#GiveMHT5 Panhandling Education Campaign Launches
Awareness Effort Launched by Greater Manchester Chamber, Manchester Mayor and Manchester Health Department

Manchester, NH — Today, the Office of Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, the Manchester Health Department and the Greater Manchester Chamber announced the creation of an initiative to educate Queen City residents and visitors about the downside of giving money and food to panhandlers, instead asking people to donate to organizations that help people experiencing homelessness. The Give Manchester Five campaign – or #GiveMHT5 – is a two-pronged effort to highlight the work done by nonprofits to end homelessness in the city, and to encourage residents to donate to these organizations rather than giving money directly to people who are panhandling. Learn more at www.givemht5.com.

While well-intentioned, giving to panhandlers perpetuates the cycle of homelessness and can contribute to injury or death if the money given is used to buy alcohol or drugs.