Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and police Chief Chris Burbank unveiled new public donation meters downtown as part of a new program to curb panhandling.
City officials say instead of putting a quarter in a meter to pay for parking, people can put that quarter into a special meter to benefit Utah's homeless. An event Thursday unveiled the name of the program, H.O.S.T. (Homeless Outreach Service Team), at Main Street and South Temple. H.O.S.T. is a collaboration of city officials, the Downtown Alliance and participating businesses to collect money for homeless service providers around the city.
"We're hoping that people will recognize that there's a better way to give," said Becker. "And we've worked with all the service providers and with our police departments so that we are plugging special meters."
Bright-colored, refurbished parking meters are now in several places along sidewalks downtown for easy public access. People can drop in their spare change and all the contributions will go directly to the Pamela Atkinson Foundation for distribution to local service providers. Mayor Becker says there are too many people in need throughout the community, and is hoping these meters will make it easier for locals who want to help.
"We're hopeful this will be a great way for people to participate in helping the homeless and still not having to feel uncomfortable about dealing with panhandlers," said Becker.
If this pilot program is successful, advocates are hoping to expand throughout the valley.Read More from Fox 13 Now
No comments:
Post a Comment