Contactless could help homelessness

Contactless could help homelessness

10 November 2021

CONTACTLESS payment stations could be provided across the district to help raise vital funds to help charities who look after the homeless.

The idea was proposed at last week’s monthly meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council by Rowallane councillor Patrick Brown and been referred to the organisation’s Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee for discussion.

Cllr Brown wants the local authority to take the lead and spearhead innovative new way to raise money for local homelessness charities.

He said given the continued high homelessness rates in the district and the rise in cashless transactions, the council should commit to installing a number of contactless payment stations in main urban areas which can gather donations for homelessness charities to distribute to those most in need.

Cllr Brown said he was made aware about contactless donation points a few years ago, explaining that they have grown in popularity since being installed in major cities across the UK and Europe. 

“As we live in an increasingly cashless society, we quite often get caught with no money on us. This isn’t a problem if we are tapping our phones for a coffee or in-store shopping but it does significantly limit our ability to be able to help someone sleeping on the street,” he said.

“I know that I have been caught on more than one occasion without any change and am so aware that homelessness charities need all they support they can get to tackle the increasing amount of people who are being left without a roof over their head.”

Cllr Brown said that sadly, the issue of homelessness is becoming increasingly prevalent as a result of the economic instability caused by the pandemic which has left may financially exposed.

He added: “I believe that by installing a few of these contactless payment points we would be able to fund local charities and ensure money is directed where it is most needed, to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society. 

“There is an opportunity to integrate the payment points with existing street furniture, such as ATMs, pay phones or bus stops, so they will easily fit in with the current aesthetic nature of our towns.”