Freezing

[Connemmara]

Just thinking of the homeless people tonight in the bitterly cold everywhere lying in cardboard boxes - none of their fault - just circumstances of their lives and no, not all druggies and alcoholics. I am not a holy roly by no means but my heart goes out to them tonight and all nights. It is so sad. I am in the comfort of my own home with central heating and it makes you appreciate what you have.

[society]

Oh Conne, when it's very cold and the weather is very bad I think of them too.

[MadMen]

:-(

It's awful isn't it.

I used to do voluntary work at a homeless shelter during the winter months, and my heart used to break for them.
I still do it during the festive season, and it's horrible when you have to say goodbye and go back to the comfort of your warm home :((

[EDDIE51]

There will be a lot more of them soon once the housing benefit cuts bite.

[Connemmara]

Society thanks for echoing my sentiments - but you know and this has to be said - but they are raising money for all these wars all over the world bless them but what about our homeless in their own homeland - probably did their bit as in going to work - raising a family but it just falls apart at the seams for them. Thank God for those charitable workers providing food and shelter when they can. Can't say much more than that. Just a brief thought in that I know Africa are in dilemmas but as my friend once said Conn - they asked me for a penny for Africa every week when I was 4 years in school and they are still asking and I am 70 so has nothing changed - mind you that is just an eg

[MadMen]

Nothing will ever change Conne. It's just a sad fact of life.
Homelessness can happen so easily, to any one of us.

[society]

Africa is another story in itself; too much corruption and propaganda. The people in power are prospering off the aid from other countries, and 'fattening' themselves, and to hell with the poor, hungry and homeless.

[naomi24]

That is something I think about constantly - seriously. Unfortunately, as hard as I try, I haven't hit upon a solution.

[Nibble]

Don't forget not everybody on the streets is as conne says, just like these

http://www.soldiersoffthestreet.com/Out%20in%20the%20cold.html

[EDDIE51]

How about opening up the churches as dormitories ?
Seriously though does the rule of 'sanctuary' in a church still exist ?

[Nibble]

Given the level of theft occuring in places of worship, of any faith, then unfortunately, due to insurance rates for the building & contents, opening the buildings as dormitories will not happen.

[Gavmacp]

I give to the homeless. And if they appear to have an alcohol issue I am more inclined to give. I do not judge!
With regards to the third world yes they are still asking for money! Maybe it may not be sorted out by the next generation or the generation after that but I will continue to give. If I stopped then it would mean I have given up and I hope that never happens!

[sandyRoe]

There are probably more bed available than are needed. The real problem is that many who sleep rough have serious mental health problems and they wouldn't want to be anywhere near a hostel.

[Connemmara]

sandyroe I would like to be near a hostel tonight - and you know if you were right beside them - you could be persuaded to go in for the night.

[Gavmacp]

Sorry but why when we talk of Africa the reason people give for not giving is the 'corruption'. Why is corruption in Africa unacceptable when have corruption in our own parliament and Europe?

[Connemmara]

goodnight everybody - just getting into bed - and my lovely wee "neglected" dog is in his basket in the bedroom with a big warm soft fluffy towel just out of the hot press wrapped around him. Wish I could say that for the homeless.

[society]

Conne, some of these people are very stubborn and do what they feel like doing. They don't like others telling them what to do.

[Connemmara]

Gavmcp - was going to think of that myself but that's another posting.

[Connemmara]

gavmcp - my last posting was referring to our own parliament and Europe - how very correct you are.

[pastafreak]

Fortunately,more cities should be adopting a 'one night only' policy-ensuring that no rough sleeper is on the streets for 2 consecutive nights. It takes a bit of the stress off their shoulders,thankfully.

[society]

"Just a brief thought in that I know Africa are in dilemmas but as my friend once said Conn - they asked me for a penny for Africa every week when I was 4 years in school and they are still asking and I am 70 so has nothing changed - mind you that is just an eg "

Sorry, didn't mean to offend anyone. Was just addressing that ^^^ piece of Conne's original post. My apologies Conne and Gavmacp, and anyone else who's offended by my comment.