The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office + Greenville Police Department are partnering on a campaign to address homelessness by discouraging panhandling in the area. A Greenville pastor who works with the homeless says panhandlers make up to $300 a day (especially on Woodruff Rd) + he usually sees that money go towards drugs and alcohol.
The 23-HEART (Homelessness Education, Assistance, Reduction and Transition) initiative wants Greenvillians to know how to “give smart” – instead of handing out cash, learn about local churches + organizations that are working on a broader scale to provide resources to homeless people. It’s also about being able to connect people in need to the programs that can help them.
Panhandling is legal with a permit, but most people don’t get one. Many people who panhandle have trouble finding employment because of disabilities or mental illnesses. The Sheriff’s office says it wants to stop illegal panhandling while directing those people towards aid.
Hotlines at 864-23HEART or 833-23HEART have been set up to provide information about shelters, food, medical care + other services for the homeless.
