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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury
• 2014-2015
Homeless Donation Meters – Making Change Count
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Conclusions 1
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CL1The Make Change Count program is an innovative way to collect money for homeless services and to challenge residents and visitors to consider whether giving money to an individual contributes to the panhandling problem rather than addressing it. By creating an alternative the program encourages downtown patrons to stop giving to panhandlers and instead donate to local programs working to improve lives. The meters themselves have not been a huge success as a fundraising tool partly because the Committee has been unable to effectively promote public awareness of the program due to limited funds. Make Change Count may be discontinued after the trial period if the public does not become more supportive. The education of the public and the idea of the homeless donation meter program are to be applauded. The generous donations of the sponsors are also commended. City departments, the Board of Supervisors, merchants, Dignity Health and nonprofit organizations have come together to make us aware of possible ways to reduce the panhandling problem.