Advice to panhandlers: Go FISH

Instead of stuffing a couple of dollars into a panhandler's bucket, the public is being asked to hand out business cards that advise the needy to seek help from Friends in Service Helping.

"The goal is to have Carson residents carry these cards and give them to people in need including pan-handlers, instead of giving them cash," said Jim Peckham, executive director of FISH, a nonprofit that provides food, clothing, shelter, referral services and medical aid to the needy. "This way, folks who really need help will come to FISH and get the help they need. Those who are 'professional panhandlers' will be disappointed, since they would be getting more business cards than cash - and will hopefully move on to greener pastures."

The operation is funded through private donations, grants and sales at FISH's Carson Street thrift store.

"Instead of giving $5 to a panhandler, give $5 to a local group, and that money will help more than just one person," said Peckham.

Peckham said some other worthy local nonprofits to consider are Ron Wood Family Resources, Food for Thought, Salvation Army, Carson City Health and Human Services, Circles, state mental health and the Veterans Administration.

He said the need for help has seemed to increase in the last several months. In the last two months alone, the number of meals served daily at the FISH dining room has gone from 65 to 100.

Yet, the organization's services aren't reaching everyone, he said. He said that when he tells panhandlers about FISH, they tell him they've heard that FISH won't help.

Peckham said it's likely that the services FISH offers - which are aimed at helping people help themselves - are not what professional panhandlers want.

"We don't want people to be hanging around town because they think there are a lot of easy marks here," he said.

To pick up the cards, visit the FISH offices at 138 E. Long St., or call 882-6334.

"Consider giving the $5 to $20 that would have gone to the panhandler to one of the local nonprofits which help those in need," he said. "This way, the money will go toward the intended purpose."