I see this working where placecards would be placed on hotel beds explaining that a voluntary contribution of 10p or smaller would be added to their billl at the end of their stay. A similar notice would be placed at Reception. Each notice would have to be in several languages to cater to an international market. The voluntary contribution would go to local or national homeless charities. The amount of voluntary contribution needs to be small because non-local people would be contributing to the scheme. The smaller the amount, the less ther're going to mind having it tacked onto the bill. The placecards would be sponsored by local firms, who would be allowed to have their adverts on these cards. Taxi companies and restaurants would certainly be a prime source of sponsorship.

Monies raised by this scheme would be collected by a local organiser who would also recruit hotels into the scheme. The organiser would also contact the local media with a view to getting an article written up about the hotel and what part it is playing in helping the homeless issue within the town. I see this scheme being run throughout the whole year.

For me, everybody wins. Hotels get a good 'social responsibilty' rating and free advertising through the newspaper article. Hotel customers feel they are contributing to society. Sponsors get their brand name across on the placecards and a good 'social responsibilty' rating. But most importantly of all, the homeless get help to build a better life.

I see it as a scheme where those people who are without a home or shelter in a city are helped by those who are similarly without a home in a city, but who nevertheless can afford a temporary shelter ie. a hotel bed.