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Donation Meters in Downtown Lawrence

Lawrence is the latest community to address issues related to panhandling in downtown areas with donation meters. Lawrence now offers donation meters at 6 locations in downtown Lawrence to allow visitors the opportunity to give to established, non-profit organizations that work to support the homeless population and provide services that range from emergency shelter, healthy meals for families, job assistance and, ultimately, a way out of poverty and panhandling.

WHERE?

Look for green donation meters in downtown Lawrence on Massachusetts Street in the 700, 800 and 900 blocks (7th Street to 10th Street). The donation meters are located near the mid-block crossing or breezeway in each block.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

The donation meter program is another way of helping. Instead of giving loose change directly to panhandlers, place your contribution in the donation meter instead. The City of Lawrence will collect the funds and provide them to the Lawrence Community Shelter to supports homeless programs. The meters only accept COINS. The city does not collect or retain any fees from this program and donation meters are paid for by the City of Lawrence.

WHAT IS AGGRESSIVE VS. NON-AGGRESSIVE PANHANDLING?

Panhandling is defined as any request for or solicitation of an immediate donation of money. Panhandling does not include the act of passively standing, sitting, or engaging in a musical performance or other street with a sign or other indication that donations are being sought, without any verbal request for a donation other than in response to an inquiry by another person. (City Code, Ch. 14-418).

“Aggressive Panhandling” means panhandling that includes one or more of the following actions:

touching the solicited person without the solicited person’s consent.

intentionally blocking the path of travel of the person being solicited.

intentionally blocking the entrance to any vehicle or building

continuing to solicit or request a donation from a person after that person has refused an earlier request.

following or remaining alongside a person who, after being solicited, walks away from the person panhandling.

making any statement, gesture, or other communication that would cause a reasonable person to feel threatened, fearful, or compelled.

CONTACT

For more information on the Donation Meter program, contact the City Manager’s Office at (785) 832-3400 or email cityhall@lawrenceks.org.

RESOURCES

Downloadable flyer for merchants (PDF)