Homeless miss out as cash declines.

The use of cash for purchases in Australia has significantly declined, with only 13% of transactions now being made with cash compared to 70% in 2007. This trend is making it increasingly difficult for homeless individuals who rely on cash donations to get by. The decrease in cash circulation has also led to a reduction in the number of ATMs available, further limiting access to cash for those in need. Some organizations, such as The Big Issue street newspaper, have implemented alternative payment methods like card payments to adapt to the changing landscape. However, passersby are less likely to donate using tap-and-go methods, and many cashless payments require a bank account or fixed address, which can be challenging for homeless individuals to maintain. [Extracted from the article]