Portland mayor says increased funding needed to get panhandlers into the workforce

PORTLAND (WGME) – For two years, a Portland program has been getting panhandlers off the medians and working for the city.

Along Marginal Way, there are Portland Opportunity Crew signs encouraging the homeless to come work for the city.

However, not all panhandlers are taking the opportunity.

Many continue to stand on the median during the day.

The mayor says funding needs to be increased for the project to boost its numbers.

In 2017, 17 people took part in the Portland Opportunity Crew.

Project Manager Aaron Geyer says that number jumped to at least 20 people this year.

The program is seasonal; running from May to mid-October.

Geyer says the goal is to not get a large number of panhandlers involved, but to have a long-term change in those who participate.

"The metrics that you use to measure the success of the program are on a wide range,” Geyer said. “So we talk about the number of individuals, we talk about removing 5.1 tons of trash from city parks this year and then another 150 or so needles from public spaces."

The program manager says 1,200 total hours were given by participants this year.

It is undetermined right now if the program will remain seasonal or year-round next year.