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Businesses Provide Money To Keep Jobs-For-Panhandlers Going

PORTLAND, Maine - Portland is going to continue its jobs-for-panhandlers program thanks to donations from more than a dozen businesses.
 
The Portland Press Herald reports that the Portland Community Chamber of Commerce delivered a check for $13,000, enough to fund the crew for 10 weeks.
 
The city launched the Portland Opportunity Crew last year to reduce panhandling on city streets, which has generated complaints from businesses, residents and visitors alike. The program restarted in May with leftover money, but those funds would dry up in July.
 
City Manager Jon Jennings said he's grateful that the chamber recognized the impact the program was having and stepped in to help.