'Make a Change' program supports homeless

By Craig Chamberlain

As of Monday, residents of Champaign and Urbana have been encouraged to
"Make a Change" in the way they deal with homelessness and panhandling on
the cities' streets.

Make a Change is the name of a new fund created by a coalition of social
service providers and Campustown businesses to support the homeless. It is
at the center of a program called "Put Your Change Where You Can Make One."

With support from the two cities, as well as the UI and the UI Student
Government Association, the program seeks to change people's attitudes and
practices in the way they deal with panhandling in Campustown and on other
city streets. 

"The university is pleased to participate in this program," said UI Dean of
Students William Riley. "We anticipate this being part of a broader effort
to assist students in learning more about their community and their
responsibility as citizens, and to encourage their involvement in community
service activities."

The goal of the program is to get the people asking for money to the
services they need, while at the same time providing additional support for
those services.

People who want to give their spare change to panhandlers are being asked
instead to deposit it in Make a Change cash boxes at local businesses.
Donations to the cashboxes will go to supplement the resources of the
organizations that serve the homeless in Champaign County.

Those same businesses will have supplies of "Street Cards" for distributing
to panhandlers in place of spare change. The Street Card lists a variety of
available services and how to find them, so the panhandler can find the
help he or she needs.

"It's in no one's best interest for people to live on the streets,
particularly when there are services available to help them get back on
their feet," notes the program's brochure. "Panhandling is becoming a way
of life for some people, keeping them on the streets. Many people think
that by giving money to a panhandler they are helping the homeless. What
they may not realize, however, is that not all panhandlers are homeless,
and that most homeless people do not panhandle."

The program also encourages local residents and students to learn more
about the issues of panhandling and homelessness, and to volunteer to work
for organizations that help the homeless.

Donations also can be made directly to the "Make a Change" Foundation, c/o
The Community Foundation of Champaign County, P.O. Box 826, Champaign,
61824-0826.