With Christmas upon us, it is a good time of year to consider how we can help those less fortunate. Those of us blessed with the means to share gifts, and more importantly splurge on extravagant holiday feasts should never forget to show our gratitude. Unfortunately, in some cases, even the most generous and charitable actions get us in trouble. That’s what happened a few years back when a 90-year-old man in Florida was arrested for feeding the homeless.
Feeding Homeless In Florida
Back in November 2014, Arnold Abbot was arrested twice in four days for feeding the homeless. A surprising city ordinance designed to stop people from feeding the homeless in public spaces led to the 90-year-old’s arrest. “I expected it,” said Abbott following his arrest. In other words, Mr. Abbott put the needs of others over his own when he chose to break the law.
Mr. Abbott has provided food for the hungry for over two decades. He had loaded up hot food on a beachfront table at downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Stranahan Park at the time of his second arrest. Fellow volunteers and the homeless chanted “Shame!” and his name as the police escorted him away for arrest. Luckily, he was only given arrest citations/tickets ordering him to report to court and did not face jail time.
Arrested Twice For Feeding Homeless
As this was his second arrest in less than a week Abbott was grateful the police allowed him to dole out the food. “At least this time they let us feed people first,” Abbott said. At his first arrest, he was only able to hand out about three or four meals.
For the second citation, Abbott and fellow volunteers from his Love Thy Neighbor Fund were able to provide food for over 100. The team served up platefuls of hot chicken stew, pasta, potatoes, and fruit salad while the four officers present stood by and waited. “They were very gentle,” Abbott said. “I think they feel a little guilty doing their job.”
Feeding The Homeless A Warm Meal
The homeless in the area come to the South Beach Park knowing they will find a warm meal donated by Abbott ‘s culinary school. “It’s the best food I’ve ever had on the street,” said Suzanne Haines Walsh, one of the homeless people who have benefited from his kindness.
City Ordinance On Feeding Homeless
The city ordinance limits the locations for outdoor “feeding sites.” Volunteers have to first get permission from property owners, provide portable toilets and hand-washing stations and serve food maintained at regulated temperatures. The law hopes to discourage dependency in the homeless.
Raising Awareness About Feeding Homeless
Not surprisingly when this story first appeared, it went viral across several continents. Abbott expected the arrest when he returned to the same place to serve up his free meals. As a result, reporters and television crews were waiting. “This time I’ll be a scofflaw,” he said. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a scofflaw is someone who breaks the law to show their contempt for it.
At the time of the arrests, Abbott told fellow volunteers to stop serving in the hopes they would not be arrested. His plan worked and they were not cited. The violation could entail a 60-day jail term or a $500 fine. He wouldn’t have liked the prospect of jail, but he took the risk of feeding the homeless despite his worry.
“Why do I keep doing this?” he said. “Because these are my people and they deserve to be fed.” Considering the risk Mr. Abbot took, all of us could at least make an effort to donate some canned goods to the local food bank legally!
