17-26 Resolution in Support of Putting Panhandlers to Work

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This Republican mayor has an incredibly simple idea to help the homeless. And it seems t... Page 3 of 3 "He now has a support system he didn't know he needed and definitely didn't know existed,"she said."It's life-changing for them. He was one that said,`I would much rather earn my money than have someone hand it to me.'" Dozens of cities around the country have reached out to Berry wanting to copy the program.It's a testament,he said,to the work mayors do regardless of political party. He was the first Republican mayor elected in Albuquerque in 30 years,he said,and he's proactively tackling homelessness. The program hasn't weeded out all panhandling in the city,and supporters say that's not really the point. It's connecting people who would otherwise not seek help to needed services.And it's showing them when they are at their lowest that they have real value, and that others are willing to show them kindness to help them have a better life. "It's helping hundreds of people,"Berry said, "and our city is more beautiful than ever." Want more inspiring news and ideas to improve your life?Sign up for the Saturday Inspired Life newsletter. Colby Itkowitz is the lead anchor of the Inspired Life blog.She previously covered the quirks of national politics and the federal government. !I Follow @colbyitkowitz https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/08/1 1/this-republican-mayor-... 6/6/2017