Homeless Parking Meters Unveiled
Apparently, old parking meters in downtown Denver in various locations, including Skyline Park were revamped to act as donation meters. CBS4Denver News reports that the idea behind the parking meters is to encourage Colorado residents to donate money to the homeless rather than to give money to panhandlers.
Downtown Denver is a common place for homeless panhandlers to hang out. According to the President of Downtown Denver Partnership Tami Door, residents already give $4 million to Denver panhandlers each year.
She also told The Denver Daily News that this program is a way in which the community can contribute to substance abuse counseling, meals, shelter, and employment assistance for the homeless in Denver. Hickenlooper asserts this project is another interactive way in which the community can help those in need.
Bill Vidal, manager of Public Works, told The Denver Daily News: "You might be asking yourself how much good can spare change really do? But a few coins can make a huge difference in someone's life - 50 cents helps a homeless person to use public transportation to reach an appointment; $1.50 provides a meal for a homeless individual; and $20 provides a homeless family with food, shelter, clothing, employment assistance, and case management for a day."
Giving to panhandlers might make you feel good about yourself and indeed, it helps these individuals get food, but it appears to be better to donate to homeless organizations. Organizations who aid the homeless are able to provide more resources for a greater number of people than would be possible if everyone gives to homeless people individually on the street.
Money placed in the donation meters will go to organizations that aid homeless individuals in Denver says the CBS4Denver News.
Hickenlooper told CBS4Denver News:"Denver's 10 year plan to end homelessness, what we call Denver's road home, has really become a national model. I think we've had the greatest success in getting the whole community to buy in, to believe this is something we can tackle as a community."
The Denver Daily News reports a recent report from the U.S. Department of Housing estimated that on any given night there are 21,370 homeless individuals in Colorado.
To help end homelessness in Denver, donate your spare change in one of these new parking meters located in downtown Denver.
Sources:
CBS4Denver News: www.cbs4denver.com
The Denver Daily News: www.thedenverdailynews.com
Published by Sierra Koester
I am a freelance writer. I received my BA in Psychology from DePauw University in 2004, and attended graduate school in the field of mental health as well. View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentI like this idea and the story.
i THINK THIS IS A great idea AND THAT MORE AREAS should adapt it!
Great article! Fantastic concept. I hope it helps lots and lots of people.
I liked the "homeless parking meters" title better...just kidding. This is a good article. The parking meter thing is a cool idea...I hope it's a sign of things to come.
$4 million? That's a lot of unpaid income taxes.
What a wonderful idea! People can give without worrying that the money will go for liquid like it often does if you give directly to a panhandler. It's a good use of all that extra change, too, that we accumlate. Good article. Thanks.
I parked my car, (the one I was living in), in Denver and I put money in the meter. When I came back my car was gone and now I'm homeless. Can anybody spare a $5.25? The $5. bucks is for a cup of coffee at Starbucks and the $.25 is for a bed at a homeless shelter.
Great work, very interesting
In Kansas City a radio DJ had a booze and smokes charity for homeless where people could drop off liquor and smokes for the homeless. It was a good idea and all these people were angry when instead of complaining they could have started their own charity where they get people to donate food and clothing but they would rather complain then do something. This is a good idea its not as funny as booze and smokes but it seems more inline with what these people need ;)
What a wonderful idea! Hopefully more cities will pick up on this project. Great article.