The Homeless

Charis

anewman wrote: »

Homelessness isn't all that much of an issue anymore - people who need housing get it.

Sadly, this is far from the truth. It is extremely easy to fall through holes in the system. I personally know one couple who spent the summer living in someone's summerhouse in the garden, 6 feet by eight feet of borrowed personal space. They have a flat now but are in financial difficulties again because one cannot obtain work, despite being on the Jobseeker scheme and doing a twelve week placement. One income won't cover all their bills and if they live together the unemployed partner does not qualify for ANY benefits. Of course if they had a child they would get working tax credit, housing benefit etc. but they really want to set up a decent home together first. They were both born here, of British parents, in case you think they are economic migrants.

ebaybaby

anewman, No-one on this thread suggested giving money to the homeless. Read my original post.
I started the thread to ask people if you have any clothing or bedding to consider giving it to a homeless shelter rather than going to the Charity shops with it. I have first hand experience of a family member who was on the street (unknown to the rest of the family in another part of the country), drugs were NOT used or the cause. A chain of events throughout his life were the trigger. Sadly he is no longer with us and passed away in September. We cannot change people, but if I can make just one person slightly more comfortable/warmer this winter then I bloody well will.

Charis

Joe_Hunter wrote: »

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I love the idea of providing a xmas dinner- get together with your local council and church hall to organsie an xmas dinner.

Place posters up in the areas where the homeless 'hang' around saying something like, 'free xmas dinner for the homeless on 25th December at St. Freds Chruch at 12pm'.

Have xmas music, dinner and some games like bingo and then finally make their day by giving them all a present like a sleeping bag etc.

I have never done this put plan to when I am older, what u all think?

Because of the difficulty of raising funds, the legal requirements, risk assessment, insurance, the need for somewhere to hold the event, the need for strong helpers in case anyone kicks off (even if you don't provide booze, it can mysteriously appear), you would be much better off joining one of the schemes already in existence. Anyone in the Hereford area could help at the Open Door Project which provides for people who are homeless and those who were, but are now making their own home. Most cities have one or more of these schemes. If you would rather help oldies, Age Concern do a similar thing for people who would otherwise be cold and alone at Christmas.

Charis

PS I love the typo but even the homeless might think twice before eating from Fred's cruch.

Savvy_Sue

Charis, thank you for saying all I hesitated to say to Joe lest I dampened his enthusiasm too far.

anewman, I agree wholeheartedly that giving money to people begging is rarely the 'best' thing to do, and that the charities working with homeless people are usually well placed to use it.

Those in Bristol have the option of buying meal vouchers from one local charity which can only be exchanged for a meal at The Wild Goose coffee shop. As well as hot drinks and meals, they will point people to appropriate sources of help, depending on where they're at. (Declaring an interest: DH works there.)

hollydays

anewman wrote: »

This Christmas, why not give them the gear they really want that got them homeless in the first place. Cannabis, cocaine, heroine, and not forgetting fags and booze - or just give them the money, they know where to get the gear.

Most people who are on the street homeless are homeless through choice, or their own action or inaction. For most people there is usually hostels and bed and breakfasts.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/3658763.stm

Drug users are human being too-and someones daughters and sons.Its no secret many homeless people are drug users.Some (many) have had very bad life experiences and have have not had the support you or I have had.I speak as someone who has met many drug users-and I am not in the caring proffessions.

hollydays

anewman wrote: »

The Government pays. It is common practice

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=181429&command=displayContent&sourceNode=229968&home=yes&more_nodeId1=133174&contentPK=19210289

The truth is that most people out there homeless, give them any money they'll use it to buy drugs, give them something worth selling, they'll sell it get the money and buy drugs.

You people are so narrow minded and when you give to homeless people you help keep them homeless through their addiction. Whatever you do, never ever buy the big issue. Even the big issue acknowledges their vendors sell it on drugs, but they say it's up to them what they spend the money on.

Bearing in mind the big issue is trying to rehabilitate people-the majority of sellers are drug/alcohol abusers -you are stating the bleeding obvious.Would you prefer they didnt work at all.At least doing this keeps them occupied.

happyhappygal

I think it's a good thing that there are such mixed opinions on this. It means of course that a variety of charities and individuals who need support get a chance.

We all priortise differently and there are so many organisations out there asking for help to assist people.

The person who orginally opened this topic did a great thing. Reminded us that there are people who are homeless at this difficult time of year and suggested we offer warm clothing and blankets. I saw that post as nothing more than gentle nudge in the right direction and would happily read and consider anything else that people want to 'promote' (forgive this word, it was for want of a better one!).

So, without locking antlers when someone writes something like this embrace it, consider it, act upon it, ignore it, suggest your own, or pass the word to others - but don't wade in raining on the parade - if you don't agree then simply ignore and get on with your day.

Now, I'm off to find a few blankets.

Merry Christmas. xxxx

Ianna

anewman wrote: »

I certainly didn't post for a reaction. It's a fact of life.

Show me evidence of one homeless person out on the streets who is NOT a drug addict

Domestic violence is a leading cause of female homelessness. See here andhere. I was on the streets for a bit at 17 because I had no family and ran away from my partner who repeatedly beat and raped me. I was not and have never been a drug addict.

Substance misuse is a problem, but it's simply not fair to claim that all people sleeping rough have done it out of choice.

Charis

Ianna wrote: »

Domestic violence is a leading cause of female homelessness.
Substance misuse is a problem, but it's simply not fair to claim that all people sleeping rough have done it out of choice.

Someone very close to me ended up in a homeless hostel for a month. She has never taken drugs, apart from trying cannabis a few times years ago, she can't afford to drink fancy coffee, let alone alcohol and she has never been pregnant. It's what happens to young women who can't find a job and haven't been in trouble. If she was a social misfit she may have been offered a roof over her head more quickly than she was. If the poster who claims that all homeless people are useless wasters didn't post just to cause a stir, why did he post in this size font? :mad:

Charis

jezmyers

this looks like an interesting debate.

Anyway, from my seven years working with both rough sleepers and homeless people here's my piece on it.

Yes, some people are on the streets because they choose to be. Yes, some people are on the streets because when they've been offered a place to stay they've consequently blown it due to their own issues. Yes, a percentage of the people on the streets have one or a combination of mental health/drug/alcohol issues. However, this doesn't mean that all of them have that.

If the person on the street wishes to seek the help and is in the right place to get the help (meaning with their life rather than location) then, generally speaking, unless they've messed things up hugely in the past, they are able to be assisted in finding accommodation.

To be honest, the biggest problem that you'll face in housing someone is if they've had a conviction for arson, irrespective of what happened and how long ago. That's the big one, if you have that then you'll really struggle to get them in anywhere.

So, overall, anewman does have a point and does speak the truth in parts, there are just exceptions to his rules.