Second Shot System: Empowering the Homeless with Rechargeable Payment Cards
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This is the basis for this idea: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/08/28/how_panhandlers_use_free_credit_cards.html
I thought it would be interesting to combine the power of smartphones with new developments in QR and NFC technology to empower the homeless. By using an app that can transfer money to individuals with special credit cards, a normal person could do more than just give people a wad of cash. By enabling one to see how money is being spent on the card, a donator and receiver can build a relationship in an effort to pull the receiver out of poverty. Using this special card would prevent the homeless from spending their money on things like alcohol or drugs which would prevent them from leaving their situation. Since libraries are public access, they can manage their accounts and keep in contact with their sponsors. It's not a fully fleshed out idea but I think it has potential.
It could function similarly to a Clipper card and purchases made with it could be tax-free.
Have you heard of this? https://handup.org/
They are not in SJ , but the idea is passing out these cards in which they can go to a homeless shelter and redeem for services like baths, or etc. I sometimes question this potentially can create its own economy... but that's sort of like where you are going with this transferable credit.