'Real Change Charlotte' campaign aims to curb aggressive panhandling

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By Brittney Johnson

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There is a new plan to stop aggressive panhandlers who bother people in uptown Charlotte.

Police want to make sure uptown is safe and enjoyable for the upcoming CIAA tournament and other big events when panhandlers will be waiting to take advantage of them.

Police ask that instead of giving money, help those in need connect to resources in the community.

“It just continues a cycle, from talking to the professionals, through Urban Ministry Rescue Mission, that it just continues that downward cycle, and it doesn’t lead them to real change,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Lt. Bret Balamucki.

The head of the Charlotte Rescue Mission told Channel 9 that most of the panhandlers seen in front of businesses and hassling people as they walk and drive across Charlotte are battling drug and alcohol addiction.

Counselors said it only takes 90 minutes for a panhandler to collect enough money for drugs.

Channel 9 has investigated the panhandling issue in uptown for years, reporting how Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have partnered with local charities to talk with panhandlers before arresting them.

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The new campaign is called "Real Change Charlotte."

Nonprofits will send trained counselors into the streets to speak with people in need and make sure they know how to get help, from housing to mental illness to addiction.

[CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN]

Police and the Charlotte Rescue Mission say that while money can help people in the short term, it doesn't solve underlying issues.

Organizers said addicts on the street often need to hit rock bottom before they seek help and without people's spare change, they're more likely to get the support they need to get off the streets.

“How can we move that person from living on the streets to really achieving their potential? That's really what we want to do,” said Tony Marciano with the Charlotte Rescue Mission.

The new effort encourages people in need to call 211 so they can be connected to services.

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