FRIENDS OF THE COOP

In Santa Monica, there is an issue of homelessness, panhandling/begging, and those that are low income housed people. And the businesses in Santa Monica have taken action to stop feeding of the homeless. There have been many stories, articles, letters to the editor in Santa Monica newspapers about the issue of how the homeless are treated in Santa Monica and what the city should do about it. 

In Berkeley there is a program called "Berkeley Cares" which is a voucher program. 

"In July 1991 the citizens of Berkeley, California, with enthusiastic help from town merchants, social service providers and the University of California, implemented the Berkeley Cares voucher program. Instead of shunning street beggars or grudgingly handing them cash, Berkeley residents can offer panhandlers vouchers purchased from local merchants. The 25-cent vouchers can buy food, laundry services or bus fares. They can't be exchanged for alcohol or cigarettes, let alone illegal drugs.

"During the first four months, some 26,000 vouchers, about $6,500 worth, had already been sold at Berkeley city hall and by local merchants. The forgery-proof vouchers are distributed by the university's Associated Students organization, the administrative group for the program."
(See Reference  )

"Founded in 1992, Berkeley Cares is a program dedicated to helping the city's homeless and panhandling population by allowing them to gain access to staple items from area merchants.  Berkeley Cares is based on a voucher system. Vouchers can be obtained once a month from Berkeley's Health and Human Services department or as gifts from the general public. Vouchers come in designations of $0.25 each and can be redeemed at participating merchants for grocery, laundry and transportation expenses. The purchase of alcohol and cigarettes is prohibited."

"Area merchants participating in the program display a Berkeley Cares sticker in their store windows. While some merchants only redeem the vouchers, others sell them at face value to the general public who can then donate them to panhandlers. This provides the public with an opportunity to give and an alternative to giving cash to panhandlers."

"Giving vouchers -- never cash -- takes the drug and alcohol equation out of that giving," says Shue.
( See Reference )

Voucher can be bought at a variety of locations. They can be redeemed by participating organization. This program is good for several groups. It provides an opportunity for people who are often asked for money by beggars-but concerned that the money will just be used to buy drugs or alcohol. It helps businesses in the local community by keeping money given to beggars in the local economy(see back of voucher for participating businesses). And it helps the needy who are begging for food, or money for other needs to survive. I think this program offers some relief and compassion is a way that is socially progressive and responsible.

Friends of the Coop  propose that Co-opportunity take the lead in developing support and implementation of a similar program to "Berkeley Cares".. If Co-opportunity can be the first to start this, it will be good for the Coop. Also, the Coop could be a participating business, for redeeming and selling the vouchers. This can equate into the coop generating more sales. People that come to the Coop to buy the vouchers, will likely buy other products. The vouchers will list the Coop as a business that redeems the vouchers(advoertising). The News will likely do stories about the Coop being a participating business(more free advertising). It will also generate additional a positive image in the community. That is also very good for the Coop. Many people may want to shop at the Coop because of their compassion in attempting to help the homeless and impoverished. Many people that would like to give to the homeless will likely buy the vouchers at the Coop(likely meaning more visits by customers to the Coop). This program can make the Coop standout - Again - as a community leader. There are many other intangible ways that the Coop benefits. And in light of all the controversy of feeding the homeless in the parks and just giving money outright to the homeless. This may provide a refreshing alternative. And many homeless people will also have an opportunity to get some wholesome nutritious food at the Coop.