“ Sorry, but I don’t have any change! » More or less sincere, this excuse heard many times when it comes to givingmoneymoney a person who panhandles will soon no longer be able to be one. Tim Deguette, a 21-year-old student from Lille has just created Solly, in reference to solidarity because it is an innovative payment card that dematerializes donations for the homeless. And he launched a KissKissBankBank fundraiser so that his solidarity project could finally see the light of day.
Donate via smartphone in seconds
The idea is very simple and yet terribly effective. The payment card is given free of charge to homeless people by partner associations during marauding campaigns. By placing a phone on the Solly card, a web page linked to the beneficiary’s kitty opens and allows you to make a donation in a few seconds. Withdrawals of money from ATMs are then impossible, but the person can, using a PIN code and in certain stores, make essential purchases such as food, health, hygiene products, cover accommodation needs, but also clothing and even culture.
Solly, the payment card that digitalizes donations for the homeless. © Solly
Helping the homeless
This social and solidarity innovation responds to several challenges. Firstly, to help the homeless, who numbered 330,000 in France in 2023. A figure which unfortunately grows by 10% each year according to the Abbé Pierre Foundation. Then, to respond to the lack of currency, an increased problem with the dematerialization of means of payment, but also the lack of confidence in the use that can be made of donations, in alcoholalcohol, drugs or something else. Finally, because with the Solly card, a portion of the commissions generated by these donations should be allocated to financing new foster homes, since in 2023 nearly 8,000 people were unable to find places there, including 2 400 miners.
