“Austinites with good intentions and big hearts naturally want to help those who are asking for help,” said Helen Varty, Executive Director of ARCH/Front Steps. “However, the most effective way to help is to support local organizations with the mission and expertise to truly make a long-term difference in the lives of Austin’s neediest.”

Know Before You Give aims to persuade Austinites to give responsibly, which means donating money to an organization that will use the funds more effectively rather than giving directly to an individual on the street. Such social service organizations are able to address specific needs and provide an effective, long-term alternative to panhandling. Through recognizing Austinites’ passion to help those in need, Know Before You Give encourages residents to ask themselves: “What is the best way I can truly help?”

“Most of us have experienced panhandling downtown,” said Tim League, owner of the Alamo Drafthouse and chairman of campaign partner 6ixth Street Austin Association. “It’s distressing to those who work, live and visit downtown. That negative perception of safety could threaten our neighborhood and businesses if people choose not to come downtown because of it. We know there are effective ways to help those in need and curb panhandling at the same time.”

Know Before You Give aspires to unite the downtown community to aid those in need by attempting to shift donations from people who panhandle to social service organizations, which provide essential services. The campaign educates the Austin public on the root causes – such as mental illness, disabilities, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, poverty and major life transitions -- that lead many to resort to panhandling. By addressing the root causes, Austin’s social service agencies can help get more people off the streets, into homes and out of poverty. Panhandling often continues the cycle of dependency, whereas responsible giving empowers both those in need and the Austin community as a whole. By donating to social service agencies, Austin residents can help more people immediately, and provide the funding to expand basic care, programs and housing for the community’s neediest.

Social service agencies in Austin provide numerous services including: prepared meals, grocery pantries, shelters, medical care, mental health, dental and eye care, legal aid/advocacy, veterans services and other helpful services.

About Know Before You Give
Know Before You Give is made up of many different members of the community including the following organizations: ARCH/Front Steps, Caritas of Austin, Downtown Cluster of Congregation and Social Services, Salvation Army, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, Austin Hotel and Lodging Association, Building Owners and Managers Association, Downtown Austin Alliance, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, Old Pecan Street Association, Texas Association of Realtors, and 6ixth Street Austin Association. For more information go to www.KnowBeforeYouGive.org.

Media Inquiries: Emily Shaw or Selena Saucedo I&O Communications 512.288.4054 emily@iandocom.com selena@iandocom.com

“We see the same people panhandling in the same spots over and over,” Girard said. “It’s unfortunate for them and for our community’s safety and economic interests.”

Girard, who owns three downtown entertainment businesses – Speakeasy, Imperia, and Cuba Libre – points out that when customers are immediately harassed by a panhandler on their way in or out, they are definitely inclined to take their business elsewhere. This not only affects business but also the customer's perception of Austin, a city that prides itself on providing a safe, vibrant downtown with unmatched entertainment.

“We have to educate ourselves on the importance of not giving to panhandlers,” said Girard. He believes there is a widespread lack of awareness within the community about the consequences of giving to panhandlers. “There are better ways to help and support our community.”