Homelessness In The Capital

[emmie]

according to the news on now, there are approx 170 thousand people who are deemed to be homeless, either sleeping on the streets, or living in hostels,
B&B's and shelters.
this is a disgrace whichever way you look at it.
what can be done to help those who find themselves in this position.

[Cloverjo]

Tamborine, where does she sleep?

[tamborine]

she lives with her dad

[jourdain2]

Togo - one couple became homeless through trying to help a druggie child. They fell behind with housing payments and were evicted. They spent some time on the streets in Bridlington, but they now have a small flat and were even equipped with pans (my old set as it happens, because I got an induction hob so most would not work) and basic equipment. These are the sort of people I mean. :)

[Cloverjo]

So, not homeless.

[jourdain2]

^^^ Not now, Clover --- but they were, for quite a few weeks.

[ummmm]

I think Jo was answering Tambo.

[Cloverjo]

Sorry, jourdain. Yes I was answering Tambo.

I’m sorry for the couple you mentioned. Homelessness is my biggest fear.

[naomi24]

davebro's post at 19:01 raises an interesting question. How, if we are apparently failing to accommodate our homeless, are we going to accommodate a greater number of newcomers?

[ummmm]

Not all newcomers need social housing.

[dannyk13]

It would surprise you how many of these unfortunates are there by choice.In my days in the force when working nights it was usual to meet the regulars who were sleeping out.I have lost count of how of these I directed to a Salvation Army shelter, only to find them still sleeping out.Two of the regulars were middle aged sisters who stated that they and many of the others sleeping out preferred top do so rather than go to a shelter.

[emmie]

many of those interviewed didn't want to be sleeping on the streets, most want a home, somewhere warm and safe. Who in their right mind, and i use that term deliberately, would sleep on the streets. Mental health facilities where some belong undoubtedly, aren't always fit for purpose, i know, i have been there.
Naomi, no idea, they shouldn't get any priority at all

[dannyk13]

Emmie //Who in their right mind, and i use that term deliberately, would sleep on the streets?//
That's what I thought when I first came across the sleepers out, but most of them were compos mentis.I only met one or two that were suffering from a mental condition.Why they would prefer to sleep out rather than go to a shelter I never found out.

[naomi24]

ummmm, //Not all newcomers need social housing.//

Unless they own property in this country before they arrive, which in the main is highly unlikely, when they get here they must rent.

[ludwig]

//Who in their right mind, and i use that term deliberately, would sleep on the streets?//

I should imagine that these shelters can be quite horrible and stressful places, so much so that some would rather take their chances in a doorway.

[emmie]

Ludwig, you may be right for some, but at least some will get a hot meal in a number of these Crisis shelters.
maybe even get a shower and change of clothes, make them feel like they matter.

[ummmm]

Of course they don't need to own a house, Naomi, some would have family to stay with and some will have jobs to come to and be able to rent privately.

[tamborine]

Shelters dont glean as much as street begging boxes