How it works
StreetSmart was established in 1998 and since then we have raised over £13 million for homeless and vulnerable people across the UK.
At participating restaurants during the festive months of November and December, with the benefit of a tablecard or a reference on the menu, a voluntary £1 is added to the diners’ bill.
At the end of each month, the restaurant passes on all of these £1s to StreetSmart. We then use them to support reputable charities for the homeless.
All StreetSmart’s running and operational costs are generously paid for by our sponsors, so every penny in every £1 raised goes directly to the people who need it.
Run a restaurant? Joining us is easy
Customer awareness
The £1 donation is voluntary and can easily be removed from the bill upon request. Customers rarely object; in fact, they’re delighted to have an opportunity to help homeless people over Christmas. Our experience has shown that less than 1% of customers decline to participate. Instead, they often request that more than £1 be added to the bill!
Administration
Electronic tills record donations, so administration is minimal. Just collect the total amount at the end of each month or at the end of December and pass it on to us.
Restaurant staff and tips
It’s quick and easy for staff to operate, and most welcome the chance to do some good at Christmas. Most restaurants find that participating in StreetSmart has no effect on the level of tipping. In fact, customers are happy to contribute and don’t make any adjustment to the level of tip they would normally leave for a meal.
VAT
The £1 donation is added to the bill after the service charge and VAT, and so it does not affect your VAT returns.
Payment information
Restaurants are asked to submit funds to StreetSmart by the end of February at the latest. EITHER send a cheque payable to ‘StreetSmart-Action for the Homeless’ to StreetSmart, Group SJR, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HS OR arrange a credit transfer to our account at Barclays Bank, Sort Code 20-36-88 / Account Number 70190888.