People urged to donate money to charitable organizations instead

Hoping to help the homeless get off the streets near campus and downtown, a new campaign supported by a citywide coalition is working to persuade people not to give handouts to panhandlers.

The campaign, called "Stop Giving to Panhandlers - Don't feel guilty," suggests that people give money to charitable "partners" rather than people on the street.

The program is voluntary for businesses in the East University Boulevard and North Park Avenue area, as well as those downtown and along Fourth Avenue. Participating businesses put a poster in their window and provide a list of the partners.

"The basic message is that giving money only empowers panhandlers to stay on the street - doesn't allow them to get off the streets, to become a productive member of society again," said Sam Spencer, events director for the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association.

Instead, money would be going to organizations that help the homeless with food, shelter, employment and other services.

The program also suggests that people deal with homeless asking for change by acknowledging them with eye contact and responding politely by saying "no" or "sorry." If confronted with aggressive behavior, people should call the crisis line at 323-9373 or 911.

The campaign is supported by a coalition consisting of the UA, the City of Tucson, the Tucson Downtown Alliance, the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association and eight social services organizations.

"Everybody just got together and said this is something we need to do," Spencer said.

While the program focuses mainly on downtown and Fourth Avenue, business on University Boulevard and Park Avenue are included through the West University Neighborhood Association, said Paul Kareiva, owner of Sharky's, 800 E. University Blvd., a participant in the program.

"It has never really been a problem here; it is pretty much just Fourth Avenue," Kareiva said.

Some students say, though, that they do give money to panhandlers closer to campus.

"I think they need to get money for food so they can get off the street. I give to them and organizations," said Colleen Toshner, a fine arts sophomore.

The list of organizations to donate to are Comin' Home, 322-6980; Compass Healthcare, 882-5608; COPE Behavioral Services, 792-3293; La Frontera, 822-8422; Our Town Family Center, 1-800-537-8696 and 323-1706; RISE Inc., 791-2569; Travelers Aid, 622-8900; and Tucson Planning Council for the Homeless, 881-1794.