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People Fixing the World
Scanning Homeless People To Make a Donation
People Fixing the World
Sep 4, 2018

Have you ever wanted to donate to a homeless person, but found yourself without any cash, or concerned about how they may spend the money? A potential solution is being proposed in Oxford, England, through a scheme issuing homeless people with barcodes which can be worn around the neck or printed on a sign.

Members of the public can scan these barcodes on their smartphones and read the homeless person’s story, before deciding whether or not to donate. Any money pledged goes into a special bank account managed by a support worker, helping the homeless person save towards long-term goals.

Some think the project solves a number of problems but others fear the act of scanning someone using a smartphone could be dehumanising.

We visit Oxford to meet homeless people using the barcodes, and speak to the people behind the big idea.

Presenter: Harriet Noble

Photo Caption: One of the homeless people helping trial the new system in Oxford Photo Credit: BBC

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People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We release a new edition every Tuesday. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email [email protected]. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: Richard Kenny Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Andrew Mills

(Photo: A mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Credit: Richard Kenny)


23min 14sec

Scanning Homeless People To Make a Donation

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