Panhandling signs in downtown Murfreesboro offer 'better way to give'

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — If you walk around downtown Murfreesboro, you'll see the city's newest plan in action to direct money away from direct panhandlers.

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland told News 2 the city wants to remain a compassionate one but there was a more efficient way to do it. New signs posted around downtown have a QR code at the bottom that links you to a city website full of resources to give directly to local nonprofits fighting homelessness.

The signs read "There's a better way to give" and are strategically placed throughout the downtown corridor, as well as busy intersections where panhandlers are usually posted, like West Vine Street and South Church Street.

McFarland told News 2 is a safety issue, and he hoped people can see the true heart behind the initiat