Don't give money to panhandlers, give advice
By: Kimberly Rusley
Updated: December 28, 2012
Local organizations say when you give to panhandlers, you're enabling instead of helping.
"That 50 cents, that $1, that $2, that's not helping for long term life change," says Liz Swaine with the Downtown Development Authority. "We're encouraging people, give to organizations that are going to make that long term change."
Also, people may not realize it, but panhandling, or asking for money in the streets is illegal.
"It's against the law, because it's intimidating," says Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator. "It's against the law, because it's been proven that most of the money that goes to the homeless people, goes for alcohol, drugs, and is a quick fix for something."
The Downtown Development Authority teamed up with Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator and local non-profits to release a PSA about pan-handling.
They're encouraging people who see panhandlers in downtown Shreveport or anywhere else to resist the urge to give money to them.
Instead they want you to guide them to places like the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission or the Providence House.
