A Better Way to Give

Give With Purpose.

Downtown Shreveport is leading a collaborative effort to address challenges that can stand in the way of a thriving downtown - including panhandling and other public safety and quality-of-life concerns.

As part of Operation: SEE SIGN SECURE, the A Better Way Anti-Panhandling Initiative encourages the community to take a more purposeful approach to giving.

 

When you encounter someone asking for money, consider directing your generosity to reputable organizations equipped to connect people with food, shelter, employment, treatment, housing and other resources.

Your generosity can do more when it helps connect people with the resources and services that can address immediate needs while creating pathways toward long-term stability.

Why

A Better Way?

Direct cash donations may provide immediate assistance, but they do not necessarily connect individuals with the services and resources that can address underlying needs.

A Better Way focuses on three important considerations:

1. CONNECT TO RESOURCES

Community organizations can help connect individuals with food, shelter, employment, treatment, housing and other services.

2. SUPPORT LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

Giving through organizations equipped to provide assistance can help connect individuals with resources and pathways toward greater stability.

3. HELP MAINTAIN A SAFE, WELCOMING DOWNTOWN

Residents, workers, businesses and visitors all deserve a downtown that feels safe, welcoming and accessible.

PANHANDLING & DOWNTOWN QUALITY OF LIFE

Panhandling is one of several public safety and quality-of-life issues being addressed through the initiative.

The initiative includes an enhanced focus on applicable ordinances and statutes addressing:

  • Aggressive panhandling
  • Public nuisance and other quality-of-life offenses
  • Open consumption of alcohol outside licensed establishments
  • Consumption of marijuana where prohibited by state law

Enforcement is one component of a broader approach that combines education, community resources and consistent enforcement.

A COMMUNITY-WIDE APPROACH

Education. Resources. Enforcement.

The City of Shreveport and Downtown Development Authority, alongside community partner organizations and with support from federal grant funding, are launching the A Better Way Anti-Panhandling Initiative.

Modeled after public-awareness and enforcement efforts used in other mid-to-large-city downtown districts. The effort combines:

EDUCATION

Provide the public with information about panhandling, applicable ordinances and more purposeful ways to help.

CONNECTION

Make information about community organizations and available resources accessible to individuals who need assistance.

ENFORCEMENT

Support consistent enforcement of applicable ordinances and statutes addressing public safety and quality-of-life concerns.

The objective is not simply to address panhandling. It is to create a community-wide approach that helps people
1. Give with purpose 2. Connect individuals to resources 3. Support a safer, stronger downtown.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

When you want to help someone experiencing homelessness or hardship, consider supporting organizations that are equipped to provide meaningful assistance and connect individuals with resources.

Give With Purpose.

Your support can help provide access to:

Food, Shelter, Housing, Employment, Treatment, Support Services

Instead of giving directly to panhandlers, give through organizations that can help connect people to the resources they need.