Understanding Panhandling & Making Real Change
What is the Give Real Change idea all about
This site was created as part of a partnership to provide public information about panhandling and to help you find a way to safely give to those in need. Our goal is to help you make a safe and smart choice of where and when to give.
On this site, we have provided links to connect you with some amazing local groups that support those in need in our capital region communities. The partnership that created RCIU2Y does do not solicit donations for themselves.
Understanding Panhandling
Although you may not be aware, panhandling is protected free speech by law. This site isn't designed to in any way shame or hurt anyone who is in need. Our goal is to educate people about the challenges and risks associated with certain types of panhandling you may not think about when you see a person asking for help or when you may be asking for help.
Many individuals often want to help someone they see who appears in need, but that urge to want to help and give cash to a stranger must come with an understanding of the actions, effects, and risks. Giving to someone on a busy roadside or if you are alone on a city sidewalk can be risky or potentially inviting the risk of injury to the person soliciting. In some cases, consider that handing a person cash may be causing more harm to them if they suffer from addiction or mental illness and really need to seek help from professionals and trained service providers.
Often people are asked to give money on highways ramps and even within roadways by people carrying signs. This is dangerous to the person asking for the money and potentially even the person who gives the money.
Pedestrian accidents and personal injury liability should be first and foremost in your mind when you are handing money to an individual walking through traffic,m amongst cars and trucks on highway ramps, and streets. Its imperative to support people in need, but be smart about where and when you choose to give and it should be discouraged to encourage roadside and aggressive panhandling situations. We ask instead to please: Give where it is safe and will have maximum impact and support to a solicitor not potentially do more harm!
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Watch how it looks to give at a highway interchange:
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To give without the risks or intimidation or injury, choose one of the groups on our list and donate to them.
They do great work in our community in helping others and it's safer and is often wrapped in services, treatments, and advice for everyone involved. Giving to trained and professional socially responsible organizations instead of cash on the street also serves to encourages people in need to actually seek out these organizations who can give real change to a person's life!
RealChangeIsUp2You.Org
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Help those, who help others in the Capital Region.
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Give Where and When its Safe to Give!
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FACT: Panhandling is a form of Constitutionally Protected Free Speech
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Roadside Panhandling can extremely be dangerous to the person asking for help, and to the safety and security of those trying to help. Be aware of the potential for Auto Accidents, Pedestrian Incidents, Personal Injury, and even Insurance Fraud.
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Be aware of what you are doing, and your surroundings
Roadside Panhandling is not safe!
Don't Encourage it...Give Real Change to those who help those who need help.
“Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do”
Voltaire
LOCAL LIST OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES THAT PROVIDE: ADDICTION SERVICES, SUPPORTIVE SHELTER SERVICES, UNSHELTERD PROGRAMS, TRANSPORTATION, MEALS AND OTHER COMMUNITY OUTREACH
FOR THOSE IN NEED.
Rehabilitation
Support Services
Tackling the Issue
A gift to Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc. may be made in honor of someone – for instance, a friend or relative celebrating a special occasion or in memory of someone who has passed away. You may also contribute simply because doing so can truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Joseph’s House
and Shelter, Inc.
Joseph’s House provides emergency shelter or support services to an average of 1700 men, women and children yearly. Central to Joseph’s House mission is to provide non-judgmental services to end homelessness. The staff works to build relationships based on each guest’s & tenant’s strengths and capacities. Treating each person with dignity & respect, and promoting self-determination empowers guests and tenants to make healthier choices.
Interfaith Partnership
for the Homeless
In recognition of the dignity and value of every human life, the mission of Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH) is to address the needs of the homeless and low-income community by providing a continuum of services to encourage self-sufficiency, empowerment, and stability.
If your organization supports the mission of helping the unsheltered and those in need let us know you would like to be represented here.
518-462-4300
THE FIRST CHURCH IN ALBANY
We are a community rooted in Jesus with a long history in Albany and a continuing commitment to ministry in the city. You are invited to join us in worship on Sunday or to participate in ongoing opportunities for spiritual growth and mission.
May God's grace and peace be yours!
Senior Interim Minister, the Rev. Lynn Carman Bodden
St. Peter’s Church-Soup Kitchen
Members of St. Peter's volunteer monthly to feed the homeless at St. Francis Soup Kitchen, 498 Clinton Avenue, Albany. Our children and young people serve at these events as part of the "Angels In Training" led by Laura Saffares. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to spend these few hours (11 AM to 1 PM) on the last Saturday of each month helping those in our community who need it most. To donate or volunteer, please contact Laura Saffares or the parish office.