So you’re on
your way to the grocery store and you’re approached by a panhandler who asks
for some spare change.
You’re not
about to give away your money, but you also wish to avoid being rude to someone
who may be down on his luck.
A solution
to this dilemma has been provided by 2-1-1 San Diego, which has printed
informational cards that offer a way for the needy to access everything from
housing to food to counseling.
2-1-1 San
Diego is a non-profit organization that has assisted many people by connecting
them to helpful agencies in times of crisis, financial or otherwise.
The 2-1-1
information cards can be picked up at the Santee Community Services
Department, Building 6 at City Hall, or
you can make your own card by printing the accompanying JPG image. Giving these cards to panhandlers is better
than giving them your spare change, which in most cases will be used to buy
drugs or alcohol.
In an effort to discourage
panhandling, the Sheriff’s Department urges residents who are solicited for
money to call the agency’s non-emergency number (858-565-5200) to report it.
Santee has an ordinance that prohibits “aggressive”
panhandling, as well as panhandling next to an ATM machine or within 50 feet of
a signalized intersection.
To ensure your money is actually helping poor and homeless
people, you should donate to nonprofit charities such as United Way, Project
Alpha, St. Vincent de Paul Village, Veteran’s Village of San Diego, the Santee
Food Bank or Feeding America. 
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