of FM 1960, we came across a man named Kyle who says he's homeless and disabled.
"First I'd have to have money to buy a permit. I'm just trying to make my way in the world. I'm not doing this 'cause I like it," he said.
The 1960 corridor is attempting a resurgence and it's working. Adult businesses are moving out, the area is being cleaned up and panhandling is the new priority.
"It has an impact on crime in the area and we're very concerned about that. It also has an impact on the flow of traffic," said Larry Lipton with the Northwest Chamber of Commerce.
The way it would work is charity groups and individuals would have to purchase a permit to solicit. Being caught without one would be a misdemeanor.
The Harris County Attorney's Office is studying to determine whether such a law is possible.
"It has to be done in such a way that we're not unfairly impacting certain groups. It cant be content-based regulation," Assistant Harris County Attorney, Robert Soard said.
While the proposal might not eliminate panhandling, some believe it would help control it.
Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Ron Hickman supports the plan.
Homeowner Rebecca Rex, who objects to panhandlers on esplanades, also is backing the plan. Rex says she objects to charity groups, like firefighter supporters, blocking traffic to pass the hat or boot.
"It's a public safety hazard," she said.
For now, the signs can still be flashed in unincorporated Harris County without consequence. And sometimes people read them and give. Enough people on Tuesday did for Kyle to buy his lunch.
"Someone took care of me when I was homeless so I just gotta help," said one of the people who donated to him.
This is not a near-term goal. If this proposal does become a reality, it would be about a year before anything is finalized.
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