In ‘ChangeUp’ program, Chandler hopes for long-term homeless relief
Nov 2, 2018, 4:04 PM
The City of Chandler launched the ChangeUp initiative in an effort to reduce homelessness.(Photo: City of Chandler)
(Photo: City of Chandler)
PHOENIX — Send a text and help the homeless population.
In an effort to raise awareness of donating directly to charities, the East Valley suburb of Chandler began an initiative called ChangeUp on Thursday.
The message behind the program: Long-term benefits of donating to local charities outweighs the benefits of giving money to panhandlers.
“Chandler residents are very generous and we want to encourage continued giving to those in need,” Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources Department spokesperson Riann Balch said in a press release.
“However, we want to ensure their donations are going towards a long-term solution to make real change in the lives of our people who are experiencing homelessness in our community.”
Users can text “ChangeUp” to 44-321 or go to the Chandler website to make a one-time or monthly donation.
The city will also place new signs in areas with high rates of panhandling to “serve as a friendly reminder to the community about how they can donate to make a lasting impact on homelessness,” the press release said.
