Panhandler outreach program a success so far, group says

A program offeringhelp to panhandlers in downtown Charlottetown is having a positive impact so far, agroup representing local businesses says.

Downtown Charlottetown Inc. decided this summer to take an active role in trying to curb panhandling with itsNavigator Street Outreach.

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Jen Nicholson was hired to find out who is on the streets and what their needs are and to help where possible. The program, which is analogous to programs in other cities such as Halifax, was launched after a spike in panhandling the last couple of summers.

Nicholson said she's been helping people fill out forms, get IDor go to appointments.

'I'm not going anywhere'

"So far all the experiences I've had have been quite positive," she said. "I think the important thing is that the people I approach, that they know I'm there. So that even if they're not ready at that time to receive help, that I'm going to be around, that I'm not going anywhere."

Dawn Alan, executive director for Downtown Charlottetown Inc., said businesses are pleased with the efforts that are being made.

Alan saidthe group has put about $10,000toward the street navigator program so far, with project money also coming from Skills PEI.

She's in the process of asking the City of Charlottetown to help fund the program, because the project funding will run out on March30.

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