BillyChip (tokens for hot drinks, food & pet food)
BillyChip is a safe secure ‘currency’ that can be bought from participating shops, to give to homeless people to pay for a hot drink or meal, or buy pet food. This enables people to help, while following council advice not to give cash (and also reduces robbery risk).
The idea was set up in memory of a young man (who died in a road accident) who volunteered to help homeless people. The scheme is free (shops are just charged for chips sold) and the welcome pack includes 25 Billy Chips, window decals and marketing materials.
Keep tokens away from young children and pets. Pubs and bars are not allowed to join, so the tokens can’t be used to buy alcohol.
If not cash, what to offer instead?
- IHot food and drinks: pay at the counter for them
- Toiletries: travel-size items and feminine care
- Phone top-ups or low-cost SIM: connection helps!
- Travel cards or a single fare: getting to a hostel, GP or free vet care
- Pre-paid shop cards: practical, and less awkward
Sometimes you can also pay directly for a hostel night, if a local service can arrange it. Besides direct giving, donating to an outreach team can stretch your help further, because they can buy in bulk and respond fast.
Keep boundaries clear. Stay in public, don’t invite strangers home, and trust your instincts.
How to help homeless people (and dogs)
England has around 250,000 homeless people (including rough sleepers, sofa-surfers and people living in bed-and-breakfasts).
Homeless people can claim benefits, giving the address of a family member/friend, hostel or job centre. This helps to pay for food (and pet food), interview clothes and rent deposits. People without bank accounts can use the government’s Payment Exception Service to collect benefits from a local post office or PayPoint outlet.
If you see someone sleeping rough, send a report to StreetLink, whose outreach teams visit rough sleepers at night, to alert them of support to find benefits and accommodation (if the person is under 18, call 999).
Also read about how to help homeless people with dogs.
