17-26 Resolution in Support of Putting Panhandlers to Work

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PrintFriendly.coni: Print& PDF Page 5 of 9 Participants would be paid the city's minimum wage of$10.68 an hour—which is higher than the state minimum of$9 an hour—for a six-hour day. They would also get breakfast, lunch and water. At the end of the day, they would be taken to the city's Social Services Division so they can not only get paid, but also be offered other services, such job training and other support. Some panhandlers could get longer-term employment with the city, or with local landscaping companies that may partner with the city. The city would place signs at busy intersections telling people about the program. Eventually, the city would like to add some sort of fundraising component for local charities, according to Julie Sullivan, the senior adviser to the city manager who will present the recommendation to the council committee. �i 0 DONA Enbq org After being picked up on various street corners in a van.a crew of panhandlers starts the morning with doughnuts and milk before getting to work cleann- out overgrown tumbleweeds in Albuquerque. N.M..in 2015.The workers make$9 a hour-Albuquerque Joumal/Marla Brose THE EXPERIENCE IN ALBUQUERQUE The pilot program would cost $42,000, primarily for wages, food, fuel for the van and city staffing. Sullivan said the city is seeking funding through foundations and grants, including an application through the city's Community Development Block Grant program, which is intended to help low-income people and neighborhoods. Sullivan said the program is different from workfare, which requires able-bodied recipients who work in order to receive General Assistance. Panhandlers don't always have contact with city social service workers, she said. https://www.printfriendly.com/print?url_s=uGGC_%7E_PdN_%7E_PcS_%7E_PcSJJJmCE... 6/6/20 17