Greater Change
1077. Alex McCallion
Alex McCallion, from Oxford, created ‘Greater Change’ an app that allows people to give to someone homeless directly and know the gift is spent effectively.
As a student at Jesus College, University of Oxford, Alex spent time speaking with homeless people in the city, and recognised that people were often reluctant to donate due to a lack of cash and a lack of understanding of how their money was helping. He developed the idea for an app in which homeless people could share their financial objectives with donors, such as moving into stable housing or getting back into employment. Alex has partnered with local services to deliver the scheme, including ‘Aspire Oxford’ the charity founded by Point of Light #753 Carol Sweetenham. They work together to ensure that homeless people can only register for the app if they have a support worker.
In a personal letter to Alex, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Through your app ‘Greater Change’, you have created an innovative model that shows donors how their contributions are helping homeless people to reach financial goals. The success of your pilot scheme is a testament to your dedication to helping homeless people get back on their feet, and I wish you the very best as you grow the project.”
Picture credit: University of Oxford / Richard Lofthouse
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