Plans are in the works to create a new community outreach program targeting homeless panhandlers on State Street.
Susan Schmitz's organization, Downtown Madison Inc., is spearheading the project. Schmitz said the program will assist the homeless in taking care of themselves and finding helpful services in the community.
\We are fortunate in this city,"" she said, ""to have wonderful resources to help them with their basic needs.""
Schmitz also noted that the project is still premature. State Street merchants are still largely unaware of the program.
Transitional Inc., an organization dedicated to providing housing for the homeless in Dane County, is also involved in the project. Executive Director Steve Schooler said the project will have two components.
The first will serve to inform and to educate the community about the homeless' needs. Schooler said that currently, ""giving cash to panhandlers is not helping.""
The second component will entail hiring an outreach worker to assist panhandlers in reaching community services that can help.
Schmitz said community organizations Tellurian and Briarpatch would potentially collaborate in hiring an outreach employee.
Briarpatch, a community organization which brings aid to homeless adolescents, is considering involvement, according to Aaron Backer, administrative director of Briarpatch. Backer said while they have not yet signed a final contract, they are interested in the project and he believes it will be successful.
""We are open to any money dedicated to working with teens on State Street, ""Backer said.
Backer wants to make sure that the money is not only going to help merchants but teens on the street.
""That's why we are interested,"" he said. ""It can bring more information about teens in the street.""
Schmitz also said she hopes the program will be successful.
She said this program mirrors a similar one that has operated for four years in Burlington, Vermont. Schmitz added that Burlington's layout is similar to Madison's because both are college towns. She said she was sure the program has been very successful there, and has the potential to have a positive effect on Madison.
While a beginning date has not yet been established, Schmitz thought the program could begin around April. It has enough funding for one year's operation, which will be provided by the city, the county and the United Way.
Ald. Todd Jarrell, District 8, worked to secure funding for the project. He said that while the project will help, it should not draw attention from the fact that a lot of community organizations lack in resources.
""A lot of programs need more funding, in order to help all of the people,"" Jarrell said.
