Panhandler voucher program looking for spare change

A program that helped get panhandlers in Fredericton off the streets and to work is now in need of some financial help itself.

The John Howard Society partnered with downtown businesses to provide part-time jobs for those in need in May 2007. For each hour worked, the panhandlers receive a $10 gift certificate redeemable at stores for necessities.

The program has spent more than $5,000 to provide vouchers to the workers, said co-ordinator Mavis Doucette. But the money is expected to run out within three weeks.

The Fredericton Community Foundation provided half of the money and the rest was collected through fundraising.

"I'm so sad to think that the program is going to end because the people who have worked in the program, it's been amazing to watch their self-confidence, their esteem, just rise," Doucette said.

Trevor Williston, the first person to work in the voucher program, told CBC News the work helped him improve his life and he now has a full-time job.

Williston said he hopes the program survives so other people have the chance to change their lives like he did.

"They may come out of the spin they've been in for years like I was and I'm a totally different person now and I believe that program played a big part in it," he said.

Amazed by difference

Carla Leblanc, who is one of the 20 people using the voucher system,said that it has helped her fit in.

"I'm a recovering drug addict and for so many years I felt I didn't fit into society because of that fact and it really helps to build self-esteem and make me feel more independent," Leblanc said.

Store owner Christa Flanagan, whohired someone through the voucher program, was amazed at the difference it made.

"To see them feeling just really good about themselves and helping them stay on the new path they really wanted to try," Flanagan said.

Three downtown businesses have indicated that they are going to buy vouchers on their own to keep the part-time jobs open, Doucette said. But she hopes that a solution is found to save the program.

"It really makes me feel physically ill to have to tell those people that there is no longer any more money," Doucette said.

The program has helped reduce the number of people panhandling in the capital city's downtown, said Bruce McCormack, general manager of Downtown Fredericton Inc.

"There are quite a few people living on the streets in downtown Fredericton and the panhandling was something that was interfering with our businesses," McCormack said, adding he hopes the program is able to continue.

City officials have said they won't be providing funding for the program to continue but it is willing help search for other donors.