If the holidays have you feeling generous, you may want to think twice before doling out cash to the homeless.
The city of Atlanta is on a mission to curtail panhandling by asking people to give contributions directly to local organizations or to the special “Giving Meters” (repurposed parking meters) that are located throughout Downtown and Midtown Atlanta. Money from the meters is donated to agencies that service the needy, such as the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta and Gateway 24/7 Homeless Services Center. Organizations benefit from 100% of the proceeds. There are 13 downtown meter locations, with several more installations coming soon. —Ashley L. Brazzel
Give change that makes sense: Atlantadowntown.com/initiatives/stop-panhandling/redirect-giving.
