The idea of trying to persuade downtown pedestrians to feed special “donation meters” instead of giving spare change to panhandlers is now up and running in downtown Lawrence.
Thus far, early results suggest the city and downtown leaders still have some work to do in spreading the word.
In mid-June, city crews installed six donation meters at the mid-block crossings along Massachusetts Street between Seventh and 10th streets. During the most recent 30-day collection period, the city collected $51.59 from the meters, which was donated to the Lawrence Community Shelter.
Whatever the financial totals are, leaders at the Lawrence Community Shelter are pleased with the effort.
“The idea is to give people an alternative,” said Loring Henderson, director of the shelter. “It is a positive way to try to help out with the issue of homelessness.”
It also sends a message, Henderson said, that many leaders believe supporting panhandling is an unwise use of people’s funds. The donation meters — which are just used parking meters that have a special paint scheme — ensure that when people give their spare change, the money is going to programs to fight homelessness.
“We don’t support the idea of panhandling,” Henderson said. “It is part of all the forms that people fill out to stay here. We make it clear to people who stay with us that we don’t want them panhandling.”
Now, several leaders said, more effort needs to be made to alert downtown visitors to the donation meter program.
“I think conceptually it is a great idea,” said Cathy Hamilton, executive director of Downtown Lawrence Inc. “I think we just need to do a better job of getting the word out about it.”
But Hamilton said the idea has promise because it makes for an easy way to donate to the shelter.
“It is just a matter of educating people that these meters are at a spot where they can deposit a couple of dollars or a couple of quarters and it will do more good in the effort to fight homelessness,” Hamilton said.
Jonathan Douglass, city clerk, said it cost about $300 per meter for the city to install the meters, which are on both the east and west sides of Massachusetts Street. He said the bulk of those costs were labor costs incurred by city employees. The cost for actual materials was significantly less, Douglass said.
Comments
50YearResident 9 months, 2 weeks ago
The front page picture is worth a thousand words. The bum is sitting next to the meter to collect the donation directly. Don't bother to put the coin in the meter, just hand it over now, thanks. This is the reason the meter will not work to stem panhandling downtown. It will have an opposite effect.
loudmouthrealist 9 months, 2 weeks ago
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS.
Based on the "Stars and Stripes" newspaper roughly 60,000 US Veterans are currently homeless in the US. The New York Times and NPR list that number at ~ 67 thousand veterans.
Thank you, 50YearResident, for supporting our troops (to be veterans in the future) and all the men and women who have served this great country by calling all homeless veterans BUMS.
50YearResident 9 months, 2 weeks ago
I am a veteran too. After I was discharged I got a job and worked for a living. How do you know this guy is really a vet anyway or just claiming to be to get your sympathy? He looks able to work to me. Support vets by helping them find a job.
onceajhawkalwaysajhawk 9 months, 2 weeks ago
+1
loudmouthrealist 9 months, 2 weeks ago
50YEARRESIDENT
Since you are the one calling 60.000 + veterans BUMS, why don't you tell us what you are doing to find them jobs?
Are you advocating more funding (taxes) to pay for more VA services?
Just because you are a veteran does not mean you should be able to disrespect others.
loudmouthrealist 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Dolph4 There will always be humans who lie for their personal gain. Rich or Poor. Right or Left wingers. But that does not change the fact that 50YEARRESIDENT just called 60.000 + homeless veterans bums.
jhawkinsf 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Which is precisely why our charity ought to be directed to groups who are ready, willing and able to direct that charity to those who truly need and not give that money to those who do not deserve. The Lawrence shelter does not fit that definition. Our charity ought to be directed away from them and towards currently available homeless programs administered through the VA. Of course, we could always demand that the Lawrence shelter change their enabling policies.
loudmouthrealist 9 months, 2 weeks ago
jhawkinsf
1st) Your comment does not address the fact that individuals on this POST are lumping 60,000 + veterans (disabled or not) in with the same category as "homeless BUMS".
2nd) Your comment is at best simple minded. I do not have actual numbers that I can refer to, but it is generally accepted that many homeless (veterans and non-veterans) are homeless due to mental illness. The important word here is many. There will always be individuals (few or many) that will abuse the system. But just because some ( or even many ) of the "apples" are bad, do you throw out the whole crop? Or do you try to salvage the good ones?
It is not realistic to believe that an organization such as the VA could adequately take care of all homeless veterans. I am a service connected disabled veteran (thankfully not homeless) who receives care trough the VA system. As thankful as I am for the care received through the VA system, I have waited up to 6 months to be seen after being referred by another Dr. in the VA system. The VA is woefully under funded and over taxed. The system is not going to get better anytime soon, especially not with the prevalent political direction this country is moving in in regards to funding cuts. And keep in mind the mental state of many of these homeless veterans. They are not highly functioning due to mental illness. It takes a concerted effort by the veteran to get needed services.
My point in all of this is when people label 60.000 + homeless veterans a BUMS. then we have a serious problem with the "functioning" populations mentality regarding homelessness.
Topple 9 months, 2 weeks ago
"Bum" a person who avoids work and sponges on others; loafer; idler.
I'm a veteran myself, and don't expect that status to earn me handouts for life.
You get up-in-arms about "veteran" homeless people but what about those who never served in the military? They're okay to call "bums" because they weren't members of the armed services?
I appreciate your respect for veterans but get a grip.
loudmouthrealist 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Topple
For the sake of brevity in my above comments I focused on veterans. I am a disabled veteran and I do receive a modest "handout" (disability) from the VA.
I DO NOT consider myself a BUM for receiving that "handout".
loudmouthrealist 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Topple
I also agree with your line......"You get up-in-arms about "veteran" homeless people but what about those who never served in the military? They're okay to call "bums" because they weren't members of the armed services?"
You are correct. Non veteran homeless should not be automatically considered bums. There are countless reasons why individuals become homeless. My responses on this post originated due to 50YEARRESIDENTS comment labeling ALL homeless as BUMS.
Topple 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Points taken. I would never consider receiving disability from the VA a handout. It's compensation for a severe price paid by veterans, and count myself fortunate to have avoided any injury during service.
As for 50yearresident, I didn't actually see him call all homeless people bums, just said this particular man is a bum. I'm not sure I find anything incorrect about that assertion. Instead of working or finding work, he's sitting on the sidewalk with a sign (lying about?) saying he's a homeless veteran 'bumming' cash off people.
50YearResident 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Loudmouth, If dolph4 is correct I called a bun, a bum. It has nothing to do with vets. Your log in name is a great discription of yourself.
loudmouthrealist 9 months, 2 weeks ago
50Y.R.
1st) you are correct. My log in name is a great description of myself. I am a REALIST and if I have to be vocal about an asinine comment I read I will be a great big LOUD MOUTH.
2nd) In your original post you did not call a "BUM a BUM". You called ALL HOMELESS BUMS.
That includes 60.000 + veterans BUMS.
That includes all families that became homeless (for whatever reason) BUMS.
That includes all mentally ill individuals as BUMS.
That includes all alcoholics and drug addicts as BUMS.
And that includes all BUMS that don't want to work as BUMS.
Since I consider and the medical profession consider alcoholism and drug addiction an illness, the only category that I can agree with you that are BUMS is the BUM category.
Think before you post you BUM.
cagiv 9 months, 2 weeks ago
you're name would more accurately describe you if it included, ignorant, or idiotic. No one ever said that all homeless vets are bums, he called that one individual a bum. You inferred the rest. Get a grip, and possibly a job yourself?
You’re trying to include other those "groups" is nothing but your idle mind “reading” what it wants to read and/or trying to be inflammatory. You make no sense.
consumer1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Has anyone noticed the number of homeless people who own lap tops?? I overheard a couple of homeless folks taking about buying new lap tops yesterday.
Alyosha 9 months, 2 weeks ago
No, I've never noticed that. Where did you see these people, and what makes you think they're homeless? Did you ask them, or did you jump to that conclusion based on how they looked? (We all deploy stereotypes; just wondering how you're certain they were homeless.) Also, was it talking about buying a laptop the same way people talk about things they'll never be able to do? Like saying "I'm gonna go to India some day...."?
Most homeless people I see are carrying their life possessions around with them and that's never, in my experience, included lap tops.
westcl 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Henderson always has his hand out. I wonder how long it will take before the money in the meters start going to some other cause.
d_prowess 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Chad, next time you talk to these folks can you find out how often the meters are emptied and if the city has any problem with someone plugging them up so you can deposit money? I only ask because I tried a couple weeks ago and I couldn't put any coins in because it was either full or plugged up.
JackMcKee 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Trailer Park Boys! Come and get 'em!
oldbaldguy 9 months, 2 weeks ago
what happened to bus ticket to Topeka?
KEITHMILES05 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Tragic. Nothing like enabling.
oldbaldguy 9 months, 2 weeks ago
a long time ago my basketball team served thanksgiving dinner at the salvation army. going through the chow line was my neighbor's kid and her boyfriend. she was still living at home and her parents were employed. i quit giving money to beggars after that.
beatrice 9 months, 2 weeks ago
And everyone else that went through the line? Didn't their situation register with you?
So you quit giving because of two people who took advantage of a free meal. Well, I hope that clears your conscious for not helping others ever since.
Deb Engstrom 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Everyone is welcome at the community Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. You don't have to be poor or homeless, just want a good meal and company. Some of the most affluent people in our community come to LINK for Thanksgiving and come to the Community Christmas dinner at the Methodist Church. You really should join us this year.
blogme 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Give it away and they will come. Get ready for more of 'em. Had a couple of runins with the poor and destitute in this town. One had a gas can and was asking for money @ 23rd and Louisiana. Told him to meet me at the station and I'd fill his can. Of course, he couldn't walk a block for his "gas" and didn't want a ride there, just wanted the money. Another one was by king buffet / perkins. Him and his 10-11 year old son. He was asking for money. Buddy of mine told him they have food kitchens here in town if they were hungry. He told us "Yeah, but we're vegetarians." Just shrugged my shoulders and walked away. Seriously? Apparently your parents never told you beggars can't be choosers, another failed societal lesson. Oh well, so be it. Needless to say, govt based charity get's no charity from me.
gccs14r 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Was it a graybeard with a couple of forearm tats claiming to be a vet trying to get to the VA in Leavenworth?
Deb Engstrom 9 months, 2 weeks ago
I think I saw that same person. I took his gas can to the gas station, filled it up and took it back to him. I also gave him a couple of dollars. Didn't hurt me a bit!!!
paulveer 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Geez, not a breath of human kindness on this page. So judgmental!
Liberty275 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Do you think a web page full of kindness is edible?
Iwanttosaythis 9 months, 2 weeks ago
its bad eough that the parking meters steal your money without giving you time now this well if i going to get nothing for my money what the hell
Bladerunner 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Save your change for language skills training.
classclown 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Does each one come with its own panhandler, or are they sold separately?
beatrice 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Wow. Equating homeless people with human chattel, wondering if people are "sold." Now that is one bigoted comment.
Liberty275 9 months, 2 weeks ago
I think you are bigoted against people with twisted senses of humor.
oldbaldguy 9 months, 2 weeks ago
homeless vets are usually homeless for a reason, either substance abuse or mental health or both. i would not accept someone's word or sign that they are a vet without knowing more. i can't tell you how many times clients of mine told me they had PTSD from getting kicked out of boot camp, falling off the supply truck or something similar. i have had clients who were in hard combat and they still are having problems. the VA is the first place i send them if they have not initated contact.
give aid to organizations, not bums on the street.
consumer1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Manay of them claiming to be vet's are lying. If you have military experience, you can ask them what branch they served under and what their M.O.S was. Then you catch them showing their lie.
consumer1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
many.
consumer1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
many. There
consumer1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
many. There is
consumer1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
many. There is a
consumer1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
many. There is a guy named
consumer1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Whoa??? How did I do that /???
Agnostick 9 months, 2 weeks ago
You hit the button too manay times.
jhawkinsf 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Very funny. +1.
50YearResident 9 months, 2 weeks ago
The enter buton is not the space bar.
georgeofwesternkansas 9 months, 2 weeks ago
The City of Lawrence has saved the world with this meaningless gesture.
Jayhawk1958 9 months, 2 weeks ago
How about some lettering on the meter that says to not give to panhandlers but give to the meter instead. Or is there a constitutional issue here?
beatrice 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Imagine, making an attempt to help others. How terrible!
WWJS -- (Who would Jesus scorn.)
jhawkinsf 9 months, 2 weeks ago
If a guy was depressed, would you give him a loaded gun?
If a guy is an alcoholic, would you give him money to buy a drink?
If, with an ounce of common sense, you know there is a strong likelihood that people on the streets will misuse the funds given to them, why would you enable this person in their self destructive behavior?
Now I'm not a Christian, so I may be wrong about this, but I think Jesus would give the beggar some bread or fish. Or given the state of our more modern society, he might encourage a gift to a reputable charity which would then dispense that charity is an appropriate manner. I doubt he would give the person money so they could buy a pint of cheap whiskey. I'll apologize in advance if I've misinterpreted the meaning of Christian charity.
beatrice 9 months, 2 weeks ago
So Jesus might think putting money in meters that go to charitable organizations rather than in someone's hand a good idea? Indeed, he might. He certainly wouldn't criticize people for trying to help others, as people are doing here.
pizzapete 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Instead of spending my money helping the poor, the homeless, and less fortunate amongst us, I'm saving my money to buy a bumper sticker that reminds everyone that America is much better off without Saddam Hussein.
pizzapete 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Maybe instead of setting up meters downtown the city could use their "special" sales tax to help pay the poor people who have to work at our new city subsidized hotels and burger joints a living wage
funkdog1 9 months, 2 weeks ago
So is this guy a vet or what?
frenchie360 9 months, 2 weeks ago
My Step-dad is a disabled vet and we both agree that you cant expect a free ride just because you served. I respect every vet but doesnt mean they should now sit downtown and ask for change. I think the city should require a permit to panhandle that requires 40hrs of community service or downtown clean-up per month.
Liberty275 9 months, 2 weeks ago
I just got a Veterans tag for the Vette. My first job out of the army was in a hole with a shovel getting the parts a backhoe couldn't.
tbaker 9 months, 2 weeks ago
So do these meters work like homeless parking spots? When the meters run out, the urban outdoorsman has to move along or be ticketed for vagrancy? Or is this just a way to donate to the homeless shelter that doesn't involve a personal interaction with a street person? Nothing like a real live bum on the street as an ad campaign for the shelter. I like it.
lynchburgsbest 9 months, 2 weeks ago
hey can those of use that have jobs but only make 28000 a year have meters to raise money for us? O wait i forgot the city of lawrence only helps those that won't get a job and is a destination city for Bums and homeless folk.
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