‘Give DIFFerently’ is encouraging people to donate to homeless people by text, rather than giving money or food directly.
But Andrew Misell, the Director of the charity Alcohol Concern Wales is worried that donations by text will mean less interaction for homeless people.
“I think there’s always a risk with anything that takes more of our lives online that you cut back on face to face human interaction.”
Recent Welsh Government figures showed Cardiff had the highest number of homelessness in Wales at 53, followed by Wrexham with 44.
The service, created by FOR Cardiff, will be managed by the Community Foundation in Wales. It said the money donated will be distributed via individual grants and will provide things like housing support and clothing for a job interview.
It added donations will help “those living a street based lifestyle to make a positive change” and the money will be shared among organisations such as The Big Issue, Huggard Centre, The Wallich and The Salvation Army.
Mr. Misell told CJS News, there is “no reason” to stop talking to homeless people even if people choose to donate via the new app.
“I think charities are aware of this and I’m sure they’d be encouraging people, even if they don’t want to hand over hard cash anymore they want to donate it via the app, and there’s no reason to stop talking to homeless people.”
