Homeless Meters Seek to Raise Awareness, Not Solve Panhandling

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As the temperatures drop, the requests at the Salvation Army continue to rise.

“We need funds,” said Salvation Army Director of Development Peggy Steele, “we need funding to for food, we need funding to keep our doors open.”

But it’s not the only organization in town fighting for funds. For the first time in more than a decade, Loaves and Fishes Ministry of Macon is facing a budget deficit. Charles Hines worries with Christmas right around the corner; they may have too many mouths to feed and not enough food.

“I believe more people are applying for less resources,” said Hines, “and more agencies competing for the same pool of money.”

Soon these agencies along with nearly 20 organizations will competing in another pool for funds. The Macon Leadership Class of 2012 is working to install donation stations across downtown Macon. The proceeds will benefit the entire Macon Coalition to End Homelessness.

“We believe that it’s going to make a big difference in all the organizations in the coalition,” said Macon Leadership Class of 2012 Jonathan Dye, “but we’re calling on the community to step up and do something cause that’s what it’s going to take.”

But with splitting funds between so many organizations, how big of a difference will your pennies make?

Miami-Dade County’s Homeless Trust reportedly raises millions of dollars each year using homeless meters. In 2009, the city of Atlanta installed homeless meters as an aggressive effort to curb panhandling. According to Central Atlanta Progress, the city recently revamped it meters and reports that they’re doing “okay”. Steele said the Salvation Army is not fully depending on the meters.

“Marvelous idea and a good chance of being successful,” said Steele, “and of course we hope for its success.”

Dye doesn’t plan to put an end to homelessness or panhandling. He just hopes this idea can help raise awareness.

“We can’t solve poverty as one single class or one single entity,” Dye said, “but we thought this was a piece of with puzzle that we could help.”

At Loaves and Fishes, Hines just wants to raise a money to buy a little extra food here and there.

“I’m not looking for the donation stations to eliminate the budget deficit,” Hines said, “I’m just looking for them to help.”

For more information on how you can help, visit the Macon Coalition to End Homelessness website at www.mceh.org. To contact Loaves and Fishes, log onto it’s website at www.loavesandfishesministry.org To reach the Salvation Army in the Middle Georgia area call (770)441-6200.