Educational Campaign Looks for Positive Change

In the effort to curb panhandling in the city, the Redlands Police Department has launched a campaign that focuses on providing resource information to transients in the city. The campaign launch was announced by Police Chief Mark Garcia during a public town hall meeting on March 5. Posters with the message "Positive Change, Not Spare Change," are being distributed to local businesses and encourage residents and visitors to support local organizations providing services to the needy and homeless individuals instead of giving cash to panhandlers, a release states. A link to the Redlands Charitable Resources Coalition website is also included in the poster. Churches, service agencies, Redlands police and other organizations who provide services to the needy and homeless comprise the coalition. Additionally, an updated resource guide, "Guide to Local Resources - People in Redlands Helping People in Need" provides a list of services available to homeless individuals or families, or others in need, including where to receive shelter, clothing, meals, medical services, family services, haircuts, hot showers and more. “We want to caution people not to give money to panhandlers, which only encourages panhandling and all of the problems associated with it,” said Redlands police officer Jennifer Ramstad, the department’s homeless liaison. “Panhandlers come to Redlands because people here are generous, but frequently that generosity is just supporting habits for people who are not truly in need or even homeless. For those who are truly needy there are services available to help them not just with temporary assistance but to help them get back on their feet and become productive.” This list of resources is also available on the coalition's website: www.rcrchelp.com. The Redlands Charitable Resource Coalition meets the second Tuesday of every month at Redlands City Hall. For information on how to get involved, contact Officer Ramstad at 909-798-7681 or by email at jmramstad@redlandspolice.org.