OCTOBER 2004

Social Issues Task Force: Alternatives Solutions for Panhandling
"Spare Change for Real Change:" Positive Alternatives to Dealing with Panhandling

It is difficult to walk more than a block downtown without being hit up for money by panhandlers. It seems panhandlers have become a part of our urban landscape.

"Our panhandling issue is a product of our success in downtown Asheville," said Dwight Butner, owner of Vincenzo's Ristoranté and a member of the Asheville Downtown Association Board of Directors. "Fifteen years ago, there was no panhandling problem because there were no people downtown. It's not an issue that is going to go away," he said, "but one that we will have to manage for as long as we remain successful."

Under the Butner's lead, the Asheville Downtown Association is kicking off a program designed to do just that. The program, called " Spare Change for Real Change ," was initially part of the recommendations from the Social Issues Task Force, a group created by City Council 18 months ago to study social problems downtown and to propose ways in which public and private organizations could address and solve some of these issues that negatively impact our downtown and all its constituencies.

The Real Change Program, presented to City Council in mid-August, has several components:

• Creating a brochure that details services and locations of various relief organizations serving the disadvantaged, and encouraging individuals to make charitable contributions there.
• Distributing feedback cards to downtown merchants and residents, which can be passed along to various agencies downtown that address specific activities and behaviors that need to be addressed -- illegal panhandling activities, graffiti, vandalism, etc.
• Implementing a public relations program that encourages visitors and residents to make donations to various collection boxes around downtown, which will be distributed to relief agencies, rather that to panhandlers individually.
• Placing several locked collection boxes throughout downtown to receive both donations and feedback cards.

As of this writing, City Council heard the recommendations at its August work session, and asked City Staff to be prepared to report on the legality/viability of the proposal. The Council may vote on whether or not to accept the recommendations at a regular meeting in the fall. One council member voiced concerns about donation boxes downtown, because of potential vandalism.

Lock boxes or not, Butner said he is ready to act on the public awareness part of the campaign immediately.

"We believe, no matter where you come down on this issue, there is something in this program to support - from the neighborhood watch aspect to working with the existing ordinance to channeling funds into organizations that help the homeless," Butner said. "The Real Change program is a way for this community to work together to address the problem in a positive way," he said.

The Asheville Downtown Association Board of Directors voted at its September meeting to pursue the public information campaign, while working with Council as it weighs the donation box recommendation. The Board will immediately begin to determine how to raise money to produce the brochures and posters.

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