Real Change from Spare Change is a community-wide, collaborative initiative designed to educate, encourage, and empower Chapel Hill and Carrboro citizens, and the UNC community to evoke real change for those in need.

There’s a better way to help! Giving directly to panhandlers may not help their true needs. Often panhandlers use money to support alcohol and drug addictions. We often perceive panhandlers as having an immediate need for cash to buy food, shelter, and services. In reality, free food, shelter, and services are available in our community. And although panhandling is often associated with homelessness, most panhandlers are not homeless. Lastly, panhandling has a negative effect on our community by keeping people away from patronizing businesses and services downtown. Choosing not to give to a panhandler is not making a personal judgment on someone’s life; it’s a choice to use your money effectively to help those in need. 

The Real Change from Spare Change has a two part goal; to raise funds to support the Orange County street outreach program administered through Housing for New Hope and to support community education to continue to teach people that there is a better way to help in our community. The street outreach team helps homeless clients seek medical attention, mental health services, navigate the human services system, and find permanent housing.

The Real Change From Spare Change Initiative is endorsed by:

Local Governments