Panhandler outreach program a success so far, group says
Downtown Charlottetown Inc. hoping for help from city when Navigator program funding ends in March
A program offering help to panhandlers in downtown Charlottetown is having a positive impact so far, a group representing local businesses says.
Downtown Charlottetown Inc. decided this summer to take an active role in trying to curb panhandling with its Navigator Street Outreach.
Jen Nicholson was hired to find out who is on the streets and what their needs are — and to help where possible. The program, which is analogous to programs in other cities such as Halifax, was launched after a spike in panhandling the last couple of summers.
Nicholson said she's been helping people fill out forms, get ID or go to appointments.
'I'm not going anywhere'
"So far all the experiences I've had have been quite positive," she said. "I think the important thing is that the people I approach, that they know I'm there. So that even if they're not ready at that time to receive help, that I'm going to be around, that I'm not going anywhere."
Dawn Alan, executive director for Downtown Charlottetown Inc., said businesses are pleased with the efforts that are being made.
Alan said the group has put about $10,000 toward the street navigator program so far, with project money also coming from Skills PEI.
She's in the process of asking the City of Charlottetown to help fund the program, because the project funding will run out on March 30.
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With files from Sara Fraser