A coalition of downtown social service agencies, residents, churches and businesses is launching a campaign called "Know Before You Give."

It's a campaign that encourages donations directly to social service agencies, not to individual panhandlers.

Group members said they don’t believe giving money to panhandlers helps address the root of homelessness.

"It really takes time and investment to help those in need, and most of us don't have the time to do that," Dr. Doug Keenan, minister of pastoral car at First Baptist Church said.

Keenan suggested responding to panhandlers by saying, "I don't have any money to give you. I encourage you to try and take advantage of what's in the downtown area or the other resources that are out there, but I'm not going to give you any cash."

Group members also said they believe having fewer people panhandling will make downtown a more attractive place.

"This is an issue that affects the convention center. It affects tourism, and we want to address it in a positive way. We know that we have challenges as a city in terms of homelessness," CEO of Alamo Drafthouse and chair of Sixth Street Austin Tim League said.

You can find out more about "Know Before You Give" and its partner agencies by clicking here.