The Street Sense newspaper is integral to the life of John Littlejohn. The local paper, which focuses on issues related to the homeless and employs unhoused individuals as its vendors, has helped him secure an apartment and boost his income. However, the rise of cashless payments has made it increasingly difficult for Littlejohn and other vendors to make sales.
With a decline in cash transactions and the majority of people relying on credit cards or smartphone payments, street-level charitable giving has taken a hit. This has posed a significant challenge for unhoused individuals, as many electronic payment apps require bank accounts, credit cards, or identification documents which they may not have access to.
Charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army, have had to adapt to this shift by introducing new ways for people to contribute, such as tapping their phones to make a donation. In the case of Street Sense, the paper developed a cashless payment app, allowing customers to purchase a copy electronically and have the profits go directly to the vendor.
The challenges of a cashless society, combined with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have meant that Street Sense vendors have had to expand their territory and even receive tech support to navigate the complexities of online presence. Despite the difficulties, advances have been made in cashless donations to the homeless, with the development of apps that not only allow cashless donations but also steer individuals into support systems to help them off the streets.
While these initiatives have seen trial and error over the years, there are still many unhoused individuals being left behind, as not everyone is suited to this type of intervention. Many face deeper mental or emotional issues that require more intensive support.
Overall, the rise of a cashless society has posed significant challenges for the unhoused and charitable organizations, but advances in technology are providing new opportunities to support those most at risk of being left behind.