Dr. Michael Omidi Discusses New Law Affecting the Homeless

Dr. Michael Omidi and his brother Julian Omidi are the founders of the organization No More Poverty, which seeks to end the ravages of poverty both in the United States and abroad by sponsoring like-minded charities. In this article, Dr. Omidi discusses a trend in many American cities to prevent homeless panhandling via the aggressive issuance of citations and arrests.

As someone who works to stop poverty and its causes, I was struck by a series of articles concerning America’s homeless population. It seems that many cities and counties all over the country have banned homeless panhandling, and are issuing citations to the homeless in increasing numbers. However, some homeless are fighting back, and suing the cities for violation of their free speech.

Panhandlers can be irritating and sometimes even dangerous. There have been cases where people using outdoor ATM machines have been harassed by forceful panhandlers, who lurk nearby and watch the customers withdraw money. But the ordinances have cut a broad swath across the spectrum of panhandling, and even homeless people who don’t solicit vocally but through use of signs are being targeted for write ups and arrest. For homeless people for whom panhandling is the only source of income, the citations are more than just a nuisance; they are seen as a measure to criminalize homelessness and drive the homeless population out of the city.

The ban on panhandling was a bid by many city commercial districts to lessen the number of homeless encampments near their businesses, which tended to drive customers away. Yet many officials are issuing citations to panhandlers who operate on or near roadways. Since the economic downturn of the last few years, the number of citations has gone up. Some city officials argue that the citation of aggressive panhandling is a reaction to complaints. Steve Ray Evans is a Utah homeless man who has brought lawsuits in many districts for violation of his first amendment rights. He has been successful in many cities, since legislators do not want to spend city funds fighting these suits. According to Mr. Evans in the New York Times:

“This is my only source of income.  I do it for survival purposes. I feel as though a lot of other individuals depend on it, too.”

Homelessness cannot be ended by harassment and handing out tickets. It is troubling that the underlying causes of homelessness are not being fully addressed by many states, cities and counties. My organization, No More Poverty, currently supports numerous charities that work tirelessly to provide resources for people that want to bring themselves out of homelessness.  Foundations such as Under the Bridges and on the Streets, Children of the Night and The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation work with the homeless to find solutions, and help them by giving them the tools they need to get the educations and the jobs that will allow them to support themselves and their families. Visit us at nmp.org to learn more about my brother Julian Omidi’s and my efforts to stop homelessness and its causes.

Sources:

Frosch, Dan “Homeless are Fighting Back Against Panhandling Bans” Nytimes.com

Romney, Lee “Arcata Panhandling Law Mostly Struck Down by Judge” Latimes.com http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/27/local/la-me-arcata-panhandling-20120927

Dr. Michael Omidi, MD Helps Out Dandelion Wishes

Dr. Michael Omidi, MD is cofounder of No More Poverty with his Brother Julian Omidi.  No More Poverty, an organization that works to end global poverty by sponsoring charities that already have poverty-ending initiatives in place, is currently promoting the works of Dandelion Wishes.  In this article, Dr. Omidi discusses the benefits of art therapy, which Dandelion Wishes uses for the spiritual and emotional uplifting of depressed communities.

While we have all heard of “the healing power of art,” did you know that there is substantial clinical evidence to suggest that the phrase is more than just an old wives’ tale?  An article published in the Journal of Psycho-Oncology reported a study conducted on 111 cancer patients who painted self-portraits, sculpted with clay and performed other artistic tasks.  It was found that the patients experienced a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, which resulted in improved sleep, lower levels of pain and increased quality of life.  The act of producing a work of art that isn’t constrained by a specific language or rigid form of expression has also proven to be beneficial to people who have suffered severe emotional trauma.  The psychological, physical, emotional and even spiritual benefits in creative expression are legion, and that is why a foundation like Dandelion Wishes is so important.  It is my hope that No More Poverty can help bring public awareness to Dandelion Wishes, which seeks to initiate social change and promote health, strength and empowerment through the employment of art classes and workshops.

One of the most important tasks in poverty reduction is convincing individuals in destitute communities that they are valuable and are capable of achievement.  Finding a channel through which anger, frustration, hatred and despair can be funneled in a healthy and productive way is crucial to initiating positive community growth and development.  Art therapy gives victims of crime, abuse, drug addiction and poverty a form of expression that allows them to open their awareness to a positive way of thinking, and a positive way of life.

Lesley Gunn, founder of Dandelion Wishes, began her mission in 2010 after having undergone her own emotional catharsis while using art as a therapeutic agent. “My passion is being able to share my personal trials and triumphs with my means of healing through creative expression and art,” she says.  “Helping others to find hope inside themselves is incredibly rewarding.”

People who have participated in art workshops with Dandelion Wishes have found the services invaluable.  One participant wrote: “It was a wonderful experience that brought a lot of peace.  I realized I still carry the loss of those I have lost in my heart.  In each of my paintings they are all around me.”

Dandelion Wishes has provided outreach to juvenile detention centers, hospitals, foster families, trauma victims and impoverished communities in Kenya and Nicaragua.  Currently, Dandelion Wishes is raising funds to provide workshops for the San Bernadino Juvenile Detention Center and Sylvia’s Serenity Sober Living Homes.  No More Poverty is honored to be a part of supporting the great work of Dandelion wishes, which will hopefully continue to provide a creative outlet for people in need for many years to come.  If you are interested in learning more about Dandelion Wishes and other charities sponsored by No More Poverty, then please visit nmp.org.

Michael Omidi, MD – Pictures

Dr Michael Omidi MD

Dr Michael Omidi MD

Dr. Michael Omidi at an event with California State Controller John Chiang.

Dr. Omidi with Jeff Goonewardena, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles.

Special Needs Children Putting At The Challenge Golf Tournament

Dr. Tom Odgers Thanked Julian Omidi & Dr. Michael Omidi

Dr. Tom Odgers thanked Julian Omidi and Dr. Michael Omidi for their generous sponsorship of the Challenge Golf Tournament.