Cashless Society Leaves Vulnerable New Yorkers Struggling Today

URGENT UPDATE: New reports reveal that New Yorkers are facing a growing divide as the city rapidly shifts towards a cashless society. While shoppers enjoy the convenience of tap-to-pay and digital payment methods, many vulnerable residents are being left behind, struggling to make ends meet.

The rise of digital payments has transformed shopping for many, especially affluent Americans. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey shows that approximately 60 percent of adults with household incomes above $100,000 report making no cash purchases in a typical week. In stark contrast, only 24 percent of those earning less than $30,000 can say the same.

In New York, this trend is having a profound impact on those who rely on cash for their livelihoods. Street performers, food vendors, and homeless individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to survive as cash transactions decline. One such individual, Rob Brender, has been panhandling for nearly a decade and is feeling the pinch of this shift.

At just 55 years old, Brender, who lives in a group home at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, often positions himself near busy storefronts, hoping for the generosity of passersby. “I can’t deal with rejection,” he said, explaining why he avoids directly asking for money. Instead, he quietly sits with his cup, listening to 104.3 and enjoying the music.

However, as the cashless trend grows, Brender has noticed a significant decrease in donations. Despite the bustling crowds around him, he struggles to fill his cup. A friend even created a sign displaying his Venmo username, but Brender admits he doesn’t know how to access his account, leaving him even more isolated from this new payment method.

As the city embraces a cash-free future, experts are calling for solutions to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. The urgent need for inclusivity in payment systems is now more critical than ever.

What happens next? Advocates are pushing for policies that recognize cash as a vital payment option, especially for those who cannot adapt to digital alternatives. As New York continues to evolve, the impact on its most vulnerable residents will remain at the forefront of discussions.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story impacting New Yorkers and the wider implications of a cashless society.