Buddy, Can You Spare a Credit Card?

Insight on the News, May 3, 1999 by Lisa Anderson

Your favorite restaurant may not take the American Express card, but chances are the average San Francisco panhandler will. A current proposal before Democratic Mayor Willie Brown suggests equipping the homeless with credit-card machines similar to those used for store purchases. With one swipe of plastic, do-gooders can donate the sum of their choice while at the same time remaining hip, high-tech and coin-free.

Dubbed the "Benevolending Box Program" by creator Karen Gatter, its goal is to relieve the problem of homelessness and poverty on San Francisco streets. "What we're looking at is a means for homeless people to sustain themselves." says Gatter. To do this, those involved want to create a "public-private partnership" that will raise funds both for individual panhandlers and homeless shelters. According to Reuters sources, 80 percent of each credit-card contribution would go to community homeless programs; the remaining 20 percent would be the panhandler's cut for successfully caging the donation.

The always-innovative Mayor Brown is excited about this program, saying it "empowers homeless persons to take responsible action for their lives." Other city officials are skeptical, arguing that issues of security should be addressed before a plan takes effect. Perhaps even more important is the question would-be donors might ask namely, "What do I do if the panhandler tells me my cards are maxed out and gets surly?"