Giving That Makes Cents is a way for citizens to redirect their generosity to ensure the money they donate goes directly to support John 3:16 Mission which can provide a hot meal and a warm bed for individuals in need.

It's an alternative to handing cash to panhandlers.

Citizens who are compelled to donate through the Giving That Makes Cents campaign are encouraged to text BA to 50155. A link to John 3:16 Mission’s website will then be provided via text message.

The easy-to-follow website offers several donation options to choose from, as well as how you would like to direct your support.

Signs raising awareness of Giving That Makes Cents will be installed at various locations around the community. The signs include the short code to text and a telephone number for assistance with food and shelter needs. 

One hundred percent of all donations through the Giving That Makes Cents campaign go to support John 3:16 Mission.

Panhandling and Homeless

Broken Arrow Police Department and the City of Broken Arrow must balance offering compassionate assistance to individuals experiencing financial hardship, enforcement of applicable laws, and ensuring the quality of life for all Broken Arrow residents.

It is important to understand that not all panhandlers are homeless. Likewise, not all homeless persons are panhandlers.

Upon receipt of a call, Broken Arrow Police Officers will check the wellbeing of a person who has been reported as being homeless. Officers will explain services that are available to those in need, and offer transportation to local shelters. Oftentimes, individuals are not interested, and decline the offers of assistance. Once police have checked on an individual and determined their safety is not in immediate jeopardy and no violations of the law are occurring, officers will not be reassigned to check on the individual again in the same 10-hour shift, provided circumstances have not changed.

Panhandling is not a crime and has been determined by courts to be a constitutionally protected form of free speech.

In response to concerns brought forward from citizens, the Broken Arrow City Council adopted an ordinance regarding aggressive begging. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect the rights and safety of those who are approached by individuals who are asking for money or things, while not limiting the solicitors' constitutional rights. Ordinance 3773 makes it unlawful for any person to aggressively beg, panhandle, or solicit any other person and is punishable as a Class A offense.

Furthermore, Ordinance 3800 amends existing city code to require panhandlers to wear a high-visibility reflective garment to meet American National Standards Institute safety standards.