Tap Your Way to Change: Penzance Launches Contactless Donation Points to Support the Homeless

Penzance is embracing technology this Spring with the launch of the ‘Tap for Penzance’ project, a pioneering scheme aimed at providing support to the homeless community through contactless donations.

This collaborative effort involves Safer Penzance, the Penzance Business Improvement District (BID), and St Petrocs, a charity dedicated to helping the homeless.

Technology Meets Compassion

Located throughout local shops and prominently displayed in shop windows, the contactless donation points and QR codes allow passers-by to donate with a simple tap of their card. The funds go directly to St Petrocs, which provides comprehensive services to those experiencing homelessness in the area.

Olly, from Safer Cornwall, highlighted the benefits of this system, explaining that direct street donations, while well-meaning, often do not address the complex needs of the homeless. “We are giving people an effective way to channel their goodwill directly to St Petrocs, ensuring it contributes towards long-term solutions,” he commented.

Community and Business Synergy

The ‘Tap for Penzance’ project not only aims to assist those on the streets but also involves the local community and businesses in a joint effort to tackle street begging and support those in need. Sarah, the Penzance BID Manager, emphasised the positive impact of the project on the town: “This will be greatly beneficial for Penzance, helping to prevent antisocial behaviour while supporting our community objectives.”

Supporting the Breadline Centre

Donations collected through these new points are set to support the St Petrocs’ Breadline Centre, which has been an active facility for the homeless since 2005. The centre provides essential services such as hot meals, warm clothing, sleeping bags, and housing advice.

Lois, Director of Engagement at St Petrocs, expressed gratitude towards the Penzance business community and Safer Penzance team for their support. “This collaborative effort will enhance our ability to serve the community, helping us reach more people in need,” she stated.

Get Involved

The project leaders are inviting more local businesses to get involved by hosting donation points. This collective effort marks a significant step towards transforming the way support is provided to Penzance’s homeless population, ensuring that help is available in an accessible and efficient manner.

Through the innovative ‘Tap for Penzance’ project, the town not only advances its technological footprint but also strengthens its community spirit, proving that small taps can lead to big changes.

How can I get involved? 

• Donate at a tap point
• Share our news in Penzance
• Get in touch if you’d like to host a donation point in your business

Where can I find a ‘tap’ point? 

There are 4 donation points in Penzance :

• Fishboy Pz – 10 Chapel Street, Penzance, TR18 4AJ
• Archie Brown – Old Brewery Yard, Penzance, TR18 2EQ
• Front Room Bar and Kitchen – 83 Market Jew Street, Penzance, TR18 2LG
• Cornish Hen – 27 Market Place, Penzance, TR18 2JD