Pueblo homeless commission set to begin new educational campaign addressing panhandling
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The city of Pueblo plans on opening the new homeless shelter on 4th street later this month. However, the new shelter won’t solve all of the problems stemming from the homelessness crisis.
The city of Pueblo and members of the city's homeless commission are now turning their attention to issues like affordable housing and panhandling.
The city has discussed panhandling for some time. Back in 2018, city council discussed the possibility of banning the act. However, city attorneys said banning the act could infringe upon freedom of speech.
Instead of targeting the act, homeless experts in Pueblo want to teach folks why handing over the spare change inside your glove box might not be the best use for it.
“Whenever you give a dollar to someone who is panhandling, there is no assurance of where that money is going,” said Sara Rose with the Pueblo Homeless Commission. “The money may be going to support drugs, alcohol and other intentions you aren’t trying to support.”
The commission hopes to begin an educational campaign on the homeless and misconceptions associated with the homeless community. The campaign will also focus on teaching folks to donate money to reputable sources. The educational campaign will include flyers, signs, and billboards.
The campaign will also set up a text method of donation for people in Pueblo to make quick small payments that will be channeled thru United Way. 100% of the resources donated through text message will go towards homeless organizations in Pueblo.
Colorado Springs started a similar program back in May of 2018. By October of 2018, the city managed to raise around $1,000.
The Pueblo Homeless Commission will need an additional $16,000 to launch the educational campaign. Pueblo County has already approved half of the funds, and the city is expected to discuss in the coming weeks.
