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
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
-
Should you downsize for retirement? Here's what to consider.The Explainer Moving to a smaller place may seem easier, but there are also some real benefits to staying put
-
What to do if you want to move but don't want to give up your low mortgage ratethe explainer 30-year mortgage rates are currently averaging 7% — and homeowners who secured rates closer to 3% during the pandemic are reluctant to sell their homes
-
Crossword: September 1, 2025The Week's daily crossword
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
