Cambridge City Council has developed Cambridge Street Aid as a totally new way for residents to donate to help homeless people living on city streets rebuild their lives and ensure that no-one needs to be in a position where begging feels like their only option. The scheme gives donors easy and effective alternatives to giving to people begging to street and includes making £3 donations at tapping pay points in the city centre– or by text. All the money raised goes in grants directly to homeless people who need help getting off the streets. 80% of the money raised so far has already been allocated, including to help people with new housing, equipment and clothing, and to assist several get training and wider support needed to gain jobs locally. In less than two years, the campaign has already raised over £40,000 in small donations.