U. discourages panhandling

A new program collects change to help service organizations. "Eddie D." has been on the University's campus for three years. He was once seen in front of the Wawa food market at 38th and Spruce Streets, but now his favorite place to watch the passerby is at 40th and Walnut Streets. By definition "Eddie D." -- as he is known on the streets around University City -- is a panhandler. He solicits money as he sits on the sidewalk holding a McDonald's cup and playing with the hole in his tennis shoe. But the University, University City and local community service agencies have come together in the last few months to thwart attempts by "Eddie D." and other panhandlers in the area as part of the "Don't give change -- help Penn make a change" campaign. Community Relations Director Glenn Bryan recently announced that a successful pilot program pairing service groups with stores seeking to discourage panhandling -- which has already been operating for over seven months -- is being expanded throughout the University area. Under the intended program, five local merchants will raise funds for four service organizations through collection boxes and informational brochures placed at cash registers. The program teams the Wawa at 36th and Chestnut streets and Le Bus Restaurant at 34th and Sansom streets with Horizon House. Other pairs include the Wawa at 38th and Spruce streets and the University City Hospitality Coalition, the 7-11 at 38th and Chestnut streets and the Philadelphia Coalition against Homelessness, and My Favorite Muffin on 40th St. and ACCESS West Philadelphia. "The program is based on the success of the initial campaign started at the two Wawa stores," University spokesperson Sandy Smith said. Managers at both Wawa locations reported a significant decrease in panhandling activity around their stores since the campaign began. A sixth partnership between Thrift Drug at 38th and Walnut streets and the UCHC is currently pending. Bryan noted the purpose of the project is not only to help fund service organizations but also to educate University City residents. "The goal of the campaign is twofold," he said. "We want to raise community awareness of what really happens when people give change to panhandlers and to raise money for organizations that can make real change in the lives of panhandlers." He added that "studies have shown that the overwhelming majority of street beggars have substance-abuse or other health problems and that money given directly to them usually goes to support these problems." But some homeless people are skeptical about the campaign. "All I know is the money in this cup goes to me," "Eddie D." said. "I don't know about that jar of cash." And Rita -- a professed panhandler who spends most of her days walking along Walnut Street between Baskin Robbins and the 3401 food court -- said the community service groups who benefit from the program only help panhandlers with serious problems. "I'm no druggie," she said. "All I want is a cup of coffee." The campaign has raised between $600 and $700 to date, not including contributions of time given by patrons of local stores.