That sounds to me kind of like this (only available in Seattle currently, iirc):
I was homeless for nearly six years. Instead of panhandling, I worked at developing an online income. I'm trying to support and promote that approach for others. Some of my work:
https://sandiegohomelesssurvivalguide.blogspot.com
The website talks a good game, right up until the point that you look at the claimed partner list. I tried to find a couple of the supposed partners linking themselves with Samaritan City in any way, but AFAIK there is no public announcement I can find from King County Metro and other partners mentioning this outfit.
To add to that, it appears money donated is easily locked away from those you supposedly donated to (with mandatory 30 day check-ins), and it can only be spent at select partners. The straightjacket on permitted places to spend donations is similar to EBT, but even more restrictive as you seemingly can't use this anywhere besides at mega-chain markets and restaurants.
I don't give Mutual Aid to exclusively support chains & mega-corps, this business practice of only allowing purchases at select partners is very scummy, and hurts the value of the supposed support donors are attempting to provide via Samaritan City.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/homeless-...
Here, the buskers have a QR code where you can use to donate to them. You scan the code, and then you can select the amount to donate.
No external devices needed where you aren't sure about the safety of it and no need to be plugged in. Just a simple QR code.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/18/izettle-m...
HN may not like this, but most people don't like pan handlers.
I know it might seem odd, especially in the case of panhandlers, who may have difficulty persuading people that the transaction is secure in addition to the fact that some people will be judgmental and assume that if they can afford a smartphone, a card reader, and a bank account, they must not need the money.
But what's the real alternative? It sure isn't trying to persuade people to carry cash because of "The Man" or so that they can keep buskers and panhandlers in business. If people who earn money on the street can't accept card payments, they're screwed, plain and simple.
There might even be a non-profit startup idea here: something like Square, but optimized for panhandlers and buskers. Something that people get used to, that clearly communicates that the transaction will be secure and small (e.g. $1 or $2 every time), that charges absolutely minimal fees (or none if possible), and perhaps that works without a real bank account - e.g. money goes onto the device, and then the device itself can also be used to pay for things, like Apple Pay.