Panhandling Prevention Campaign
Real Change - It’s great that you want to give, but giving to panhandlers is not the best way to help. Learn more about the agencies working to prevent and end homelessness in the Richmond region.
Many panhandlers are not homeless and most people experiencing homelessness don’t panhandle. Homeward’s panhandling prevention campaign has three components:
- The public education campaign to help compassionate people be a part of community solutions to prevent and end homelessness.
- An enhanced outreach and engagement effort to ensure that people who need services know what’s available and can access the services they need to take the next step.
Purchase Real Change hand cards HERE. - A review of our community’s resources to ensure that our community resources are aligned with the needs of our most vulnerable community residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Homeward launched a panhandling prevention campaign?
As the planning and coordinating agency for homeless services in Greater Richmond, Homeward is uniquely positioned to respond to the various aspects of homelessness, real or perceived, which affect our community. While professionals working in human and homeless services recognize that all panhandlers are not homeless, Homeward is using this panhandling prevention campaign to educate the community on the actual numbers around homelessness in our region and the facts around homelessness.
Does Homeward support local ordinances which prevent citizens from asking for money?
Homeward does not support any ordinance which limits an individual’s liberties. The Real Change campaign is designed to present a strategic and effective response to panhandling, both for those who are a part of our local homeless community and for those that panhandle and are not in crisis.
How many people in the Richmond region are currently experiencing homelessness?
On January 29, 2009, Homeward conducted its winter point-in time census of those experiencing homelessness. On any given day in Greater Richmond there are 1,150 men, women and children who are homeless.
Of those currently experiencing homelessness, how many panhandle?
Of the 1,150 homeless residents counted this winter, 11.6% adults indicate that they had gotten money in the past year from panhandling or asking strangers for money.
What should community members do that want to help instead of giving to panhandlers?
Homeward encourages community members who want to get involved to support local service providers that are directly assisting our homeless neighbors. A list of service providers can be found here.
Which agencies should community members support?
Homeward has not specifically endorsed any one agency, but has provided a list of reputable, local agencies and their scope of work on their website. While Homeward does not endorse specific agencies, this list represents agencies who participate in our region’s twice yearly point in time counts.
Learn More
What impact will this campaign have on those in need and panhandling to make money?
Professionals working in human and homeless services recognize that all panhandlers are not homeless. Those who panhandle in our region who are not directly in need of services may see a noticeable decrease in the amount of cash collected from the public. Alternately, our area neighbors that are in crisis will find this reduction in funds from panhandling, along with the outreach approach to the campaign, as a conduit to connect to services.
What other components are there to this public education campaign?
Informational hand cards, which are redeemable for bus tickets to assist residents without transportation in accessing services, are also being made available for purchase to the business community and the public that can be given out to panhandlers in lieu of cash. Visit this page to obtain cards.
Members from my church go out weekly with money and food for the homeless. Are you encouraging us to stop?
Embrace Richmond is a faith-based non-profit working to prevent homelessness by mobilizing people of faith. You can find effective, proven, faith-based models for assisting this population by contacting Embrace Richmond at 804-343-5008 or visiting them on the web at www.embracerichmond.org.