A homeless veteran has been given a ticket for rummaging through a trash can in search of food.
The 44-year-old man, known as K.J., was looking for food in downtown Houston, Texas, on the morning of March 7, when he received a citation from local police.
According to the summons, he is being charged with 'disturbing the contents of a garbage can in downtown central business district.'
The citation has caused outrage among Houston residents, many of who feel that the city's attempts to prevent good Samaritans from feeding the homeless have placed people in an impossible situation.
In a Facebook post that has been shared almost 1,000 times, local resident Joe Ablaza wrote, "This citation was issued to a homeless veteran who once had meals provided to him but is now forced to search through garbage cans.
"What little dignity this man has continues to be assaulted by the uncompassionate leadership of this city."
Houston's 'feeding ordinance law,' which requires people to get written permission to serve food to the homeless, was passed by the City Council last April and came into effect in July.
Charity workers and good Samaritans are also required to obtain the consent of public or private property owners before handing out food.
"The city of Houston has made it almost impossible for good people to feed the homeless, " writes Mr. Ablaza, who is himself a veteran.
"As a result many have had to revert to searching trash cans for their meals. Apparently we can't have that either."
K.J. is due to appear in court on April 10th.
Comments