MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — If you walk around downtown Murfreesboro, you'll see the city's newest plan in action to direct money away from direct panhandlers.

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland told News 2 the city wants to remain a compassionate one but there was a more efficient way to do it. New signs posted around downtown have a QR code at the bottom that links you to a city website full of resources to give directly to local nonprofits fighting homelessness.

The signs read "There's a better way to give" and are strategically placed throughout the downtown corridor, as well as busy intersections where panhandlers are usually posted, like West Vine Street and South Church Street.

McFarland told News 2 is a safety issue, and he hoped people can see the true heart behind the initiative.

"This issue has gotten conflated about telling people not to help others, and that's not what we're saying," McFarland said. "What we're saying is it's not safe for motorists and it's not safe for someone who is coming off of the street to ask for money, especially with the traffic we have in Murfreesboro. Stepping out in the road is not a good idea."

Anyone needing to be connected to those nonprofit resources is encouraged to contact 211.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/panhandling-signs-in-downtown-murfreesboro-offer-better-way-to-give/