Corrections and clarifications

Last week’s cover story, Spare Change incorrectly attributed a quote to City Councilor Gary Rosen regarding a particular panhandler at the corner of Main and Chandler Streets. The quote was a paraphrase from the notes of a reporter, and should not have been directly attributed. Rosen says he never discussed the topic of panhandlers, and was instead discussing the dangers of teens and adults collecting money/fundraising at busy city intersections, especially at Park Avenue and Chandler Street. We regret the error. Also, Jesus Pagan’s name was misspelled in the story.

Getting at the truth can be difficult in these kinds of stories. It should be noted that while the panhandlers featured in the article said they were homeless and slept at the PIP Shelter, Shelter Director David McCloskey says his records show three of them have spent less than seven nights at the shelter since Jan. 1.

Lastly, Worcester Magazine received a call from Shala Carrasquillo, the wife of one of the panhandlers featured in the story. She insists her husband is homeless because he chooses to be and that family members are willing to help him.