UK Campaign To Help The Homeless Gets Flak For Being Insensitive
Video screenshot via BBC
A well-meaning campaign to make it easier for people to donate to the homeless has received mixed reactions from members of the public.
As reported by BBC, Oxford-based nonprofit Greater Change has introduced a cashless scheme that allocates lanyards with QR codes to people living on the streets so that passersby can send them money digitally.
Scanning a barcode will also lead a donor to an information sheet detailing the homeless person’s backstory and how they might want to return to a normal life.
The movement is led by Alex McCallion, who believes that the giving mechanism will allow members of the increasingly cashless society to do their part, as well as be informed of where their money might end up.
Evidently, the campaign has left locals and the internet divided. While some applaud Greater Change for leveraging technology for benevolent purposes, the nature of barcodes has made others feel like the organization is reducing homeless people to objects.
“I think it’s a bit weird, to be honest,” a local told BBC’s ‘World Hacks’. “It’s a bit like wearing a dog tag.”
“This is so dehumanizing to homeless people,” wrote Twitter user ‘carhole’.
On the other end of the spectrum, a homeless woman told the segment that the additional payment method could seriously help those living on the streets.
“I think it’s quite good… There’s a lot of homeless people in Oxford, and by doing it this way, it’s going on the right things that people need.”
When asked if the system made her feel like an “object in a supermarket,” however, the woman agreed. “Yeah, but nevermind, if you’re going to get what you need, it’s a good idea.”
McCallion stressed that the QR codes don’t have to be on lanyards if participants find wearing them to be demeaning.
“[I]t’s entirely up to them if they want to wear it like that,” he assured. “People can also hand them out or put it on a sign.”
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) August 12, 2018
I get the offensive sentiment, but it's worth noting some homeless folks I spoke to said they do receive less £ help these days as people have gone increasingly cashless. So maybe right idea wrong method.
— IndyScotNation #dissolvetheunion (@IndyNationScot) August 12, 2018
I understand that totally! It just sucks that we have to scan people to trust them, think we should be giving them money and time either way
— morgan (@mxrganmc) August 13, 2018
The execution of the video is the problem tbh, the code is able to be put on business cards or signs, the lanyard was just an example
— kerrit (@kerritcos) August 13, 2018
this is so dehumanising to homeless people wot !! https://t.co/7Cvb9hHNvl
— evie (@carhoIe) August 12, 2018
“By scanning you can learn more about the person”. Or you could, you know, talk to them...
— Daerwin Mhurain (@daire_mhurain) August 12, 2018
This is so wrong. Read their bio and decide whether you want to part with your loose change or not? Maybe after you deem them worthy you can rate them like an über?? Make it easier for the next person to decide
— SarahM (@SazMonaghan) August 12, 2018
this is more concerning than it looks like. No, please. No. It's hard enough to be homeless, why this further humiliation?!
— AnnaC (@AnnaCupani) August 12, 2018
This is outrageous. Can't believe this is a real news story. As someone who regularly works with the homeless, talks to them, feeds them and organises charity work for them, I can't shout enough how wrong this is. Genuinely shocked. Orwell's turning in his grave right now.
— Am (@_thecolourblue) August 13, 2018
[via Jim Waterson, video and cover image via BBC]
