The volume of complaints received from Vernon residents and businesses regarding panhandling within the city has visibly reduced since the implementation of the City’s Panhandling Strategy. Vernon’s Protective Services staff have also noted that panhandlers are not frequenting the medians or within close vicinity of the recently installed Kindness Meters as often as were reported in previous months.
The Panhandling Strategy includes improved signage to discourage panhandling at intersections or from traffic medians; increased enforcement in areas of concern; Activate Change signage and information that provides information to residents and business owners about panhandling issues; and the installation of Kindness Meters in high traffic areas that collect change so that residents can easily donate to recognized organizations that help underprivileged people rather than giving money directly to panhandlers.
While the actual cash value of the coins that have been removed from the Kindness Meters has yet to be reported through the banking process, it is estimated from weight that the meters have made approximately $450.00 since their installation June 30. This money will be donated in its entirety to local agencies that provide support for homeless people in Vernon.