Homeless in Europe: A Closer Look at the Homeless in a Cash-free Economy: The Example of Poland

The challenges facing the homeless in Europe are numerous and often insurmountable. The number of people living rough is growing, and there is no concerted EU effort to combat this phenomenon. This study investigates the extant issues and new challenges created by a cash-free economy. Structured interviews were conducted with 50 participants using a questionnaire developed specifically to understand how the homeless participate in our economy. A literature review was conducted to fully understand the positive and negative impact of a cash-free economy. The resultant research shows that there is a deeply negative impact on the homeless, as they are particularly vulnerable to changes in their ability to earn money. The authors conclude that there is a simple and practical solution to this problem that also has positive ripple effects on the community. The development of this solution will allow the homeless to participate in a cash-free economy, alleviates the negative impact, and will create new opportunities for service organisations, the homeless, and the larger community. Once the solution is implemented, a follow-up study will be conducted.