Dallas law cracks down on feeding the homeless

Mobile units won't be parked outside City Hall or they'll face fine
By THOMAS KOROSEC
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

DALLAS - In the words of millionaire restaurateur Phil Romano, his Hunger Busters charity feeds the homeless "wherever they are."

On a recent Thursday, around 7 p.m., that happened to be the sweeping plaza in front of Dallas City Hall.

"I love these people because they love me," said Enrique Martinez, 57, one of about 120 homeless men and women who lined up for the last of four stops the Hunger Busters' van made on its tour of freeway underpasses and glass-strewn back lots.

A volunteer handed Martinez a cup of freshly prepared vegetable soup, a sandwich and a banana. He found a curb to sit on and tucked into his meal.

Starting Sept. 1, Dallas will begin regulating such mobile feedings, setting up a clash between a city policy and those who want to feed the poor.

Under a new ordinance, charities, churches and individuals will be allowed to serve food only at approved locations. Violations will be punishable by fines of $200 to $2,000
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