Springfield is launching a public awareness campaign that encourages residents to support local nonprofits instead of giving cash to people seeking help at intersections.
The effort, called “Help Starts Here,” was created by the City of Springfield and several community organizations, according to a community announcement. Partners include Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Crosslines Community Outreach, Victory Mission and United Way Ozarks Region.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness of services available to people in need while reducing cash donations at intersections and directing more support to organizations that provide long-term assistance. The idea was introduced by Councilwoman Callie Carroll, chair of the Springfield City Council’s
Community Involvement Committee.
Residents can learn more through the campaign website at springfieldmo.gov.
Campaign focuses on long-term assistance
City officials and nonprofit leaders said in the announcement that the initiative is designed to connect people with organizations that provide services such as food assistance, housing support, shelter, counseling and mental health resources.
Campaign materials include testimonial videos from nonprofit leaders, educational videos, social media outreach, the campaign website and signs installed near 10 busy intersections across Springfield.
The signs carry the message: “It’s OK to say no to panhandling. Support local organizations that can help.”
Signs placed at 10 Springfield intersections
The signs have been installed near:
- Campbell Avenue and Sunshine Street
- Campbell Avenue and Walnut Lawn Street
- Campbell Avenue and Grand Street
- Campbell Avenue and Battlefield Street
- Glenstone Avenue and Bennett Street
- Campbell Avenue and Chestnut Expressway
- Campbell Avenue and Westview Street
- Peele Street and Harvard Avenue
- Grant Avenue and Chestnut Expressway
- Main Avenue and Chestnut Expressway
United Way Ozarks Region President and CEO Brandi Van Antwerp said that directing donations through nonprofit organizations can increase their impact.
“Many times in the Ozarks, we see people in need on the corners, asking for help. I’m one of those people who wants to give help,” Van Antwerp said in the announcement. “When we can instead donate to a nonprofit whose mission is to help folks in need, we’re able to stretch those dollars further. Your $1 or $5 can do a lot more when you give to a nonprofit. It also ensures that it addresses the greatest needs being experienced by that individual, whether that is food, housing, shelter or mental health support.”
Victory Mission Executive Director Jason Hynson said that some donors may be able to create longer-term change by supporting service providers.
“I’ve heard stories from individuals, who, because they received donations at intersections, that they have been stuck one more day in their situation, thinking about daily survival, vs. thriving,” Hynson said in the announcement. “At Victory Mission, we want to take those donations and help people with counseling, jobs, shelter, food, to give them that chance to make lasting change, rather than that onetime $5 that keeps them stuck in survival mode.”
This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: New Springfield campaign urges support for nonprofits over panhandling
