Tent for Homeless man

Zoetoes

The idea of thermal socks and warm clothes with the sleeping bag rather than a tent is good, we have an agency locally that give exactly all that.

We also have the space blankets in our place.

I did a walk around recently with people from this agency to link in with them and I was thinking 'god how much longer, I'm freezing' and then the reality...imagine nights when the temperature drops and you have nowhere to keep warm - you try the night shelter but it's already full.

Regarding the drink & drugs comments - if I was on the streets I would probably be high on heroin and permanently drunk to get me through it (wherever I could find the money from!).

Padstow

rachbc wrote: »

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.

Young man? I must have missed that. I had no idea the beggar/homeless man was young. Where did CATS say he was young?
CATS, you have a good heart. I wish you a happy Christmas.

Fizzpop

Padstow wrote: »

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.
.

Actually you probably have done it when walking past with a work colleague... Eugh look at that you'd think the police would do something about them.... wouldn't give to it anyway they would only use it for drugs...

Supposedly talking to your colleague but making sure your loud enough to be heard.

It makes perfect sense in that context

Padstow

gingin wrote: »

Our local, inner city hostel has a number of kennels for the dogs, so not quite true.

Great. So you advise CATS on what to then, as an expert.

BitterAndTwisted

Padstow wrote: »

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.

Well, what makes no sense to me is the rudeness of people who can't even be bother to utter the word "no" as they saunter past.

Are you honestly saying that you've never heard someone being asked for money say "No chance, so you can buy drugs?"

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 circumstances.

Part of me thinks that it really doesn't matter whether the recipient can make appropriate use of the items given or not. The other part of me understands that the important part of the point of the donation is the donor's intentions.

Let's be fair, if the items were not needed or surplus to requirements or even completely irrelevant they could be sold to buy something that the recipient really needed even if it was just a few cans of Special Brew to drink on their own on Christmas Eve. I certainly wouldn't resent that if I knew about it.

If we're going to tie ourselves up in knots worrying about whether every unfortunate we clap eyes on is deserving of our largesse or not we'd be back to the Victorian era and their justifications for doing exactly f-all for anyone and still be able to go to church on a Sunday with a clear conscience. Sod that!

BigBlackcat

Padstow wrote: »

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.

Why do all of your posts have to ooze negativity? They make for a depressing read .

OP, what a lovely kind gesture! Merry Christmas to you!:)

rachbc

Padstow wrote: »

Young man? I must have missed that. I had no idea the beggar/homeless man was young. Where did CATS say he was young?
CATS, you have a good heart. I wish you a happy Christmas.

yes my mistake she doesn't say he is young - just goes to show we can all make mistakes in our judgements and preconceptions doesn't it!

aliasojo

I hope I manage to get through whatever life I have left without becoming as hard and as negative as some of those who posted on this thread.

Bloody good on you OP. Regardless of whether the bloke sells the stuff on or is unfortunate enough to have it taken off him, you have shown him a kindness and in this crap world we live in these days, that's got to count for something.

BitterAndTwisted

It really does count for something. It counts for whole lot. If we were all as cynical, embittered, negative and aggressive as some of the posters in this thread life really wouldn't be worth living. Well, not outside of being a hermit in a cave, that is.

CATS

Hi All,

ok I am a bit confused now. I do understand all the issues raised here. However I have walked pass this man for the last few months and he is sitting there with his dog, he looks so sad I end up going home feeling so sad myself. I guess if he sells the staff then its up to him. I have tried to help him even if it is in a tiny insignificant way. The sleeping bag he has looks so old and I cant image it to be warm so I am sure a new one will come handy. In this cold, I wear hat, coat scarve, gloves and I still feel like I am standing naked, imagine the poor guy. I think I have done my bit, I do give to charity but it just doesnt seem enough. As Sod's way will have it, today out of all days he was not there I have left the rucksuck with my work colleague and he said he will give it to him when he sees him, otherwise I will have to give it to him in January. I am so gutted. I do hope he is ok. There are so many different view here, I have never been homeless and I hope I never do get into that situation, but I do think that if it was cold I would appreciate a pair of gloves and other items to keep me warm, if he doesnt, then that is up to him, he can do with it what he likes. Will keep you all posted