Technology built the cashless society. Advances are helping the unhoused so they’re not left behind

Technology has played a pivotal role in shaping our society, from the rise of cashless transactions to the challenges faced by the unhoused population. In the past, people would readily spare a few dollars to purchase Street Sense, a local newspaper that addresses homelessness issues and employs unhoused individuals as vendors. However, today, the prevalence of cashless payments has made it increasingly rare for individuals to carry cash, even if they wish to contribute to charitable causes.

John Littlejohn, who was once homeless for 13 years, has witnessed this change firsthand. He often spent long hours trying to collect donations but found that people no longer carried cash. This shift towards a cashless society has raised concerns about how charitable groups and advocates for the unhoused can effectively reach those in need.

To address this challenge, innovative solutions have emerged. Street Sense has introduced a specialized phone app that allows people to purchase the newspaper electronically, with the profits directly benefiting the unhoused vendors. For instance, thanks to this technology, John Littlejohn now has his own apartment, supported by income from Street Sense and other side jobs.

Over the past two decades, Western society has seen a significant decline in cash transactions. Credit cards and smartphone technology have transformed the way we pay for even small items. However, this shift has posed a unique problem for street-level charitable giving. Many individuals no longer carry cash, making it difficult for those who rely on these donations, like panhandlers and street musicians.

The unhoused population faces particular challenges in this cashless world. While electronic payment apps like PayPal and Venmo have become widespread, they often require resources that unhoused individuals lack, such as credit cards, bank accounts, identification documents, or stable mailing addresses.

Charities have had to adapt to this changing landscape. The Salvation Army, for example, introduced a system that allows donors to make cashless payments by tapping their phones on donation kettles. Street Sense also had to evolve to accommodate changing consumer habits, implementing a cashless payment app to meet the needs of its vendors.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters by reducing the number of downtown office workers, who were a significant customer base for Street Sense vendors. As a result, vendors had to expand their territories and adapt to new challenges.

In addition to adapting to cashless payments, vendors also require tech support to navigate the complexities of modern online presence. Problems such as changing emails, forgotten passwords, and lost documents are common among this population.

Some organizations have gone beyond enabling cashless donations and developed apps designed to connect unhoused individuals with support systems to help them leave the streets. The Samaritan app, operating in several cities, allows donors to support unhoused individuals by donating directly to their accounts. Donors can contribute to specific needs, such as groceries, housing deposits, or job interview clothing.

Moreover, recipients can access case managers through the app, providing access to counseling, drug rehabilitation, and other vital services. This personalized approach humanizes the unhoused individuals, making it easier for donors to empathize with their stories and specific needs.

These initiatives aim to bridge the gap created by cashless technology but are not without challenges and limitations. For example, some solutions have proven impractical, and not all unhoused individuals are suited for these interventions due to mental health or other issues.

In conclusion, as our society embraces cashless transactions, it is crucial to find innovative ways to ensure that the unhoused population is not left behind. Technology can be a double-edged sword, creating challenges while also offering solutions to address them. These efforts represent significant steps towards inclusivity and support for those in need in an increasingly cashless world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Homelessness and Cashless Society

More about Homelessness and Cashless Society

• Street Sense
• The Salvation Army
• Samaritan app
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Impact of COVID-19 on homelessness
• Challenges in tech-driven solutions for homelessness