Patrons of a St. Louis business district are outraged after a South Grand development group asked business owners to stop offering water and food to homeless people.
The letter, which the South Grand Community Improvement District distributed to business owners, also advised calling 911 to report people sleeping, defecating or urinating in entryways.
“We understand that, especially during periods of extreme weather, providing water, coffee, and food may feel like the compassionate and appropriate way to help,” said the letter, which included the signatures of many owners of prominent businesses on the strip. “However, these efforts can unintentionally encourage individuals to remain and panhandle in front of local businesses.”…