READING Borough Council has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at tackling homelessness in the borough.
Tap For Reading make it even easier for residents to help those facing homelessness through a new donation scheme launching today–Wednesday, January 29.
The scheme is designed to ensure donations from the public reach those most in need whilst helping to deter begging on the streets by encouraging people to change their method and desire to help the homeless.
It will provide donation methods at a number of card tap points around the town centre, including The Oracle, Broad Street Mall and Reading Station.
Tap for Reading donations are divided equally between the four charities involved in Reading’s Homelessness Partnership: Launchpad Reading, The Salvation Army, St Mungo’s, and YMCA Reading.
The proceeds will be used to provide practical support to people who are, or have been, rough sleeping in Reading.
In turn, this will help ensure that essential items such as clothing, food, specialist courses, travel to appointments, kitchen items and furnishings, as well as ID support to open bank accounts and register with doctors and dentists, are received by those most in need.
The scheme will be overseen by trained professionals to get individuals off the streets and back on their feet by directing the funds to providing the most appropriate support for them personally.
The council hopes the scheme will minimise begging, which at times can be aggressive and intimidating to those in the town centre, though they also explain that there is “no guarantee” that those begging are homeless.
The entirety of the scheme’s proceeds will go to the Council’s homelessness charity partners who will ensure that funds donated are used for what is needed directly and precisely to help Reading’s homeless population–none will be used for any administration of the scheme.
The tap points have been set up by Reading Borough Council, in partnership with Reading’s Business Improvement District (BID), to support the work of its homelessness charity partners.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “We are acutely aware of the issues around begging in Reading town centre.
“Residents often feel uncomfortably put upon and compelled to give money when asked, but this action only leads to an increase in beggars who are sometimes aggressive and not actually homeless.
“Giving to those parties just diverts money away from those who genuinely have nothing and who most need help.”
She explained: “People visiting Reading shouldn’t have to be worried about being approached by beggars, and with the launch of Tap for Reading there is a positive way for people to counter the begging culture by giving in the right way to those most in need.
“Our message is clear – Tap for Reading is now the best way to help our homeless in Reading.
“By giving solely with a “tap” it ensures your funds reach the right people in genuine need with the support they need.
“Together we can minimise the begging culture by not giving directly to those whose housing status or motivation may be unclear–with Tap for Reading we can address the issue of homelessness together and make a real difference”.
Su Hamblyn, CEO of Launchpad Reading said: “Tap for Reading is a great way for residents and visitors to support people, who are genuinely homeless in the town, with confidence.
“Donations will help Launchpad and the other charities to break the cycle of homelessness; a great outcome for anyone who doesn’t have a home, as well as for our town.”
Laurie Anderson, area operations manager for The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services, said: “The Salvation Army are grateful to continue to collaborate with our existing partners to provide further opportunities for those who have experienced homelessness in Reading.
“The funding from the Tap for Reading scheme will enable our clients to achieve their personal goals and have further opportunities to break their cycle of homelessness.”
Dave Poulton, Chief Executive of YMCA Reading, said: “This is a great new initiative to ensure that those in the most need get vital help and support.
“By Tapping for Reading the public are ensuring that their generous donations are reaching people who are genuinely homeless.
“This is an opportunity for you to make a real difference via a network of local charities including the YMCA”.
Aside from using the Council’s tap points to help reduce homelessness, residents can alert the council to those suspected of facing homelessness via: thestreetlink.org.uk
Reports are sent straight to the Council’s commissioned outreach services so they can provide direct support to homeless people.
Donations can also be made via: www.reading.gov.uk/tapforreading
