The truth about panhandling
It’s over 100 degrees out and you’re sitting in the comfort of your air-conditioned car when you see him.
His sign says he’s hungry, homeless and a vet. Your heart aches, and you want to help. But should you?
That sign you see? Chances are it’s nothing more than a marketing ploy looking to cash in on
your well-intentioned sympathy.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t people out there who need your help.
There’s just a better way.
The impact of panhandling
The next time you encounter a panhandler in Wichita, instead of rolling down your window and hoping your money will be put to good use, make a donation to the Union Rescue Mission and know it will.
Since 1950, the Union Rescue Mission has been providing homeless men with the resources they need to make real, long-lasting changes in their lives. 365 days a year, the mission meets the immediate needs of these men by providing:
- Emergency shelter
- A safe place to sleep
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Transportation
- Clothing
- Laundry services
- Shower facilities
- Personal hygiene products
But the real change comes through the redemptive and restorative work of Jesus Christ through residential programs found at URM.
Solid Ground Life-changing Program
A long-term recovery program, Solid Ground focuses on rebuilding, restoring and redirecting a man’s life as he looks to transition back into the workforce and independent living arrangements.
This short-term program is for employed men (must be working at least 24 hours a week) who need assistance prior to obtaining permanent housing. For a small fee, the men are allowed to stay at the mission while receiving meals and relocation assistance.
Steps Toward Economic and Personal Stability (STEPS)
STEPS is designed to help men who need short-term accommodations while overcoming barriers to obtaining employment and permanent housing. While in the program, participants attend daily Bible study and life-skill classes, complete homework and report to a case manager.
A side venture of Union Rescue Mission, NewLeaf Book Mercantile employs URM graduates to repurpose and sell used books, CDs, DVDs and video games. All profits go toward financing URM’s life-altering services.
BEYOND HOMELESSNESS
While Union Rescue Mission’s primary focus is on homeless men, its services reach throughout the community. From providing free meals and food boxes to low-income families and individuals to offering free diapers and baby formula to new mothers, Union Rescue Mission extends God’s love to all those in need.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Download our help pack: Arm yourself with resources you can provide a homeless person so that you’re offering real help, not a handout.
Make a donation: Cash and non-cash items (like food, clothing, bedding and hygiene products) are always appreciated.
Get involved: There are multiple opportunities to volunteer and impact the lost and hurting people that we serve.
Stay connected: Sign up for our email list below in the footer to hear what’s happening at Union Rescue Mission.
Information about other area homeless service providers is available by dialing 2-1-1, or online from 211kansas@unitedwayplains.org
*Wichita’s panhandling ordinance prohibits motorists from giving anything—money or otherwise—to a person who steps into a major or congested street. Violating the ordinance is a criminal misdemeanor with a possible maximum penalty of $500 and/or 30 days in jail for both the panhandler and the motorist.
Our mission is helping homeless & hurting people restore their lives through God’s love.
We welcome our guests with daily essentials to recover from homelessness, hunger, addiction and poverty. We encourage them to pursue life change through our short and long-term recovery programs.
We pray that people leave here healed and whole through Christ’s love and with the tools for stable, independent lives in our community.
Here’s How You Can Help Today
Change in Wichita begins with YOU!
A hot meal for a homeless man is just $2.37!
Your $35 donation will provide about hot, 16 nourshing meals.
