Cambridge City Council has installed contactless 'giving points', enabling people to tap their card or phone to make donations to a charitable fund for rough sleepers.
Cambridge Street Aid was set up two years ago as a way to give anyone wishing to help vulnerable people on the streets an alternative to handing over cash directly - which studies suggest can be counterproductive.
It will now be easier for people to make donations thanks to two giving points, one of which will be available 24/7.
All donations go towards individual grants of up to £750 to help people off the street through things such as opening bank accounts, paying for mobile phones and putting down rent deposits.
Councillor Kevin Price says: "Introducing contactless giving terminals is another innovative way we are working with our partners to encourage more people to give to the Cambridge Street Aid fund, to help reduce and prevent rough sleeping and the threat of homelessness."