HSBC bank accounts for the homeless

deadendwaterfall

What's your opinions/views on this?

https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/hsbc-starts-offering-bank-accounts-21073777

I personally think it's a good idea, but no doubt some on here will find a reason for it being a terrible idea, "Why should they?" with the "I'm alright Jack" attitude towards the homeless.

A new bank account is offering hope to homeless people across the country after HSBC teamed up with Shelter to help them get back on their feet.

The 'no fixed address' account lets people bypass the traditional requirements of IDs and home addresses before opening an account.

It's a huge step forward, given the benefits of having an account go far beyond just somewhere to put your money.

Shelter chief executive Polly Neate said: “Having a bank account not only allows homeless people to receive wages and claim benefits, but can instil a much-needed sense of independence."

She added: "It's hard enough if you're homeless, living day-to-day on the streets in the freezing cold or trapped with your children in a grotty hostel, but not having a bank account can make life even tougher."

NedS

Indeed, it's a catch 22 for those who are homeless and do not have a bank account. You can not claim benefits without a bank account so can't get help with housing costs to get a house.

K80_Black

It's good that they're making it easier, but I'm not sure how many people this will actually help. I can see the use for people without photographic ID, but proof of address isn't actually the big problem.

My experience of homelessness was exclusively in Northern Ireland, where (like the rest of the UK) you can register to vote using something like a homeless day centre, or other charitable service as your address. The difference between NI and the rest of the UK is that this entitles you to a free electoral identity card, which is photographic ID.

Their example of someone living in a 'grotty hostel' not being able to provide proof of address is nothing like my experience - the staff were more than willing to write a letter confirming I was staying there for the local doctors. Someone in a hostel will almost certainly be claiming benefits to pay their rent, or the staff will be working with them to get it ASAP. They're not free. Also, to make it into a hostel you're very likely to be (mostly) sober and engaged with the local services who deal with this sort of thing every day.

The rough sleepers I met on my journey from homeless to homeowner (nearly there, mortgage approved yesterday!) were exclusively addicts who refused help to get sober enough to be considered for housing. They all had bank accounts to claim benefits to buy their desired substances. I'm not making a judgement on their choice because they had harrowing stories and I can totally understand their desire to block out their feelings with substances. The point is, it was (and from seeing the same faces still out begging, still is) their choice. Help is ready and available for those who want it.

For the kind of people who jump into your head when you think of 'the homeless' this will make little difference in actually getting them off the streets. Even if they could somehow save up a deposit and first months rent from their benefits - how many private landlords will accept a tenant with no job, no references and no guarantor? If the 'renting' board on here is anything to go by...

I'm not saying my experience is universally true, or it wouldn't help a single person (and even helping a very small amount of people is a good thing!), I'm just extremely cynical when it comes to big corporations like HSBC doing supposedly philanthropic things. It's basically good publicity for them, so people will forget about all the money laundering they did for the people who sell the drugs that keep people homeless.