Outreach planned to stop panhandling
and provide real help to the homeless

SANFORD — With more people facing economic hard times and looking for help, two local nonprofits are teaming up to enhance downtown life while providing real relief for those in need.

Later this month, Downtown Sanford Inc. and the United Way of Lee County will launch "Give Change That Makes Cents," a community-wide effort to stop panhandling — and, at the same time, help homeless neighbors get the food and shelter they need.

The project will begin officially on Aug. 27, when the United Way kicks off its annual campaign before a community concert at Depot Park in Sanford.

"It's not that we have a significant problem now, certainly nothing worse than what other cities our size are facing," says Jan Hayes, executive director for the local United Way. "But this has always been a compassionate community, so we don't want to sit around and let people go without getting help. And, at the same time, we want to make sure downtown Sanford remains an enjoyable, welcoming place."

"Give Change That Makes Cents" has already been adopted in other cities, including Atlanta. It allows anyone to contribute money to help the homeless through "giving meters" — special parking-style meters installed downtown to collect money that's sent to local shelters — instead of giving money directly to panhandlers.

The initiative also provides referral cards that can be handed directly to anyone asking for money. Cards list a toll-free phone number where anyone can find counseling, food, clothing and shelter.

David Montgomery, executive director of Downtown Sanford and chairman of this year's United Way campaign, calls it a 'win-win' situation.

"A lot of people want to give money to help homeless people, but worry about whether they're really helping or just supporting the kind of addictions that lead to homelessness," he explains. "What we're doing is providing solutions that benefit everyone — the donors, downtown and, most important of all, the people who need our help.

The United Way of Lee County has raised and distributed millions of dollars to help nurture children, enhance self-sufficiency and strengthen families. Contributions raised throughout the year, including the fall campaign, are distributed to more than two dozen partner agencies dedicated to improving life for everyone in Lee County.

Media Contacts

Jan Hayes, Executive Director
United Way of Lee County
919.776.5823
janhayes@leecountyunitedway.org

David Montgomery, Executive Director
Downtown Sanford Inc.
919.775.8332
downtown@sanfordnc.net