Getting Cash to Young People in Crisis

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Each year, FosterClub works with a lot of young people. A LOT.

We've learned first-hand how important it is to be able to get cash to youth in crisis. So we've put this blog together to share what we know. Please note: we are sharing FosterClub's own experience with vendors, and make no guarantees regarding their services. 

If you have other ideas or experiences, please provide comments below.

How we get CASH to young people remotely:

. Product How it Works Pros/Cons
Venmo

Sign up with a phone number. Attache a credit card, debit card, or bank account (takes longer) to your account. Send money to people by using their user name.

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Widely known and used by young people

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Facebook Pay

Link a card to your account and send money.

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Have to send through a personal Facebook Account. 

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Paypal

Similar to Venmo, but there may be a few day delay 

CashApp

Similar to Venmo.

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Costs less for each transaction. Not as widely used. 

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How we get GIFT CARDS to young people remotely:

We've identified a select number of gift cards that can be delivered to an email address.

. Product How it Works Pros/Cons
Walmart Purchase gift card, then send it via email.

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In addition to food, provides household/hygiene items.

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Target Purchase gift card, then send it via email. Be sure to select a card for Deliver Type = email (left hand side of screen)

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In addition to food, provides household/hygiene items.

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Burger King Purchase gift card, then send it via email.

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Drive thru. Young people like it. 

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Subway Purchase gift card, then send it via email.

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Healthy options, such as salads

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And also...

FosterClub doesn't use this, but word from young people is it's a good way to get food to your door quickly. Maybe more expensive than other alternatives, but has the advantage of supporting people doing the deliveries and preparing the food, many of whom are young people, too:

Postmates

Doordash

Special thanks to FosterClub's Admin team - who are experts at managing finances involving young people. If you are interested in working with young people to support your youth through the crisis (or beyond), please email [email protected].

Thanks for all you do to support young people in and from foster care.

Team FosterClub

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