More than $10,000 has been collected through the Art of Change program and will be made available for agencies and organizations that provide direct services to those who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.
The city has partnered with United Way of Greater Chattanooga to manage the grant evaluation and distribution process for the Art of Change funds, which come from both meter sponsorships and money that has been deposited into the meters. The Art of Change funds will provide mini-grants for program activities as well as a source of emergency funds for immediate needs such as transportation and health-care.
"We were honored when the City of Chattanooga approached us," said Eva Dillard, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Chattanooga. "Mayor Littlefield wants the funds utilized in the best manner possible and United Way has experience in evaluating programs and distributing funds for the most impact. Our experienced staff assisted the city in designing a process to distribute the Art of Change funds and partners from the Art of Change program will be involved in making the funding decisions. It is very important to tell our community that directing the dollars to qualified organizations ensures needed services are available for the homeless and others in need in our community."
Any organization that is interested in applying for funds from the Art of Change program should go to the City of Chattanooga website at www.chattanooga.gov or the United Way site at www.uwchatt.org after Feb. 15 for grant guidelines and an application, regardless of whether they are a United Way funded agency or not.
The Art of Change was introduced last November as a way to address the problem of panhandling in the downtown and north shore areas. Specially designed "parking meters" are found throughout those areas and serve as receptacles for change that might ordinarily be given to panhandlers. Citizens and tourists are encouraged to utilize the Art of Change meters as a more effective and efficient way of helping those who are most vulnerable. Currently there are 19 Art of Change meters with plans to double that amount in the next several months. The business community has embraced the program by contributing $500 for each sponsored meter.
Additionally, Chattanooga citizens are contributing their spare change and the amount collected continues to increase as information about the program is distributed and the purpose for the meters becomes familiar. December contributions increased 200% over November and January collections are on-track to increase as well.
Mayor Ron Littlefield acknowledges that the Art of Change program will not provide an immediate solution to the panhandling issue but is encouraged by the initial success and expects that over time it will lead to a decline in the number of panhandlers as people stop giving directly to panhandlers and, instead, contribute through the Art of Change meters.
"Our business community has really stepped up by sponsoring the Art of Change program and citizens are contributing over $300 each month in quarters, dimes and nickels,” said Mayor Littlefield. “ Even though Art of Change was not specifically designed to be a fund-raising effort, the opportunity to help those who really need it with a new source of funding is a benefit that cannot be overlooked and I am grateful to the community for supporting this program.”
Karen McMahon, program manager for Art of Change cites the participation of United Way and CARTA. "Both United Way and CARTA (which is providing the meter collection services) are providing valuable program administration services at no charge to the city. This will allow us to channel every cent given by the community to the Art of Change which will help those who really need it. We welcome any company who wishes to get involved as we continue to expand the program."