Mobile encourages nonprofit donations over cash to panhandlers

Mobile’s guidance

Mobile is encouraging people who want to help panhandlers to donate to nonprofits instead of giving cash directly. The guidance presents organized charitable groups as an alternative for residents who want to offer assistance.

What residents can do

People who want to help can consider giving to a nonprofit rather than handing money to someone on the street. The approach allows donations to go through organizations that provide services and assistance.

Residents may still encounter panhandlers around Mobile. The city’s message is focused on where charitable donations should be directed, not on predicting how any individual situation will unfold.

The broader question

Cash donations are a personal decision. Mobile’s encouragement gives residents another option: support a nonprofit whose work is aimed at helping people in need.

Fox 10 News reported on Mobile’s guidance. The report is linked below.