FORT SMITH, Ark. — About 400 people are experiencing homelessness in the city, according to Hope Campus in Fort Smith. Rather than a quick buck along the side of the road, the city is asking residents to donate to local nonprofits.
"If people are handing money out of a window, that's going to unfortunately mean they don't need to come to a local agency," Captain Bradley Hargis with the Fort Smith Salvation Army said.
Hargis said those experiencing homelessness need a helping hand that makes a lasting difference.
"If they can get into our system, we can work collaboratively together as a community to get them into housing," he said.
Agencies in Fort Smith, including the Salvation Army, Community Rescue Mission, Hope Campus, and Next Step Homeless Services have partnered with the city on a new project called Change Helps, encouraging residents to change how they help.
Josh Buchfink with the city said Fort Smith is hoping to provide a "safer option for giving to people who are in need, particularly those who are homeless."
"We put up signs that say, 'Text FORT to 91999.' All of that money goes directly to those organizations who serve the homeless," Buchfink said.
In the short four months that the program has been live, organizers say around $700 has been donated. One of the partnering agencies, Hope Campus, received a check this month for $200. Some may think it's not much, but Hargis disagrees.
"That's a couple hundred dollars that we didn't have," he said.
Hargis said the money goes towards childcare, affordable housing, and mental health resources.
However, he said more awareness is needed. The city plans to add two additional signs.
"We want to help people understand that when you're giving to Change Helps, you're making a big difference in our community through these organizations," Hargis said.
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