LOCASUMER.COM

Last month, San Francisco became the latest in a growing list of cities that have converted look-alike parking meters into collection boxes for the homeless. This spreading trend has been slowly adopted throughout the country as downtown city officials scratch their head on coming up with a viable solution to panhandlers.

It’s only a matter of time before “silver man” begins dressing up as a parking meter…

Although there are no parking spaces affiliated with the 10 meters scattered around San Francisco, officials hope the specially painted orange meters will reduce actual panhandling, in line with the slogan plastered on them: “Be a part of change, don’t give change.”

Of course with like any new policy or program implemented on the local level, there will be those against it. Homeless advocates are up in arms over a program they feel is just another thinly veiled attempt to drive out panhandlers.

Although there is no evidence that homeless parking meter programs actually work to curb the growing number of panhandlers, expect this to be an increasing metropolitan trend.

It’s only a matter of time before “silver man” begins dressing up as a parking meter…