Hostile Achitecture

[mushroom25]

a slope recently appeared over the steps of the bank of England building in Liverpool:-
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/anti-homeless-slope-installed-bank-12226422
just the latest example of "hostile architecture" to discourage rough sleepers - others include floor spikes, bench arm rest bars, etc.
"Acceptable", as described by building owners and certain city fathers? or "disgusting" as described by homeless charities and social media users? - do companies with large property portfolios have any duty or moral obligation to those who seek shelter in their doorways?

[ummmm]

No...none of us have a moral obligation.

[Cloverjo]

It's not acceptable that people are sleeping on the streets in a wealthy country.

Making things even more difficult for them is terrible.

[mikey4444]

Well said Jo !

[ummmm]

Some people chose to.

I wouldn't want anyone sleeping on my doorstep be it at home or at work. Why is it acceptable to make people feel guilty when they could also be living hand to mouth?

[Baldric]

///do companies with large property portfolios have any duty or moral obligation to those who seek shelter in their doorways?///

No, not the slightest. The upkeep of Business Premises costs a fortune, having rough sleepers in your doorways and the mess they can leave behind could severely damage the Image of that Company and cost them even more.

And before anyone leaps upon their high horse, I actually do quite a lot on behalf of homeless Ex- Service Personnel.

[Mamyalynne]

The finished product and views of both local people and the homeless who have slept there in the past.


http://metro.co.uk/2016/11/26/anti-homeless-slope-fitted-to-empty-building-to-keep-rough-sleepers-away-6284716/


It's a very difficult balance,you'll never solve it this way though.

[pastafreak]

Yes to protecting property...but maybe businesses should make some sort of contribution to build shelters. Possibly outdoor shelters of some sort,as many rough sleepers will not/do not feel safe or comfortable in shelters such as the Sally. Unfortunately,there's just as much drug use and anti social behaviour in these places as outside.

[jno]

'And the Union workhouses.’ demanded Scrooge. ‘Are they still in operation?’
‘Both very busy, sir.’
‘Oh. I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course,’ said Scrooge. ‘I’m very glad to hear it.’

This could be the solution to the homeless problem. There are always treadmills in need of treading and oakum that needs to be picked. Just the Dickensian time of the year for it, too.

[ummmm]

Why should businesses contribute?

[pastafreak]

Because they are the money makers in our society. Most small to medium charities are struggling to provide basics,and the homeless situation will only get worse.
The charity I work for is doing what it can on a shoe string. It's a constant battle for funding and donations.

[mikey4444]

Ummmm....let them eat cake then ?

[Baldric]

How many are you going to take in then Mikey?

[naomi24]

Baldric, you took the words out of my mouth. How many of the preachers would offer them their spare rooms?

[pastafreak]

Rather than make unhelpful remarks,do you have a solution baldric? Being aware I'm sure, that many homeless and rough sleepers are ex-service personnel.

[Prudie]

Allowing them to sleep in business/shop doorways is not a solution at all, it's just turning a blind eye.

[Baldric]

Pasta, please see my post @ 12:46

[pastafreak]

I wonder where are they supposed to go if the shelters are full? These are not just men,but also women and young girls.

[hereIam]

They should have the homes that are allocated to the many immigrants flooding our country imo.

[naomi24]

pastafreak, I don’t think Baldric’s comment is unhelpful. Surely at least a temporary solution could be found if those who feel strongly about people sleeping rough would be willing to offer their spare rooms – or are they, like the people they're criticising, really just as NIMBYfied?

[pastafreak]

I saw your post Baldric...but I still ask...what is the solution?
We are not talking about handouts,but about protecting the vulnerable as and when it's needed.