Full Notification

On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. the Directed Giving Campaign Committee through the “Make Change Count” donation station program will present a check to the Friends of Prado to help support local social service efforts.

In April of 2014, as part of a two year pilot program, the City of San Luis Obispo in partnership with the United Way of San Luis Obispo County and the City of San Luis Obispo Downtown Association installed seven specially marked Donation Stations throughout the downtown core of San Luis Obispo. These colorful and distinct meters allow citizens the opportunity to donate coins or make credit/debit card donations to help those in need transition away from homelessness and lead them toward a life of self-sufficiency.

In September of 2014 the “Make Change Count” program donated $8,500.00 through meter sponsorships, private donations and direct donations made at the various Donation Station sites to benefit the Friends of Prado.

As the two year pilot program comes to a close the Directed Giving Campaign Committee will be providing the Friends of Prado with another check for approximately $2,800.00, the majority of which was accumulated through direct meter donations during the pilot program.

We would like to thank the following people, businesses and community organizations for their meter sponsorship and support during the pilot program:

- Copeland Properties (2 Donation Stations)
- Eric Meyer
- Mayor Jan Marx
- Daybreak Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo
- The Wineman Building LLC
- Dee Torres and Mary Parker

The San Luis Obispo community has recognized an increase in homelessness. There is a genuine compassion offered as we frequently donate money and provide services toward those in need.

Unfortunately, there is a segment of the population that panhandles and loiters in populated areas of our City to solicit funds from passing pedestrians or motorists. Social Service providers recognize that the majority of panhandlers are “program resistant”, meaning they are not willing to commit to positive life choices needed to transition out of homelessness. Many in this subset have substance dependencies or mental health issues. Cash handouts only support their addictions and keep them submerged in a life style of behavior that adversely impacts our community.

The Donations Stations have provided citizens an opportunity to give money in a more meaningful way in order to make a direct impact in the lives of those who truly want to “Make Change Count”. The Directed Giving Campaign Committee will be looking to transition to a permanent program. If successful the committee will be asking interested businesses, people or community organizations to enhance the program as future meter sponsors.

If you have any questions about this program please contact Captain Keith Storton of the San Luis Obispo Police Department at 781-7118. If you would like to make a direct donation on behalf of the “Make Change Count” program please contact the United Way of San Luis Obispo County at 541-1234.