Spotlight - "The Homeless"
What is homeless?
I understand it to be, people sleeping rough and people in temporary accomodation and hostels. People living in hostels and temporary accomodation may be in a secure environment, but this is not
their home. Many people living in hostels do not have their own cooking facitilties and have to share bathrooms.
I cannot imagine what it's like living on the streets in a freezing cold winter but I do know what it's like living in a hostel.
The hostel/bed and breakfast I stayed at many years ago was infested with creatures I had never seen before. The shared bathrooms were disgusting and I was not brave enough to enter the kitchen.
I realise that these hostels are run on a budget, but it's not fair on the residence who have to suffer the consequences.
These places cannot be called 'home'.
There are many reasons that lead to people to homelessness: relationship breakdown, domestic violence, leaving home or care, leaving institutions (hospital, armed forces, prison), the death of a spouse or partner or getting into debt, especially mortgage or rent arrears.
Many people are not just homeless. There are other complications in their lives that make them more vulnerable. Some have mental health problems, drink problems or are drug users. Unless they get help at the right time this can leave someone sleeping rough.
Between July 2005 and June 2006 – 193,690 households applied for homelessness assistance to councils in England. Out of those 139,760 were found to be homeless according to the statutory definition
There were 93,910 households in Temporary Accomodation in June 2006
Knowing precisely how many people sleep rough at any time is impossible: people move about, hide away or travel all night on buses.
A mans best friend
Many homeless people have dogs, and would not be without their loyal companion, but Dogs Trust research conducted with housing providers has revealed that a shocking 86% of hostels refused to allow clients with dogs; and despite many of these people putting their own pet’s health and happiness before their own they find it difficult to provide veterinary treatments for their dog; their most loyal companion and friend.
Hints for sleeping rough
- Get out of the rain and try to find yourself somewhere nice and quiet where you won't be noticed to shelter.
- Choose your friends carefully, don't trust anyone that you don't know very well - but there is safety in numbers as long as you are with people that you know and trust.
- Try to stay warm and dry. The Salvation Army give out sleeping bags so try to get one from them. Most of your body heat escapes from your head so wear a hat.
- Avoid sleeping on the ground, you can lose a lot of body heat this way. Get hold of some cardboard to put on the ground or if you can milk crates, bread trays or pallets to put the cardboard on.
- Try to have a meal before you go to sleep and avoid alcohol, it might make you feel warm but actually causes you to lose body heat.
- Don't flash valuable items like cash, jewellery, designer trainers, personal stereo etc. This will only make you a target for mugging and robbery. Find somewhere safe to stash them, a locker at a bus or railway station is ideal. If you can't afford one or can't find a good hiding place it might be better to sell your valuables and use the money rather than have them taken from you.
Soup Kitchens
Although I don't like the term 'soup kitchen' it does however describe the facility available to many homeless people. Mobile soup kitchens helping the homeless have recently been under the spotlight. Some say that they keep the homeless on the streets but I cannot believe that poeple stay homeless because of good soup.
Members of St Andrew's Church and volunteers from its parish are planning to open a food kitchen for the homeless in January 2008. This will provide a safe and warm environment for anyone to come and have a hot meal, and a chat. There will also be sandwiches, tea, coffee and cakes.
If anyone would like to donate or volunteer, please contact the Pastoral Assistant on 0207 610 3917 Thank you.
Webmaster
Source:
Homeless Link
Dogs Trust