Why is this program being launched?

Panhandling occurs throughout Anchorage, with the majority of activity taking place in Downtown, Midtown and within the Southside commercial areas. However, panhandling is not illegal. In fact, panhandling is an activity that is protected by freedom of speech laws.

But an increasing number of citizens, tourists and businesses have voiced concerns to city officials and Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. over the escalating problem of aggressive panhandlers and the impact they are having on the quality of life of citizens, residents, and visitors.

Based on the experience of other cities, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. created the Change for the Better program to combine education of the public, compassion for the individual on the streets and alternatives for the panhandler to meet their needs for food, clothing and shelter with the hope that through the knowledge of these resources panhandling won’t be necessary.

Supporters of Change for the Better remain committed to the program because of its emphasis on long-term solutions to the problem.

Spare change can’t help a panhandler – real change occurs when we put panhandlers in touch with social service providers who can attack the root of the problem.