A 90-year-old Florida man could go to jail for feeding the homeless


Arnold Abbott, a 90-year-old advocate for the homeless, could face jail time for simply helping those in need. Abbott and two local pastors in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, were charged with violating a newly-passed ordinance that effectively outlaws groups from sharing food with the hungry. They face 60 days in jail and a $500 fine if convicted.
Why is giving food out to the homeless effectively banned? The Washington Post explains:
It's the fifth ordinance passed in Fort Lauderdale in the past six months that sets restrictions on the city's homeless. In enacting the laws, Fort Lauderdale commissioners have cited "public health and safety," saying the feeding restriction will protect the homeless population from potential illnesses. [...]
The new ordinance states that indoor food sites cannot be within 500 feet or on the same block as one another. Outdoor stations cannot be within 500 feet of residences, and organizers must obtain a permit or get permission from the property owners as well as provide portable bathrooms on site. [The Washington Post]
Abbott says he is prepared to go to jail in the name of his cause. "These are the poorest of the poor," Abbott said. "They have nothing. Don't have a roof over their head, and how could you turn them away?" --Samantha Rollins
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Samantha Rollins is TheWeek.com's news editor. She has previously worked for The New York Times and TIME and is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Today's political cartoons - May 10, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and more
-
5 streetwise cartoons about defunding PBS
Cartoons Artists take on immigrant puppets, defense spending, and more
-
Dark chocolate macadamia cookies recipe
The Week Recommends These one-bowl cookies will melt in your mouth
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read