Questions

It's OK to Not Give to Panhandlers. There’s a better way to give change to people who panhandle! Here are a few commonly asked questions about A Better Way:

Where does money donated to A Better Way go?

Money donated to A Better Way is directed to Mental Health Association Oklahoma, a statewide nonprofit agency that handles the program’s day-to-day operations. Donations are also split between the Community Service Council, Day Center for the Homeless, Iron Gate and the Salvation Army. Learn more about the Association at www.mhaok.org.

Why do we need this program?

Panhandling exists in cities of all sizes across the country. A Better Way is focused on improving the well-being and stability for our most vulnerable citizens experiencing homelessness who panhandle. A Better Way ensures that individuals have access to programs and services that meet their basic needs and set them on a path to self-sufficiency and positive health. A Better Way will provide positive outcomes for our entire community.

What should I do if asked for money?

Here's what you might tell someone if they ask you for money:

1. Be respectful, acknowledge their request, and say "I'm sorry, I do not give money to panhandlers," and keep walking.
   
   
2. You may stop and say, "Are you familiar with where you can get help? If they say, "No," direct them to one of our community's amazing social service organizations, including John 3:16, Salvation Army, Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless and Iron Gate.
   
   You may also direct them to Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s own peer-run drop-in center in Tulsa, Denver House, 252 W. 17th Place. On Wednesdays at 8 a.m., A Better Way offers to pick up participants at Denver House for a return around 3 p.m.
   
   
3. Instead of giving to someone who panhandles, give a gift to A Better Way by clicking here or texting "Tulsa" to 44-321. Your generosity makes a difference by helping to give people who panhandle the dignity of work as they connect to life-changing services in our community, such as shelter, housing, mental health and addiction treatment, and other more sustainable employment services.

Want to Help?

Tulsa’s A Better Way initiative helps give people impacted by mental illness and homelessness an alternative to asking for pocket change on street corners.

This is your opportunity to offer a different kind of change -- the kind that pays people for a day’s work beautifying our city.

Your generosity makes a difference by helping to give people the dignity of work as they connect to life-changing services in our community, such as shelter, housing, mental health and addiction treatment, and other more sustainable employment services.

If you would like to help, visit the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma page today.

Create Real Change