Technology offers alternatives for homeless, buskers, beggars in cashless society
TIP-and-go payments could help homeless people, buskers and beggars “devastated” by the switch to a cashless society.
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TIP-and-go payments could help homeless people, buskers and beggars “devastated” by the switch to a cashless society.
South Australia’s welfare agencies warn that the homeless are losing out as fewer people carry loose change – but they also say technology comes with its own pitfalls.
The Big Issue – a set-up allowing the homeless and disadvantaged to earn money through selling a magazine – is investigating cash alternatives.
“Many of our vendors find that people are carrying less and less cash these days – that makes it tough for (them),” chief operating officer Sally Hines said. “We are exploring options for cashless payments so our vendors can be part of the digital cash economy and continue to earn a meaningful income from selling The Big Issue magazine.”
Overseas, homeless people are taking donations through tip-and-go systems, some with in-built limits. For example, a homeless person will carry technology that will automatically deduct three British pounds if someone taps it with their credit card.
Both Anglicare SA and the SA Council of Social Services say there has been a big drop-off in donations and that innovative solutions should be explored – but carefully.
Peter Sandemann, chief executive officer of Anglicare SA and co-chair of the Zero Project Strategy Group, said the only ultimate answer was to end homelessness.
“Our clients are reporting a decrease in on-the-street donations through begging or busking for loose change. This is causing hardship to beggars and buskers who rely on the largesse of strangers,” he said.
“A cashless society might not seem such a big deal to many of us, but to those on the street who rely on donations of loose change it could be devastating.
“We all experience that moment of indecision as we face the dilemma of whether we should give money by cash or card to street people who may use it to support a dangerous lifestyle rather than food, clothing or shelter. Practical assistance is better than cash.”
Reverend Sandemann warned that digital transfers could delay funds and cause other unintentional issues such as accidental overdrafts.
SACOSS says technology has potential applications for the homeless but that paywave also triggered “alarm bells” over issues around supply, training, and bureaucracy.
Spokesman Greg Ogle said bigger charities were more likely to benefit, rather than individuals or small charities.
Flamenco guitarist Peter Gaetjens is not homeless, but relies on busking for a large portion of his income. He said a Saturday night used to bring in up to $200, but now it’s about $45.
He has been trialling Paypal but said it’s ineffective as people have to fill out so much information.
“People say ‘I really like you but I haven’t got any cash’,” he told The Advertiser.
