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Have a Heart - Give Smart

The Have A Heart-Give Smart car is again travelling throughout the city this summer  giving out information about panhandling and about the many Edmonton agencies that give free food, shelter and support to people in need. In 2010, the Smart car reached out to 12,000 Edmontontians with the message It's ok to say "No" to panhandling and "Yes" to giving.

Have a Heart-Give Smart is a public education campaign about panhandling and the choices Edmontonians have to help make real life changes for someone in need. The Have a Heart-Give Smart public awareness campaign is a way to start the conversation among Edmontonians about how to best help people who panhandle.

It's one part of a larger and more integrated approach to address panhandling. The City of Edmonton believes that complex social issues like panhandling require coordinated community responses that address root causes. Not all panhandlers are homeless. Many, however, share the same issues as people who are homeless -- addictions, mental health issues, disabilities, poverty, low levels of education, and unemployment.

Edmontonians care about each other. Giving money to panhandlers may not be the best way to help people.

Giving money to panhandlers may:
• support drug and alcohol addictions
• discourage panhandlers from accessing community resources that can help
• encourage them to work specific areas and eventually lead to police intervention

There are many places in Edmonton for people who need free food, shelter, and support. Regular free meals and food banks are available throughout the city. The social service agencies that provide these services need your support: 211 pocket guide.

Stop by the Smart Car and talk with us about panhandling.

David Morris Fine Cars Ltd. has again generously donated the use of a Smart Car to serve as a mobile information kiosk this summer. When you see the Have a Heart-Give Smart Car and street team, stop and talk with us to get information about panhandling and the many agencies in Edmonton that provide free food, shelter, and support to people on the street.

Those wanting to give money directly to social agencies can do that at the Smart Car. 100% of cash donations will go to Boyle Street Community Services and Bissell Centre.

Immediate Giving

When approached by panhandlers, it can feel good to give directly to people. You have a choice when you give directly:

• If you know a panhandler by name, offer to buy them a snack or a meal.
• Buy a copy of Edmonton Street News from local vendors on the street.
• Donate money and/or volunteer your time to social service agencies that provide food, shelter, and support to people in need.
  

For more information:

Terri Roy-Brenneis, MSW RSW