A report released by the National Coalition for the Homeless last month shows a growing number of U.S. cities are making it illegal to hand out food to the homeless. Since January 2013, 21 cities have passed legislation restricting food distribution.
The trend has raised some eyebrows -- leading many to question why it’s happening, and how much it relates to growing pressures to maintain a "clean" image in our urban centers.
This hour, our panel of experts and advocates weighs in on why so many cities are following this trend. We also look more closely at the plight of homelessness here in Connecticut.
And later, a conversation about death and homelessness, including a rare look at a potter’s field on New York City’s Hart Island.
GUESTS:
- Eliza Barclay - Reporter and editor for NPR's food blog, The Salt
- Steve Gray - Lifelong Hartford resident who serves as an advocate for the homeless
- Lisa Tepper-Bates - Executive Director of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness
- Corey Kilgannon - New York Times reporter covering NYC
