PWC To Launch Next Phase Of Panhandling Response Initiative With Intersection Signage

This is a press release from the Prince William County Government

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA – As the next step in Prince William County's ongoing Community Panhandling Response Initiative, the county will begin installing public awareness signs later this month at selected intersections where panhandling has been identified.

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The signs encourage residents who encounter someone in need to call 311, where trained staff can connect individuals with available county services and community resources. The signs also encourage residents to "Give Where It Counts" by supporting local nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to people experiencing hardship.

The signage campaign is part of a broader county strategy developed by the Prince William Department of Social Services' Panhandling Response Action Team, which was established in 2024 to address concerns raised by the Board of County Supervisors and the community.

The initiative focuses on two key priorities: connecting individuals who panhandle with services that address the root causes of their circumstances and encouraging the public to support local nonprofit organizations rather than giving directly at intersections. By calling 311, residents can help connect individuals with housing assistance, food resources, employment support, behavioral health services and other available programs.

Calls to 311 will also provide useful data on program effectiveness and allow for appropriate routing of concerns. For example, reports of panhandling will be directed to DSS, which will dispatch outreach staff to provide information on available services. Reports of individuals selling goods (peddling) will be routed to the county's non-emergency line. A Police Officer will respond to determine compliance with the peddler's ordinance and provide guidance, as needed.

In the spring, county staff gathered information over a 30-day period to establish a baseline and better understand the extent of panhandling activity at several intersections across the county. The data collected, combined with information provided by the Prince William Police Department, helped identify locations for the initial signage rollout and will serve as a benchmark for evaluating the campaign's effectiveness.

Starting in August, signs will be installed in phases over the next few months and will remain in place for approximately 60 days. The phased approach will allow the team to establish measurable baseline data; deploy signage in a controlled and limited manner; evaluate effectiveness over a 60-day period; and determine potential next steps based on data and observations.

Learn more about the Community Panhandling Response Initiative, how to report panhandling through 311, how to download signs for local businesses and areas using the toolkit, and ways to support local nonprofit partners through the "Give Where It Counts" campaign, as well as the county's coordinated response to panhandling.

This is a press release from the Prince William County Government