Orlando OKs 'homeless meters,' an alternative to giving change to panhandlers

Orlando commissioners OK'd a plan Monday to install old parking meters repurposed to accept donations for the homeless around downtown, near spots where panhandlers beg passersby for spare change.

City leaders say the 15 meters will give downtown workers and visitors an alternative to giving money to panhandlers. The money will be donated to a homeless charity.

The city calls them "donation meters," but they've been dubbed "homeless meters" in some other cities. Either way, Mayor Buddy Dyer said they're a good idea.

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