Cedar Rapids panhandler, Dawn, admitted that she has come across many illegitimate panhandlers. "Omar's School for Beggars" was a fictional school for professional panhandlers. Despite the stereotype, not all homeless people panhandle, and not all panhandlers are homeless. Disputes have even reached such schemes as re-arranging benches on city sidewalks to discourage panhandlers. A year later, the Panhandlers Union led a strike by the homeless. Transients and panhandlers ranked were in the top five issues. The Square often attracts activists for unconventional political factions and has its share of panhandlers. Many panhandlers passively ask for money or hold a sign. However, there are reports of panhandlers like elsewhere in the city. Cedar Rapids has also seen an increase in the number of complaints concerning panhandlers. The union had meetings with panhandlers once a month.