Tent for Homeless man

maureen59

CATS what a lovely thought, I wish my heart was as big as yours is. You have made me feel very humble. I hope all goes well. A gesture like that will not only help this man, but touch the hearts of a lot of people who are reading this thread. I for one feel as though I should now go out and replicate the gesture, especially at this time of the year when it's cold and damp.

As for Jojo 2012, you must feel very embarrassed now! God forbid you ever end up in the same situation as the homeless man.

busiscoming2

Awww CATS what a lovely thing to do. I do so hope he appreciates it. Merry Christmas to you

GeeBee38

How very kind and thoughtful, there use to be a homeless man who use to sit outside where i was working at the time, he also had a dog.

Myself and a few other workers use to bring him back a pie, coffee, soup etc when we nipped out for lunch, and the dog some treats too.....

I said, i hope you don't mind but i thought you would like these, he was really happy and very grateful.

Over time we got chatting to him, he was a lovely man, but had just gone through some terrible times which resulted in him becoming homeless.

I think, if you feel you want to help, and get the tent etc then do.........

Lotus-eater

In all honesty, despite you having bought a sleeping bag in spite of me advising it would be the wrong one unless it was waterproof and expensive, I would ask him first what he needs, before giving him anything.
No one doubts your good intentions, but even good intentions can sometimes be misplaced.

Padstow

Fizzpop wrote: »

What i used to find more patronising was the people who walked past saying.... id give you something but your probably only going to use it on drugs anyway...

I find it hard to believe that anyone would spend so much time explaining why they wouldn't give. In fact, I don't believe that at all. It simply makes no sense.
When I'm approached, I shrug it off and walk on. If I gave to every beggar, I would be broke.

I doubt very much that a homeless person would make use of all CATS is willing to buy them. Two survival blankets in a Christmas card is a good gift for a homeless person.

CATS with all the goodness in her heart, has no idea of this person's true circunstances.

OK then. Let a kind soul such as CATS, purchase all this gear, and see how much of it he still has come the new year!
Figure it, new gear and a smart new outfit. Who would throw a pound into his hat? No, they have to look poor.

So then CATS, do as Fizzpop says and blow your hard earned money on him. The fancy rucksack, the special sleeping bag, warm socks, etc, etc. Tell us when you go back to work how much stuff you bought him is still there.

CATS, I did what you are doing now, some years ago.
That is I had a complete consumerism meltdown.

My daughter's presents were piled high to the ceiling and I felt sick. Most were from business clients. My family were there, but all I wanted was to give most away. I wanted them out of the house and to the Hospice.
They told me I was just being silly.

You are doing as I was, feeling the true Christmas spirit of giving, not receiving.

Go then and spend two hours helping out in the free meals. Your friend may well turn up.
Don't be taken for a mug, sweet CATS.

Plans_all_plans

What if, just what if, this guy is a genuine case: a person in real need who would keep and appreciate all that's given to him? I wouldn't just assume that "he's like all the rest".

Imagine it was you, wouldn't you want someone to help you?

And so what if he does something different than intended with the gear? It's a gift. Do what you think's best CATS and if you're more confused now than you were when you started, ring your local homeless charities for advice.

rachbc

Padstow you know nothing of this young man's true circumstance either - nor of CATS to say she is having complete consumerist meltdown and I for one would rather give to the wrong person with good intent than not give at all out of cynicism.

emiliah

Hi CATS - I think this is a really wonderful gesture, and hope he is happy to accept your gifts, and appreciates what a kind person you are.

Will look in tomorrow to see your news.

System

LisaB85 wrote: »

Makes you wonder about the humanity and compassion of councils etc, people are homeless and the council won't house them in favor or asylum seekers but won't let them sleep in the street.

Where the hell are they supposed to sleep? it is like the council deny they exist and think they will drop off the planet if they sweep them away elsewhere.

We had a man who was called Gordon the Tramp, the story is he was a rich man and A) he either couldn't access his money or he lost the plot after his wife died, apparently he had been a doctor or lawyer I don't know if it is true but I wouldn't dismiss it straight away.

He used to sleep in the park and Mcdonalds would give him coffee, but he got so used to being attacked by people he would be aggressive if people approached at times but other times he was fine. Haven't seen him for years either he moved on or died :-( he was really well known and a part of the town.

Just thought you'd like t o know i think he's still around, there was even a FB campaign to get him to be a torch bearer at the olympics! https://www.facebook.com/NominateGordy

OP i think you're doing a wonderful thing

catkins

I feel very very strongly about homeless people. No one in this country in the year 2011 should have to sleep on the streets unless they want to. It is disgusting that there are so many empty houses, flats and offices and people have to sleep out in the open in the freezing weather.

In London most of the hostels etc do not allow dogs but a lot of the homeless had the dog before they were made homeless. Also a lot of them have a dog for company and protection. Why should they not be allowed one? If god forbid I ever ended up on the street I would certainly want a dog.

I used to work in London and would speak to a lot of the homeless. The majority are genuinely homeless and are not drug addicts or alcoholics (although who could blame them for wanting to drink to make themselves feel better). There are an awful lot of young people on the streets who have been thrown out by the parents, usually when mum or dad has remarried and the new partner does not want the child around. This happens far more than I think people realise. Also if mum meets someone new who abuses the child that child will often run away and end up on the streets.

Some people have got divorced and ended up with nowhere to live or have become ill and lost their job and their home. There are lots of reasons why people end up homeless and it can happen to anyone one of us - never think it could never happen to you.

I try and give as much money as I can afford to anyone on the streets and always buy the Big Issue (often about 3 copies of the same one off different sellers).

When I worked in London I used to chat to a young homeless girl who had 2 dogs. I would buy her a coffee on my way to work and maybe something to eat. Every so often I would buy her dogs some food or treats and at Christmas I would always give her some money, some food and something for the dogs