Some of our most frequently asked questions
How do I know that I am giving to a legitimate homeless person?
UnifyGiving only works with local registered charity partners who have the same end goal of
ending poverty and homelessness. Our charity partners receive an admin key to our application
to enable them to set up the beneficiary Uni-Profiles and distribute UnifyGiving bank cards and
RFID wristbands to the people they know and support on a day-to-day basis.
How much of my donation goes to the homeless person?
92.6% of your donation goes directly to the Uni-Profile of the beneficiary. This is lower than the
national UK charity which according to Goodbox, on average, the largest charities in the UK will
spend between 26-87% of their annual income on their charitable activities.
As any organisation, we have overheads including banking fees, web hosting, legal costs, the cost of the wristbands/ bank cards and the development of the Unify Giving app. So, a small 7.4% contribute to these overheads.
As any organisation, we have overheads including banking fees, web hosting, legal costs, the cost of the wristbands/ bank cards and the development of the Unify Giving app. So, a small 7.4% contribute to these overheads.
How many people are homeless?
Since 2010, the number of rough sleepers has risen by 165%, and the number of people living
in inadequate temporary accommodation by 95%. This leaves society with an unprecedented
challenge of providing quality of life to over 280,000 people experiencing homelessness in the
UK with millions more around the world facing the same predicament.
One of the greatest challenges that face those experiencing homelessness is the lack of personal security with their funds, as well as the difficulties with living in an increasingly cashless society, where donors find being able to donate harder to do
One of the greatest challenges that face those experiencing homelessness is the lack of personal security with their funds, as well as the difficulties with living in an increasingly cashless society, where donors find being able to donate harder to do
How do I know my money is being spent only on essentials?
Due to UnifyGiving’s technical nature, we have added certain codes and internal regulatory
requirements on the beneficiary Uni-Profiles and UnifyGiving bank cards.
This means beneficiaries can only spend on essential items and only check their balances at an ATM, rather than withdrawing cash.
UnifyGiving and our partners have access to the recipient spending, and we use this data to show and reassure donors that their money is being put to effective use. For example, out of all donations received in London, 34% were spent on accommodation and 16% were spent on groceries.
This means beneficiaries can only spend on essential items and only check their balances at an ATM, rather than withdrawing cash.
UnifyGiving and our partners have access to the recipient spending, and we use this data to show and reassure donors that their money is being put to effective use. For example, out of all donations received in London, 34% were spent on accommodation and 16% were spent on groceries.
How do you know someone still needs your help?
UnifyGiving Uni-Profiles have a 2-year validity. Following this, should the beneficiary still need
the services UnifyGiving provide, their profile is extended through the set-up charity.
Who are your charity partners?
Initially, we are working with established registered charities and community groups experienced
in working with local homeless communities in the UK and Portugal.
If you have another question, then please contact us.
Our Partners
