Tent for Homeless man

adea

This thread reminded me of a song I know. It's called "Underwear goes inside the pants" by Lazyboy. One of the verses is this :
We're in one of the richest countries in the world,
but the minimum wage is lower than it was thirty five years ago.
There are homeless people everywhere.
This homeless guy asked me for money the other day.
I was about to give it to him and then I thought he was going to use it on drugs or alcohol.
And then I thought, that's what I'm going to use it on.
Why am I judging this poor !!!!!!!.
People love to judge homeless guys. Like if you give them money they're just going to waste it.
Well, he lives in a box, what do you want him to do? Save it up and buy a wall unit?
Take a little run to the store for a throw rug and a CD rack? He's homeless.
I walked behind this guy the other day.
A homeless guy asked him for money.
He looks right at the homeless guy and says why don't you go get a job you bum.
People always say that to homeless guys like it is so easy.
This homeless guy was wearing his underwear outside his pants.
Outside his pants. I'm guessing his resume isn't all up to date.
I'm predicting some problems during the interview process.
I'm pretty sure even McDonalds has a "underwear goes inside the pants" policy.
Not that they enforce it really strictly, but technically I'm sure it is on the books.

It seems very close to some of the posts in this thread, even if it is American based.

JoJoB

There is a type of waterproof sleeping bag often used by survival/rough camping types - think it's called a bivvi bag but not sure, maybe someone more knowledgeable can help out. But sounds like this would be a good gift if/when you see him again.

Gingham_R

CATS, he is going to appreciate it. More than that. There are an awful lot of people who do not understand and are not willing to understand. That's probably just as well. Who wants to really know what it's like to have to sit outside all day in this weather?

You can see it. You can understand a little what it must be like for him. Your life is slightly harder for that. Slightly and incomparably when compared to his, but nevertheless, harder. Because you know he's suffering and it's horrible to think of people suffering when there isn't much we can do for them. If other people prefer to think it's his fault or that he's having a great time making a mint just by sitting on his bum in the street, they're probably happier for it. Good for them. Makes it easier to sleep, maybe.

I didn't help any homeless people this winter and I probably won't. I feel pretty crappy about that after reading your posts. Maybe that will spur me on to actually do something.

CATS

I know what you mean Gingham R, I am guilty of often walking pass pretending I dont see them, but I just cant do it any more, I feel that I have to do something. Yes it is only one person and maybe I am doing it selfishly so that I can stop thinking so much about it when I get home, but I truly hope it helps him a little bit.
The suggestion of survival blankets is also a good idea, thank you everyone for suggesting it, I will look for them.

marywooyeah

aaw what a shame he wasn't there - hopefully he was somewhere warm getting a nice meal or something. CATS I'm really touched at the lengths you have gone to to help this man, if only there were more people like you around.

I saw a homeless woman a few weeks ago and gave her some chips and a can of drink, I could see her from my busstop while I waited and she ate so quickly she seemed starving. A team of three people walked past with "Street Pastor" badges so I asked if they would go to her - they went and sat with her and were still there when I got on the bus 15 mins later, I really hope they helped her. Are there any street teams where you live that you could direct to this man?

also, not necessarily a negative but I've noticed comments like "this is what christmas is about" but I can't help thinking things like this should not be isolated to christmas time - although OP I realise you yourself are not doing this just because it's christmas - but I think homeless people need help all year round not just at christmas in general.

spurs_gal

CATS, I think what you are doing is absolutely amazing. We certainly need more people like you. I thought I would also suggest some socks, not sure what they are called but they are 2.3Tog ones. They are about £6 for a pair in Matalan/Store21. I bought some for my OH as he is a roofer and he says his feet stay warm all day. Don't know if that helps at all. Like I say, you're amazing. I hope I am one day in a position to do something like this & I hope Karma does good things for you x

Ms_Chocaholic

Shame he wasn't there CATS, I do hope your work colleague manages to see him to pass on your gift.

Gingham_R

CATS, what you're doing is the exact opposite of selfish.

mrcow

CATS - I feel really sorry for you that he wasn't there today after all of the thought you had put into his gift. It must feel a real disappointment but I'm sure he'll get it and will be greatful.

Happy Christmas:santa2:

sock-knitter

well done CATS for trying to help someone less fortunate than yourself
i also like to do my bit for the homeless and knit woolen, hats, gloves, scarves, even socks to keep them warm during the cold weather.
if we all helped someone the world would be a nicer place to live