The City of London Corporation is launching an alternative giving campaign to help the City’s homeless and rough sleeper population, by donating money through four new contactless card points.

Londoners will be able to donate £3 a time to homelessness charity Beam, by tapping their debit and credit cards on the contactless devices at the following locations:

• City of London Information Centre, St Pauls Churchyard
• Barbican Library

• Tower Bridge Engine Room
• Guildhall West Wing reception window

People can also support the campaign by donating online, and City firms can sign up to put devices in their premises at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/tapforchange.

The campaign will run for three months, and if it is successful, more contact points could be rolled out across other City locations.

Marianne Fredericks, Chairman of City of London Corporation’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub-Committee said:

“In a culture where people are increasingly using their debit and credit cards and carrying very little cash, this is an effective and efficient way to help the most vulnerable in our society.

“The funds raised through the these devices will go towards the essential, often life-saving work being carried out by Beam.

“Working with our partners we are supporting rough sleepers to make real life-changes, leading to training, jobs and long-term accommodation and helping them get off the streets for good.

“I hope City business will embrace this campaign and help provide even more locations for the alternative giving tap machines.”

If you would like to know how you can get involved in the campaign, you can email us on tapforchange@cityoflondon.gov.uk for further information.

The City Corporation works alongside homeless charities to support rough sleepers and invests in outreach services, accommodation and training to help end cycles of homelessness.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Beam partners with charities and other organisations that support homeless people. These organisations recommend homeless people to Beam who want to complete training and get into skilled work.

*Photo caption: Marianne Fredricks, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Sub Committee, tapping her phone on the contactless card device at City of London Information Centre.