BATON ROUGE, La. (NBC Local 33) (FOX 44) — The Baton Rouge Salvation Army in partnership with Aetna Healthcare, launched a new program today aimed at addressing a common concern among citizens when it comes to giving money to panhandlers.

The ‘Tokens of Hope’ initiative is a program that is already in place in New Orleans. The idea is to provide someone in need with a wooden token, which can then be redeemed for a night’s stay, two warm meals and other necessities at Salvation Army’s Hope Center at 7361 Airline Highway.

Drex Edwards was homeless for three years after losing his son and both parents. He said he turned to alcohol, which led to depression and eventually, no home to call his own.

“I spent about three years on the streets myself because of alcohol,” said Edwards. “I lost my son and my parents died all in the same decade and I just didn’t care about anything anymore, so it was self-imposed that I got on the streets.”

Edwards is now employed full-time as the house manager at Baton Rouge’s Salvation Army and has been for a little more than a year. “I’ve been there. I know how it is and it’s no fun to be down and out and a lot of times all (the men) need is a little direction,” said Edwards. “The tokens will help a lot.”

Major Donald Tekaut heads the Baton Rouge Salvation Army. He told NBC Local 33, “You can give knowing that that person is going to use that for their best benefit and not misuse it.”

Tokens are now available for sale at the Salvation Army for $10 each. Personnel of the front office may be reached at (225) 355-4483.