Community Panhandling Response

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Panhandler holding a sign saying change the way you give

PWC Works projects reflect our commitment of striving for exceptional customer service, maximizing operational efficiencies, increasing modernization, providing excellent service delivery, and collaborating with the community for a coordinated response that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents and the overall wellbeing of the county.


What is the Panhandling Response Initiative?

Prince William County wants to ensure the safety and well-being of all its residents, visitors and businesses. In order to do this, it is important to help those who are panhandling in a human-centered way to solve the underlying reasons why they are panhandling.

On February 13, 2024, the Board of County Supervisors issued the following directive #24-05:

The County Attorney's Office was directed to provide legal research and advice on possible ordinance amendments regarding panhandling and public safety, to include reviewing other Virginia local jurisdiction ordinances; and directed the County Executive to provide policy recommendations on the issue once the County Attorney has provided the legal advice.

In response to the directive to address the policy recommendations, a process action team was established to examine and address the issue of panhandling in the community. The process action team working on this issue includes employees from several county agencies and offices, including Social Services, Community Services, County Attorney, Police Department, Community Safety, Transportation, Communications and Engagement, the Deputy County Executive for Safe and Secure Community and the Deputy County Executive for Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Sustainability. Staff also engaged with the members of Homeless Services’ Continuum of Care, the Chamber of Commerce and Keep Prince William Beautiful.

No one single strategy alone can address panhandling. It takes a comprehensive approach with several different strategies to make sustainable improvements in reducing panhandling. To that end, the process action team identified following three areas of concerns and developed strategies to address these concerns. They presented their action strategies to the Board on June 11, 2024.

Public Safety Perceptions/Concerns

  • Traffic Safety
  • Aggressive Behavior
  • Loitering

Provide Needed Services

  • Housing/Homeless Services
  • Mental Health/Substance Use Services
  • Employment Services

Address Negative Perceptions

  • Community Image/Appearance

County staff was asked to come back to present to the Board on Oct. 8, 2024. During that meeting, the Board voted to defer action on the coordinated response and pilot employment program, and requested that staff come back with the communications plan. The communications plan was presented to the Board on Nov. 26, 2024, which they approved funding for during their meeting.


Public Engagement & Communications

Goal: Change the behavior of givers; instead of giving directly to the panhandler, encourage them to donate to our local nonprofit community partners that assist us in providing services.

The process action team is also recommending launching a #GiveLocalPWC campaign. Based on the team’s research, changing the behavior of the giver is vital to accomplishing the goal of reducing panhandling. Panhandling can be very lucrative, with some earning as much as $200 per day. Therefore, the goal of this strategy is to provide the community with the opportunity to continue to give donations, but instead of giving directly to the panhandler, they give to the local Homeless Services providers. The county has established a designated panhandling webpage that links to members of the Prince William Area Homeless Services Continuum of Care, encouraging people to “give where it counts” and give directly to those who provide an array of services that range from housing assistance and mental health services to employment services.

Encouraging givers to donate to homeless service providers should reduce the direct giving. This will provide financial resources that can then be used to assist those that are panhandling with getting the services they need to effectively address the underlying issues that are causing them to panhandle. We also plan to use social media, signage, and other promotional materials to engage with the community.


Success Criteria for the Panhandling Response Initiative

  • Reduction in panhandling
  • Improved public perception and concerns of safety
  • Increased resources for Community Partners
  • Improved public perception of county

PWC Works projects reflect our commitment of striving for exceptional customer service, maximizing operational efficiencies, increasing modernization, providing excellent service delivery, and collaborating with the community for a coordinated response that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents and the overall wellbeing of the county.


What is the Panhandling Response Initiative?

Prince William County wants to ensure the safety and well-being of all its residents, visitors and businesses. In order to do this, it is important to help those who are panhandling in a human-centered way to solve the underlying reasons why they are panhandling.

On February 13, 2024, the Board of County Supervisors issued the following directive #24-05:

The County Attorney's Office was directed to provide legal research and advice on possible ordinance amendments regarding panhandling and public safety, to include reviewing other Virginia local jurisdiction ordinances; and directed the County Executive to provide policy recommendations on the issue once the County Attorney has provided the legal advice.

In response to the directive to address the policy recommendations, a process action team was established to examine and address the issue of panhandling in the community. The process action team working on this issue includes employees from several county agencies and offices, including Social Services, Community Services, County Attorney, Police Department, Community Safety, Transportation, Communications and Engagement, the Deputy County Executive for Safe and Secure Community and the Deputy County Executive for Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Sustainability. Staff also engaged with the members of Homeless Services’ Continuum of Care, the Chamber of Commerce and Keep Prince William Beautiful.

No one single strategy alone can address panhandling. It takes a comprehensive approach with several different strategies to make sustainable improvements in reducing panhandling. To that end, the process action team identified following three areas of concerns and developed strategies to address these concerns. They presented their action strategies to the Board on June 11, 2024.

Public Safety Perceptions/Concerns

  • Traffic Safety
  • Aggressive Behavior
  • Loitering

Provide Needed Services

  • Housing/Homeless Services
  • Mental Health/Substance Use Services
  • Employment Services

Address Negative Perceptions

  • Community Image/Appearance

County staff was asked to come back to present to the Board on Oct. 8, 2024. During that meeting, the Board voted to defer action on the coordinated response and pilot employment program, and requested that staff come back with the communications plan. The communications plan was presented to the Board on Nov. 26, 2024, which they approved funding for during their meeting.


Public Engagement & Communications

Goal: Change the behavior of givers; instead of giving directly to the panhandler, encourage them to donate to our local nonprofit community partners that assist us in providing services.

The process action team is also recommending launching a #GiveLocalPWC campaign. Based on the team’s research, changing the behavior of the giver is vital to accomplishing the goal of reducing panhandling. Panhandling can be very lucrative, with some earning as much as $200 per day. Therefore, the goal of this strategy is to provide the community with the opportunity to continue to give donations, but instead of giving directly to the panhandler, they give to the local Homeless Services providers. The county has established a designated panhandling webpage that links to members of the Prince William Area Homeless Services Continuum of Care, encouraging people to “give where it counts” and give directly to those who provide an array of services that range from housing assistance and mental health services to employment services.

Encouraging givers to donate to homeless service providers should reduce the direct giving. This will provide financial resources that can then be used to assist those that are panhandling with getting the services they need to effectively address the underlying issues that are causing them to panhandle. We also plan to use social media, signage, and other promotional materials to engage with the community.


Success Criteria for the Panhandling Response Initiative

  • Reduction in panhandling
  • Improved public perception and concerns of safety
  • Increased resources for Community Partners
  • Improved public perception of county

  • Launch of "Give Where it Counts" Campaign

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    Prince William County launched the “Give Where It Counts” campaign to reduce panhandling while supporting local nonprofits that address critical needs like housing, food, mental health and job training. The campaign encourages residents to rethink how they give, urging them to donate directly to local organizations instead of handing money to panhandlers. This approach ensures resources are used more effectively, helping those in need access lasting support. The county has created a centralized resource at pwcva.gov/panhandling, where residents can:

    • Donate to trusted local nonprofits listed under the Prince William Area Homeless Services Continuum of Care.
    • Access a community toolkit featuring downloadable posters, flyers, and social media materials to spread awareness about the campaign.


    This initiative reflects the Board of County Supervisors’ commitment to fostering both a safe and compassionate community.

    The campaign will run throughout December to align with the season of giving, and return during the warmer months when panhandling tends to increase. It will be shared across multiple platforms, including social media, streaming services, buses, local malls and movie theaters, ensuring it reaches as many residents as possible.

    Handouts don't help. Give where it counts!

  • Board Approves Funding for Communications Campaign - November 26, 2024

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    During their meeting on Nov. 26, 2024, the Board of County Supervisors approved funding for the county's "Give Where it Counts" panhandling reduction campaign. The presentation and video archive of the meeting is available here.

  • Panhandling Update - November 2024

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    The Board of County Supervisors will consider funding a communications campaign for the panhandling reduction campaign during their Board meeting on Tuesday, November 26, at 2 p.m.

  • Panhandling Initiative Project Update - Oct. 8, 2024

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    During their 2 p.m. meeting on Oct. 8, 2024, the Board of County Supervisors voted to defer implementing the panhandling response recommendations of the County Executive. The Board requested that the County Executive bring the item back at a later date after fleshing out additional details, specifically the communications campaign. A recording of the meeting is available here.