HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner along with community faith leaders, radio executives and Management District leaders Monday launched a public awareness campaign to address panhandling in Houston.
Turner partnered with Coalition for the Homeless Leadership, Clear Channel Outdoor, iHeart Radio executives and over 50 faith leaders launch to "Meaningful Change - Not Spare Change" at Interfaith Ministries on Main Street.
Community leaders gave more information about the campaign during a news conference Monday morning. The program includes the use of billboards, radio ads and grassroots outreach.
“We’re asking Houstonians to redirect, redirect their giving in such a way that would create much more lasting, more permanent change in the lives of people on our streets,” Turner said.
The Houston City Council in April approved a ban aimed at ending homeless encampments and panhandling in the city. The ordinance prohibits temporary shelters, tents and unauthorized outdoor cooking devices in public areas.
Meaningfulchange.org explains the idea behind the campaign is to help panhandlers and the homeless in a way that will not perpetuate their life on the street.
