Better Way for Panhandlers and Homeless?
Better Way Days Ahead! “There’s a Better Way” is an innovative solution to panhandling that was started in 2015 under Mayor Richard J. Berry. He partnered with St. Martin’s Hospitality Center.
CAN WE DO THIS ON THE COASTSIDE ?!? email mdragony@coastsidebuzz.com
Begun in 2015, Albuquerque’s innovative “There’s a Better Way” program addresses four main needs:
- Give people dignity in work
- Connect individuals with services
- Collective Impact to end panhandling
- Help the Community to understand “There’s a Better Way”
2015 PBS Story on the Brand New “Better Way” Idea.
Half Moon Bay’s Abundant Grace
Our Coastal Local Homeless Hero is ERIC DeBODE of Abundant Grace. One Human Being at a Time.
AGCW coordinates the Free Community Breakfast at the Lutheran Church. 100 people are fed on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7-9am. Nearly 90% of guests are local families. 10% are homeless. We see lots of kids who get a nutritious breakfast before school!
Gathered around a table, friendships are made. We gain a deeper understanding of how to respond to the particular needs on the coast. Volunteers from several local churches make it all possible. One of our volunteers is certified to teach ESL. We have free classes every Wednesday and Thursday.
Additionally, we are happy to collaborate with Potrero Nuevo Farm, just a few minutes South of Half Moon Bay. PNF donates use of its land, farm equipment, harvest support, seed and other materials. We raise money to employ homeless people and farmworkers to plant and harvest over 20,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce every year. Produce is distributed for free at 5 sites along the Coastside. Addressing issues of food justice, access to organic fruits and vegetables, obesity and disease prevention, and sustainable, environmental farming are our goals.
