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| Neither do long-term (government) solutions... | | Date Created: Aug 18, 2005, 10:43 PM |
Well at least they got one right finally. Giving money to panhandlers doesn't solve anything but it will get you more panhandlers.
Survey: $4.6 Million Given To Denver Panhandlers A Year
Short-Term Solution Doesn't End Homeless Problem, City Says
DENVER -- Denver residents give $4.6 million to panhandlers a year, according to a study released Wednesday.
Although the amount seems generous, the business community and the city of Denver are urging residents to stop handing out money to people in the streets.
"I've always known people in our community are compassionate, but $4.6 million is a lot of money. And, more than 50 percent of those who give do so because they believe it is the right thing to do or it will help panhandlers get back on their feet. Sadly, we know that in most cases, the money is used in ways that perpetuate the problem," said Mary Buckley, with Denver's Department of Economic Development, a group that co-sponsored the survey.
"We are asking this community to redirect temporary handouts on the streets to organizations that are making a real difference, and to invest in long-term solutions -- such as housing, mental health and other services -- that help people access the resources they need to live productive lives," Buckley said.
... We were stunned at the results, especially because this is such an ineffective way of trying to help these individuals."
Authorities say that if drivers no longer gave to people standing or sitting on the streets corners, panhandling would die down and the city would thrive economically because more business and tourists would be attracted to Denver.
Those who give to panhandlers are instead encouraged to call 211 or visit the Web site for Mile High United Way to donate to programs that will have a lasting impact on the lives of the homeless.
"We applaud the city's efforts to assertively address panhandling and homelessness through the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness and other programs. It is our hope that this new research will demonstrate to Denver residents the need to support the city's work of providing new and expanded services that are so desperately needed to care for the disadvantaged in our community. We urge everyone not to give spare change, but give in ways that make a positive change," said Desmond.
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