The City of Saint Paul is taking definitive action with the launch of 'Be the Solution,' a campaign dedicated to transforming good intentions into actual safety measures and support for the community's residents. The initiative seeks to reduce roadway accidents and improve overall safety, announced by Deputy Mayor Jaime Tincher who emphasized their commitment "to increasing safety and reducing accidents across our community by implementing positive solutions," according to the city's official news release.
As a practical measure, the city has directed its Public Works Street Maintenance crews to place new signs at busy intersections aimed at dissuading the mix of philanthropy with traffic which can lead to unsafe conditions for both donors and recipients and the idea is to both protect and invest in methods that aid their neighbors in more structured ways. Public Works Director Sean Kershaw noted the importance of these signs, stating "By installing this signage, we are taking important steps to ensure that all residents, whether they are walking, biking, driving, or taking public transit, can navigate our streets safely," as per the city's announcement.
The 'Be the Solution' campaign also encourages St. Paul's residents to consider alternative avenues for aiding those in need by contributing funds that would be funneled through Ramsey County's Heading Home Ramsey Continuum of Care, this network would then allocate these funds to local service providers that cater to the city's most vulnerable groups, thus ensuring that contributions are put to effective use.
For individuals looking to make an impact or seeking more information about the initiative's goals and procedures, the city directs them to the Be the Solution webpage at stpaul.gov/solutions where details are available and donations can be made to further bolster the community efforts in assisting those facing hardships.
