Street Banking on the Increase

Downtown Community Ministry’s (DCM) street bank has grown in the last financial year!

Pat Booth, DCM’s treasurer, has been furiously working away since the 2009/10 financial year ended on June 30. She says, “We handled over $800,000 worth of transactions for over 120 service users in the last year - about $100,000 more than last year. It has kept us very busy!”

There continues to be a steady stream of people requiring the street bank service and DCM has seen an increase in service users which may be due to the current economic climate. Most of the people signed up to the street bank are surviving on low incomes or benefits.

A street bank customer said, “Without the street bank I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills or buy food. Because DCM helps me manage my money I can pay everything on time, and I’m even building up some savings which I’ve never had before.”

“It’s great to have someone standing beside you supporting you.”

The street bank is run by DCM as part of the Street People Project (SPP). SPP is a banking and money management programme for people who are unable to access mainstream banking services.

Once signed up to SPP, regular automatic payments are able to be set up, ensuring that basic needs such as food, rent and power are met. Service users are encouraged to be accountable for their debts and to develop saving skills. DCM acts as an advocate with agencies such as Work and Income, health providers, banks and courts where necessary.

You can find out more about SPP on our website: www.dcm.org.nz

ENDS

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