News

Actions

Panhandler paparazzi group to hold weekend rally

Posted at 1:33 PM, Jul 31, 2014
and last updated 2014-07-31 13:33:56-04

HOLLAND, Mich -- A new anti-panhandler group along the lakeshore is planning to hold a rally this weekend.

Earlier this week, a Facebook page was created in which people show their encounters with panhandlers, who they say are lying about being in need.  Videos and photos posted to the page West Michigan Hardly Homeless Panhandlers show the confrontations.

The group posted the following on its Facebook page Thursday morning:

ATTENTION: West Michigan Hardly Homeless Panhandler's invite you to join us this Saturday 8/2/14 from 11am - 2pm for a rally to bring awareness to the Holland area to Stop giving change at the corners and bring real change to Holland by giving at a shelter.. Bring your signs and join us on James and 31 (meet by big lots) to spread this awareness. We will have news coverage of this event. The bigger the better. If you can't stay the entire time please stop by and join us and show your support. We hope you will be there. Let's be the change that Holland needs! spread the word!! "BRING A CANNED GOOD TO DONATE"

In some of the videos posted by West Michigan Hardly Homeless Panhandlers, one woman is seen following a man on a South Haven sidewalk. "You go city from city and try to scam from people," she tells him.

The panhandler is heard telling her to leave him alone, but she responds by saying, "I will, as soon as you leave our town."