Residents of Douglas County are steadily backing the fight against homelessness through the “Handouts Don’t Help” campaign, an initiative gaining traction thanks to local altruism. A recent contribution of $2,500 was donated to the Homeless Engagement, Assistance and Resource Team (HEART), as reported by Douglas County. This gift is part of a series of donations; the campaign has already distributed over $18,000 to support county organizations directed at aiding the homeless.
Officials, including Commissioner Abe Laydon, are encouraging locals to continue their support, especially during summer when the need may increase. “Our community’s generosity has no limits. During the summer months, we may see additional people who need our help,” Laydon told Douglas County. The campaign aims to safely channel support by encouraging donations through the DouglasHasHeart.org website, where the DONATE NOW button directs well-wishers to the Douglas County Community Foundation’s page to securely make their contributions.
The “Handouts Don’t Help” campaign is not solely a summer project; it’s part of a broader Douglas County Homeless Initiative, which kicked off in 2022. This comprehensive program unites the county’s municipal and county elected officials, faith-based leadership, law enforcement agencies, and businesses in a collective stance against panhandling. By providing a structured support system, the initiative works to address the roots and realities of homelessness with directed compassion and targeted aid…