GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The issue of panhandling is not a new one for the city of Grand Rapids, but there are new ways to respond and help those in need.
Douglas Bruin posted in the 'We are Westsiders' Facebook group about an encounter he had with a panhandler Sunday afternoon.
"I got out of the car, and she was right there in front of me," Bruin said.
Bruin was in his driveway vacuuming his car when a woman walked up to ask for $5.
"She said she had nowhere to stay and had found a couch to sleep on but needed to give the person money," Bruin said.
Bruin's Facebook post was met by many comments of similar experiences with the same woman or a similar story. In other instances, the woman had flagged down moving cars to beg for help. Most people said they had no cash and could not help the woman.
"Everybody has a different take on how they help, but I would suggest if your gut tells you there's more to this than someone needing a sandwich or a drink -- it wouldn't hurt to call us," said Grand Rapids Police Department Community Officer Brian Grooms.
Grooms said the other resource available to those who want to give help or get it is the Heartside Resource Guide. The guide was put together by The Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project, GRPD and the city of Grand Rapids. It lists everything from where to get a hot meal to substance abuse and counseling programs.
The guide and map can be found online, in paper or by phone. Text 898211 with your zip code to get immediate assistance based on your location, or call 1-800-887-1107.
Grooms said he realizes not everyone will accept this type of help, but those who are in need of help will be able to access it using this guide.
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Emma Nicolas is a multimedia journalist. Have a news tip or question for Emma? Get in touch by email enicolas@wzzm13.com, Facebook or Twitter.