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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? " It's exactly the same here. On the town at xmas and nearly every shop doorway had people in sleeping bags. Really sad and hard to walk past. | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? " And the ones sleeping rough on the street are just the tip of the iceberg. There but for the grace of God ... | |||
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"There but for the grace of God ..." This is exactly it. One minute you have it all and then the next, nothing. The problem is we lack sufficient social housing stock, especially bedsits or one bedtimes properties. Whole situation exacerbated by the selling off of Social Housing Stock and I guess the bedroom tax has a part to play. Although that has freed up social housing too. Homelessness is only going to increase though, with the cutbacks in so many areas of supporting people. | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? " Yes All along Liverpool Street on a Sunday. Young people. | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? " I have a homeless person living with me | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? " really great you did that mate | |||
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"According to the government's figures, 80 000 children were homeless for Christmas 2013. The number for Christmas 2014 was around 90 000. Some homeless people have an addiction problem but an awful lot don't. Assumptions and generalisations like that help nobody." Also , being genuinely street homeless opens you up to trying things, ordinarily you never would. Drinking alcohol, taking drugs - it's an escape from the reality of life. We try too to stick people into our ideal of the perfect place for them to live. Some people like a nomadic lifestyle , they need support, but on their terms. They'll never live in what we'd consider was a good place for them. We have to stop trying to make people fit in to what society wants! | |||
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"Last year, the UK government handed over £50 billion in aid, mostly to deserving or needy countries admittedly, they gave almost £500 million to India, which sent a rocket to space last year, they gave over £300 million to South Africa, corruption is a given in SA, even the president said "corruption is a western thing". It's long past time the government start looking after the poor and homeless in Britain first." The overseas aid money would never be used for welfare - it does not suit the ideological thrust of their actions. | |||
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"According to the government's figures, 80 000 children were homeless for Christmas 2013. The number for Christmas 2014 was around 90 000. Some homeless people have an addiction problem but an awful lot don't. Assumptions and generalisations like that help nobody. Also , being genuinely street homeless opens you up to trying things, ordinarily you never would. Drinking alcohol, taking drugs - it's an escape from the reality of life. We try too to stick people into our ideal of the perfect place for them to live. Some people like a nomadic lifestyle , they need support, but on their terms. They'll never live in what we'd consider was a good place for them. We have to stop trying to make people fit in to what society wants! " Over the years I have worked with street homeless who have had hostel places but choose to be on the street in order to be with their community. What were are seeing now is a return to the 70s-90s before we started addressing rough sleeping. | |||
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"I bought a homeless guy a sleeping bag and blanket just before Christmas. Each person has a different story and there are many reasons why people are homeless" well done good for you..... | |||
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"The government could be doing a whole lot more. With housing prices and rents at ridiculous levels, it's forcing displacement of communities and people struggling to keep up due to the cost of living going up but not their wages. But the biggest and most consistent problem is the negative stigma attached to homelessness. It could happen to anyone and when you have no family or good friends, there's no one to turn to. Even if you do, that time and assistance is sometimes limited. There are some great charities fighting against homelessness but picking up small victories isn't cutting it any more. With unfulfilled promises of affordable housing and fair rent, the government are facing a problem that is now affecting more people from different backgrounds. Sadly, if it doesn't affect them, it doesn't matter. " | |||
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"In many areas the police are addressing rough sleeping by confiscating people's bedding and possessions!" Government response. | |||
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"I worked for a housing charity managing a mental health project for a few years, and in my opinion the lack of provision in mental health services contributes massively to the homelessness issue in this country. " I agree. It's the same with a lot of core services and it ends up costing the public purse much more. | |||
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"In many areas the police are addressing rough sleeping by confiscating people's bedding and possessions! Government response. "During 2012, for the clean-up of London for the Olympics, the streets were "cleansed" of rough sleepers. One of the tactics was to remove bushes as they provided warm, rain proofed places to sleep. | |||
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"I worked for a housing charity managing a mental health project for a few years, and in my opinion the lack of provision in mental health services contributes massively to the homelessness issue in this country. " Excellent comment. | |||
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"Last year, the UK government handed over £50 billion in aid, mostly to deserving or needy countries admittedly, they gave almost £500 million to India, which sent a rocket to space last year, they gave over £300 million to South Africa, corruption is a given in SA, even the president said "corruption is a western thing". It's long past time the government start looking after the poor and homeless in Britain first." Couldn't of said it better. As a ex serviceman it sickens me the state of this country | |||
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"MOving to Brighton from Cambridge was an eye opener - there's SO MANY homeless here. Cambridge had, like, 5. And they all looked quite healthy" I can assure you they had more than five S x | |||
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"Last year, the UK government handed over £50 billion in aid, mostly to deserving or needy countries admittedly, they gave almost £500 million to India, which sent a rocket to space last year, they gave over £300 million to South Africa, corruption is a given in SA, even the president said "corruption is a western thing". It's long past time the government start looking after the poor and homeless in Britain first." my thoughts exactly | |||
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"it is so very sad to see, may their lives improve sooner than later and they be homed "Some don't want to be re housed some are so entrenched they would rather live on the streets. Only accessing cold weather provisions when it gets too cold to sleep rough... | |||
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"I was homeless for several months in 2013. If not for a friend letting me sleep on his living room floor during that time, I'd have been living in my car. The council wouldn't help me, even though I met their criteria for help. I'd have been housed if I'd had a child though. Unsurprisingly, that period of time did my health no good and left me needing more help and support, not less. Which I didn't get. There is stigma attached to being homeless and it is embarrassing, especially when some people assume that you have a substance abuse problem or that it's probably at least partly your own fault you've ended up where you are." There is a general perception that people sleeping rough have brought it upon themselves. It really is not always the case. It must be bloody degrading and cold. Our safety net is not working. I do sympathise with the _iew that we should direct the government's aid spending to our own needs. On the other hand, there is such massive need abroad. How do we reconcile this? | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted" What about those with abusive parents? They can't go stay with family. Or maybe they just don't get on and it's horrible living together? | |||
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"Street homelessness is the tip of the iceberg. Once people who have been on the streets or in shelters or hostels finally find somewhere to live they can't always afford to get the necessities of day to day living. I once met a family of five who had finally managed to get housed in a flat. Apart from their clothes they had nothing. The whole family made a nest out of clothing in front of a radiator and slept together for warmth. They had resisted using any form of charity up until then but the fact that they could get a roof over thier heads but nothing else nearly broke the parents. Support your local homeless charities, help the places who cook hot meals from donated and at their use by date food, pass any clean but slightly worn bedding, towels, mattresses and furniture you're thinking of updating on to community warehouses and charities who work with social services to help those trying to drag themselves to a basic standard of living. And if you don't like to give money to beggars do what the OP did and offer some hot food and a drink. Also, the next time a big issue seller approaches you remember that these are rough sleepers trying to earn money to rebuild their lives. Even if you don't buy at least be courteous and acknowledge them - a smile is free and yet it's a generous gift." Excellent post
S x | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted What about those with abusive parents? They can't go stay with family. Or maybe they just don't get on and it's horrible living together?" | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted" ^^^ what a wank attitude . | |||
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" a smile is free and yet it's a generous gift." I just posted some similar, I totally agree | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted" What a lovely person you are. | |||
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" What a lovely person you are." Why thank you  im glad you think so | |||
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" What about those with abusive parents? They can't go stay with family. Or maybe they just don't get on and it's horrible living together?" As i said, salvation army, hostels, friends. Im not saying there are NO genuine cases but a huge portion will be self inflicted drug or crime related. However I dont judge people who want to help these people anymore than anyone should judge me for not giving money or food to them. | |||
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"Street homelessness is the tip of the iceberg. Once people who have been on the streets or in shelters or hostels finally find somewhere to live they can't always afford to get the necessities of day to day living. I once met a family of five who had finally managed to get housed in a flat. Apart from their clothes they had nothing. The whole family made a nest out of clothing in front of a radiator and slept together for warmth. They had resisted using any form of charity up until then but the fact that they could get a roof over thier heads but nothing else nearly broke the parents. Support your local homeless charities, help the places who cook hot meals from donated and at their use by date food, pass any clean but slightly worn bedding, towels, mattresses and furniture you're thinking of updating on to community warehouses and charities who work with social services to help those trying to drag themselves to a basic standard of living. And if you don't like to give money to beggars do what the OP did and offer some hot food and a drink. Also, the next time a big issue seller approaches you remember that these are rough sleepers trying to earn money to rebuild their lives. Even if you don't buy at least be courteous and acknowledge them - a smile is free and yet it's a generous gift." Spot on  | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted" Oh how I'd love to live in your ideal world. | |||
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" What about those with abusive parents? They can't go stay with family. Or maybe they just don't get on and it's horrible living together? As i said, salvation army, hostels, friends. Im not saying there are NO genuine cases but a huge portion will be self inflicted drug or crime related. However I dont judge people who want to help these people anymore than anyone should judge me for not giving money or food to them." Salvation army charge the homeless to stay in their hostels. Most hostels do. Self inflicted homelessness, what is that exactly? Is it when a beaten partner takes her kids on flees the home, making herself homeless? Coz it used to be. Do you know why people take drugs or become addicted to them? I have an idea, knowing some and hearing their stories and what they can't cope with. I've also studied neurology and psychology so have an idea why people can't cope, and how drugs affect the brain etc. Bring your experience to the table... | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted" Ha, you really ought to spend some time at a hostel run by a homeless charity. About 45 minutes should be enough to debunk most of the myths you seem to have convinced yourself are true. | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted Oh how I'd love to live in your ideal world." Me too. If only some people knew what the reality of life actually is and how easily it can happen to ordinary people, just like them. | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted Ha, you really ought to spend some time at a hostel run by a homeless charity. About 45 minutes should be enough to debunk most of the myths you seem to have convinced yourself are true. " | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted" I was street homeless due to an abusive relationship I'm not sure how that was self inflicted. Services are losing their funding everyday not all street homeless people are addicts some are human beings who have lost their job due to redunices in the process often losing their family and home some have pride so don't ask for help some don't want to be a burden and some just don't have the family network that most people take for granted. | |||
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"Street homelessness is the tip of the iceberg. Once people who have been on the streets or in shelters or hostels finally find somewhere to live they can't always afford to get the necessities of day to day living. I once met a family of five who had finally managed to get housed in a flat. Apart from their clothes they had nothing. The whole family made a nest out of clothing in front of a radiator and slept together for warmth. They had resisted using any form of charity up until then but the fact that they could get a roof over thier heads but nothing else nearly broke the parents. Support your local homeless charities, help the places who cook hot meals from donated and at their use by date food, pass any clean but slightly worn bedding, towels, mattresses and furniture you're thinking of updating on to community warehouses and charities who work with social services to help those trying to drag themselves to a basic standard of living. And if you don't like to give money to beggars do what the OP did and offer some hot food and a drink. Also, the next time a big issue seller approaches you remember that these are rough sleepers trying to earn money to rebuild their lives. Even if you don't buy at least be courteous and acknowledge them - a smile is free and yet it's a generous gift." Not all big issue sellers are rough sleepers some have accommodation. Selling the big issues deems you to be self employed | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted I was street homeless due to an abusive relationship I'm not sure how that was self inflicted. Services are losing their funding everyday not all street homeless people are addicts some are human beings who have lost their job due to redunices in the process often losing their family and home some have pride so don't ask for help some don't want to be a burden and some just don't have the family network that most people take for granted. " Well at least you agree. If i had said ALL cases then I would hold my hands up, but people seem to read what they want on here. NOT ALL cases!!! Some are genuine! But everyone keeps giving examples of genuine case scenarios. What about the junkies? | |||
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"The overseas aid money would never be used for welfare - it does not suit the ideological thrust of their actions. " Overseas aid is just a bribe for trade or mineral rights in many instances. The ideological thrust is just a cover to mask why it's really being paid...sadly.. | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted I was street homeless due to an abusive relationship I'm not sure how that was self inflicted. Services are losing their funding everyday not all street homeless people are addicts some are human beings who have lost their job due to redunices in the process often losing their family and home some have pride so don't ask for help some don't want to be a burden and some just don't have the family network that most people take for granted. Well at least you agree. If i had said ALL cases then I would hold my hands up, but people seem to read what they want on here. NOT ALL cases!!! Some are genuine! But everyone keeps giving examples of genuine case scenarios. What about the junkies? " All I ask please don't call them junkies. People take drugs for a number of reasons doesn't mean they don't deserve to be treated like human beings. People are too quick to judge and look down on those less fortunate than themselves. I fought addiction for years does that make me a scummy person? No it makes me a person who took the wrong path due to circumstances. It doesn't make me any less human than those who have never taken drugs | |||
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"I dunno really, many reasons why a person would become homeless but sleeping on the streets for me suggests many other reasons. Lets be honest, alot will be drug related, most will have families that they could bunk with, whats the phrase about a loving mother? Most would have friends who would put them up rather than seeing a friend on the street! Most towns and citys have salvation army to help, hostels, help for the homeless etc. So for me to see a person on the street doesnt make me feel sad or want to help them, although i do agree there are many with genuine reasons id estimate personally that a huge portion is self inflicted" Don't you think many people end up on the street when their family and friends possibly can no longer cope ? Especially with mental illness. They've perhaps spent years supporting that person with little or no help. Or the carer passes away or goes into nursing care. That individual may be ill equipped to live on their own and manage a household . What about those who have for example a nervous breakdown and just leave home. They don't know they need help, they are too deep distressed to have any understanding of what they are doing. The 30 something male or female with no children, who gave up a tenancy to move in with a new partner. That relationship didn't work, perhaps there was violence. So they leave. Where do they go? They have no priority to be rehoused. None of us knows what the future holds, but you hope that, if you do fall on hard times. That there will be those that care rather than those who just judge based on stereotyping. With the weather as it is, it must be terrible sleeping rough at the moment. | |||
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"I think some of you are really missing my point, and to those who have made negative comments towards me about being a horrible person etc I say this" I haven't said anything bad about you. Debates should never be personal but obviously some people are going to find your comment offensive, i find them naive and ignorant. " Do you know I support the British Red Cross every month? Do you know I work FOR FREE with disabled children in respite every fortnight, making them laugh, interacting and doing simple things to make them smile such as face painting, colouring and reading stories, stuff they dont get at home for 1 reason or another! No I didnt think so, but Im not on here for congratulations or a medal. I SIMPLY posted my thoughts on a topic." Why mention it then? I would like to that most of us would probably admire you for it, doesn't mean your comments on the homeless weren't offensive though. " Now I think what the OP did giving food is incredible, I have no problem with that, I do support charities and organisations, even donate my clothes to oxfam, but because I personally have beliefs on homlessness that differs to yours doesnt make me a bad person." Doesn't matter if you have a problem ith something or not, people do what they want, not what you want. " When infact all you people slating me I can almost guarantee every single 1 of you has walked past a homeless person and given neither money or food either here or abroad." Possibly correct. But we all have a problem with what you said and that doesn't make us hypocrites. I don't think it does anyway, we're just not agreeing with you. " Alas on the same topic you will be telling us all we need to give money to prostitutes next because it isnt their fault they are in that position" Strawman fallacy. | |||
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"In many areas the police are addressing rough sleeping by confiscating people's bedding and possessions!" Happening in more and more areas. Anti-homeless spikes are in place in some developments, anti-homeless benches are being developed... It's an interesting way to tackle homelessness  | |||
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" What about those with abusive parents? They can't go stay with family. Or maybe they just don't get on and it's horrible living together? As i said, salvation army, hostels, friends. Im not saying there are NO genuine cases but a huge portion will be self inflicted drug or crime related. However I dont judge people who want to help these people anymore than anyone should judge me for not giving money or food to them." No disrespect but you have no idea why or how people end up homeless  | |||
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"The overseas aid money would never be used for welfare - it does not suit the ideological thrust of their actions. Overseas aid is just a bribe for trade or mineral rights in many instances. The ideological thrust is just a cover to mask why it's really being paid...sadly.." | |||
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"Last year, the UK government handed over £50 billion in aid, mostly to deserving or needy countries admittedly, they gave almost £500 million to India, which sent a rocket to space last year, they gave over £300 million to South Africa, corruption is a given in SA, even the president said "corruption is a western thing". It's long past time the government start looking after the poor and homeless in Britain first." | |||
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"I did what I could over christmas and continue to help out wherever I can. I am only ever one Government cut away from redundancy so the risk of being on the streets is very real." what you did over xmas humbled me enormously xxxxx | |||
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"I was homeless for several months in 2013. If not for a friend letting me sleep on his living room floor during that time, I'd have been living in my car. The council wouldn't help me, even though I met their criteria for help. I'd have been housed if I'd had a child though. Unsurprisingly, that period of time did my health no good and left me needing more help and support, not less. Which I didn't get. There is stigma attached to being homeless and it is embarrassing, especially when some people assume that you have a substance abuse problem or that it's probably at least partly your own fault you've ended up where you are." Six months myself in 2013 I was given help, but the place the council put me was awful I got robbed so decided my car was the better option. | |||
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" What about those with abusive parents? They can't go stay with family. Or maybe they just don't get on and it's horrible living together? As i said, salvation army, hostels, friends. Im not saying there are NO genuine cases but a huge portion will be self inflicted drug or crime related. However I dont judge people who want to help these people anymore than anyone should judge me for not giving money or food to them. No disrespect but you have no idea why or how people end up homeless "In fairness I probably have the same idea as to why people end up on the streets as you and everyone on here | |||
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"Guys and girls. Its only my opinion that not everyone on the streets either needs to be or deserves to be! If anyone here believes that there isnt a single criminal or drug addict sleeping in a shop doorway then I am absolutely shocked. Again..I realise there will be genuine cases of abuse, escape, redundancy etc but that is not 100% of the homeless population" There are lots of ex offenders and drug addicts sleeping rough no one is saying there isn't | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? " . Whilst it is commendable that most fab members are very sympathic to the homeless , most seem to expect the government to pick up the cost . In any event most people over the age of 25 are entitled to housing benefit , so in theory it is not possible to be homeless if you have utilised all the facilities and help available to you . My experience of working with either the potentially homeless or homeless is a far from happy one . One social security tenant staged a false break at one of the houses which I let and in addition stole various goods from the house on a number of occasions . Another tenant also broke into rooms and stole My conclusion was that some people are beyond help. Whilst it is nice to be sympathetic to the situations which some people find themselves , in you also have to face reality. | |||
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"Quite poignant for me at the moment. I found out Tuesday despite paying my rent in full and on time, my landlord hasn't been paying the mortgage and my flat is being repossessed. Horribly stressful trying to find some where new for me and the kids but I have my family who are helping. I'm lucky, not everyone is. Making me realise how easily homelessness can happen. " If you have dependant children go to your local authority and ask for a homeless application to be taken and if they refuse (which is deemed gatekeeping) advise them it's against the law not to take a homeless application...good luck | |||
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"Quite poignant for me at the moment. I found out Tuesday despite paying my rent in full and on time, my landlord hasn't been paying the mortgage and my flat is being repossessed. Horribly stressful trying to find some where new for me and the kids but I have my family who are helping. I'm lucky, not everyone is. Making me realise how easily homelessness can happen. " I'm glad you have someone to help. Hang in there. I hope you're settled again soon. | |||
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"One social security tenant staged a false break at one of the houses which I let and in addition stole various goods from the house on a number of occasions ." From my experience this was fairly common. The ridiculous thing was, because of the legislation up here, despite stealing everything from the property they were given as temporary accommodation they are still entitled to accommodation so you couldn't throw them out for it. You just had to move them to other temporary accommodation until they were eventually housed. | |||
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"Quite poignant for me at the moment. I found out Tuesday despite paying my rent in full and on time, my landlord hasn't been paying the mortgage and my flat is being repossessed. Horribly stressful trying to find some where new for me and the kids but I have my family who are helping. I'm lucky, not everyone is. Making me realise how easily homelessness can happen. If you have dependant children go to your local authority and ask for a homeless application to be taken and if they refuse (which is deemed gatekeeping) advise them it's against the law not to take a homeless application...good luck "Thanks I'll remember that. Got to go and speak to them tomorrow. | |||
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"Quite poignant for me at the moment. I found out Tuesday despite paying my rent in full and on time, my landlord hasn't been paying the mortgage and my flat is being repossessed. Horribly stressful trying to find some where new for me and the kids but I have my family who are helping. I'm lucky, not everyone is. Making me realise how easily homelessness can happen. If you have dependant children go to your local authority and ask for a homeless application to be taken and if they refuse (which is deemed gatekeeping) advise them it's against the law not to take a homeless application...good luck
Thanks I'll remember that. Got to go and speak to them tomorrow. "Good luck with Lambeth council lol | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? . Whilst it is commendable that most fab members are very sympathic to the homeless , most seem to expect the government to pick up the cost . In any event most people over the age of 25 are entitled to housing benefit , so in theory it is not possible to be homeless if you have utilised all the facilities and help available to you . My experience of working with either the potentially homeless or homeless is a far from happy one . One social security tenant staged a false break at one of the houses which I let and in addition stole various goods from the house on a number of occasions . Another tenant also broke into rooms and stole My conclusion was that some people are beyond help. Whilst it is nice to be sympathetic to the situations which some people find themselves , in you also have to face reality." Not possible to be homeless??? Do you have any idea how few landlords will even rent to people on benefits? Many buy to let mortgages now put it in the terms that the landlord isn't allowed to let to people on benefits. Then take a look at how many properties are actually affordable on housing benefit. Then consider the cost of a deposit and a month+ of rent up front and agency fees and moving costs. Councils can sometimes help with a deposit in the form of a rent bond but no landlord is obliged to accept a rent bond and many won't. So, you have to find a place you can afford, with a landlord that will accept you AND at least a couple of thousand pounds of upfront costs. Yes, it's practically impossible to be homeless if you're over 25. The naivety and cluelessness on here is both sad and terrifying. | |||
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"Guys and girls. Its only my opinion that not everyone on the streets either needs to be or deserves to be!" Yep, but opinions count for nothing though, facts are needed to back up your point. One person has backed you up (kind of, and one person isn't enough for you to make the claims you're making but this could be down to most drug addicts and criminals haven't commented on here so we can ignore all of this as well as your claims). And i think it's things like 'deserves to be on the streets' is what most people have a problem with. " If anyone here believes that there isnt a single criminal or drug addict sleeping in a shop doorway then I am absolutely shocked." Criminals and drug addicts are people, this has been pointed out to you. There's a lot more to this, socially, politically, and psychologically than you realise too, especially if you're classing them as 'deserving to be homeless'. " Again..I realise there will be genuine cases of abuse, escape, redundancy etc but that is not 100% of the homeless population" So long as you understand when you dehumanise people you make yourself look less humane, and humane people will object to that. | |||
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"Anyone who says that homelessness is largely a self-inflicted problem is totally divorced from reality. I'd love to be in such a protected position, shielded from reality. I'd have loved it even more when through absolutely no fault of my own I had to sleep on a friend's floor for several months. I'd love to say I'm surprised at the ignorance shown by some on here but sadly, it's no longer any surprise at all." couldnt have said that any better myself but you hit the nail right on the head its certainly not nice being evicted and having to live wherever you can do just to get by on its even more worse if you have kids in tow as well got evicted thorugh exes criminal damage to rented private property council wouldnt house us all we ended up being homeless sent to a hostel and i soon found out ss was visiting us there so i didnt stay there found other accomidation through friends that i was very grateful of the bedroom tax is catching loads of people in a debt that they cannot get out of and alot are being forced out of london areas all because they want big money in there areas | |||
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" What about those with abusive parents? They can't go stay with family. Or maybe they just don't get on and it's horrible living together? As i said, salvation army, hostels, friends. Im not saying there are NO genuine cases but a huge portion will be self inflicted drug or crime related. However I dont judge people who want to help these people anymore than anyone should judge me for not giving money or food to them. No disrespect but you have no idea why or how people end up homeless
In fairness I probably have the same idea as to why people end up on the streets as you and everyone on here"In fairness, no you clearly don't. You also don't know what you're talking about. But it's ok for you to blame homelessness on the homeless and say a large proportion must be "junkies", because you support a charity or two. That makes it all ok and it definitely makes you an expert on the causes of homelessness. | |||
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"Quite poignant for me at the moment. I found out Tuesday despite paying my rent in full and on time, my landlord hasn't been paying the mortgage and my flat is being repossessed. Horribly stressful trying to find some where new for me and the kids but I have my family who are helping. I'm lucky, not everyone is. Making me realise how easily homelessness can happen. " So Sorry to hear this It certainly Highlights the Issue of crooked Landlords there numbers must be hugh In this country, along with all thee Other villains we have, pity we can,t Just tip them all out of the country Into the middle of the atlantic, and Then start from scratch again they,d Free up some real estate thats for sure.. | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? . Whilst it is commendable that most fab members are very sympathic to the homeless , most seem to expect the government to pick up the cost . In any event most people over the age of 25 are entitled to housing benefit , so in theory it is not possible to be homeless if you have utilised all the facilities and help available to you . My experience of working with either the potentially homeless or homeless is a far from happy one . One social security tenant staged a false break at one of the houses which I let and in addition stole various goods from the house on a number of occasions . Another tenant also broke into rooms and stole My conclusion was that some people are beyond help. Whilst it is nice to be sympathetic to the situations which some people find themselves , in you also have to face reality. Not possible to be homeless??? Do you have any idea how few landlords will even rent to people on benefits? Many buy to let mortgages now put it in the terms that the landlord isn't allowed to let to people on benefits. Then take a look at how many properties are actually affordable on housing benefit. Then consider the cost of a deposit and a month+ of rent up front and agency fees and moving costs. Councils can sometimes help with a deposit in the form of a rent bond but no landlord is obliged to accept a rent bond and many won't. So, you have to find a place you can afford, with a landlord that will accept you AND at least a couple of thousand pounds of upfront costs. Yes, it's practically impossible to be homeless if you're over 25. The naivety and cluelessness on here is both sad and terrifying." . The upfront costs which you quote are at the top end of the range and I assume relate to complete houses as opposed to single rooms . There are still landlords who will let for a one hundred pound deposit and a weeks rent up front . | |||
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" Not possible to be homeless??? Do you have any idea how few landlords will even rent to people on benefits? Many buy to let mortgages now put it in the terms that the landlord isn't allowed to let to people on benefits. Then take a look at how many properties are actually affordable on housing benefit. Then consider the cost of a deposit and a month+ of rent up front and agency fees and moving costs. Councils can sometimes help with a deposit in the form of a rent bond but no landlord is obliged to accept a rent bond and many won't. So, you have to find a place you can afford, with a landlord that will accept you AND at least a couple of thousand pounds of upfront costs. Yes, it's practically impossible to be homeless if you're over 25. The naivety and cluelessness on here is both sad and terrifying." | |||
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"This is a little bit of a tangent but with regards to eradicating homelessness or ensuring everyone has a place to live, how do we do it?" Eat the rich! | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? . Whilst it is commendable that most fab members are very sympathic to the homeless , most seem to expect the government to pick up the cost . In any event most people over the age of 25 are entitled to housing benefit , so in theory it is not possible to be homeless if you have utilised all the facilities and help available to you . My experience of working with either the potentially homeless or homeless is a far from happy one . One social security tenant staged a false break at one of the houses which I let and in addition stole various goods from the house on a number of occasions . Another tenant also broke into rooms and stole My conclusion was that some people are beyond help. Whilst it is nice to be sympathetic to the situations which some people find themselves , in you also have to face reality. Not possible to be homeless??? Do you have any idea how few landlords will even rent to people on benefits? Many buy to let mortgages now put it in the terms that the landlord isn't allowed to let to people on benefits. Then take a look at how many properties are actually affordable on housing benefit. Then consider the cost of a deposit and a month+ of rent up front and agency fees and moving costs. Councils can sometimes help with a deposit in the form of a rent bond but no landlord is obliged to accept a rent bond and many won't. So, you have to find a place you can afford, with a landlord that will accept you AND at least a couple of thousand pounds of upfront costs. Yes, it's practically impossible to be homeless if you're over 25. The naivety and cluelessness on here is both sad and terrifying.. The upfront costs which you quote are at the top end of the range and I assume relate to complete houses as opposed to single rooms . There are still landlords who will let for a one hundred pound deposit and a weeks rent up front . " No those are not top end of the range costs. Landlords who will rent to benefit claimants are now few and far between and those that do generally offer shitty premises because they know some are too desperate to refuse. A young person - though as you point out, anyone under 25 can't get housing benefit now - might be able to cope with a shitty room for a while but it's not a lot of good for someone with kids. And people wonder why some get desperate and turn to drugs and/or stealing. But still, those that deserve to be on the street should be grateful for a shit hole with no heating and mould on the walls. Apparently. | |||
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"This is a little bit of a tangent but with regards to eradicating homelessness or ensuring everyone has a place to live, how do we do it?" Don't know but according to the charity support worker that helped me. The situation is going to get a lot worse when people are transferred to something called universal credit. | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? . Whilst it is commendable that most fab members are very sympathic to the homeless , most seem to expect the government to pick up the cost . In any event most people over the age of 25 are entitled to housing benefit , so in theory it is not possible to be homeless if you have utilised all the facilities and help available to you . My experience of working with either the potentially homeless or homeless is a far from happy one . One social security tenant staged a false break at one of the houses which I let and in addition stole various goods from the house on a number of occasions . Another tenant also broke into rooms and stole My conclusion was that some people are beyond help. Whilst it is nice to be sympathetic to the situations which some people find themselves , in you also have to face reality. Not possible to be homeless??? Do you have any idea how few landlords will even rent to people on benefits? Many buy to let mortgages now put it in the terms that the landlord isn't allowed to let to people on benefits. Then take a look at how many properties are actually affordable on housing benefit. Then consider the cost of a deposit and a month+ of rent up front and agency fees and moving costs. Councils can sometimes help with a deposit in the form of a rent bond but no landlord is obliged to accept a rent bond and many won't. So, you have to find a place you can afford, with a landlord that will accept you AND at least a couple of thousand pounds of upfront costs. Yes, it's practically impossible to be homeless if you're over 25. The naivety and cluelessness on here is both sad and terrifying.. The upfront costs which you quote are at the top end of the range and I assume relate to complete houses as opposed to single rooms . There are still landlords who will let for a one hundred pound deposit and a weeks rent up front . No those are not top end of the range costs. Landlords who will rent to benefit claimants are now few and far between and those that do generally offer shitty premises because they know some are too desperate to refuse. A young person - though as you point out, anyone under 25 can't get housing benefit now - might be able to cope with a shitty room for a while but it's not a lot of good for someone with kids. And people wonder why some get desperate and turn to drugs and/or stealing. But still, those that deserve to be on the street should be grateful for a shit hole with no heating and mould on the walls. Apparently." . Any landlord who lets rooms with mould on the wall is likely to have a visit from the local environmental health officer and have an improvement order served on them. There are extensive fines for failing to comply with any order from an environmental health officer. | |||
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"I've read through this thread and as a few posts have said under 25s can't get housing benefit. So if we were unable to pay our mortgage for some reason we would be repossessed without any help? " you only now get a years help with your mortgage that only pay the interest only after a year your on your own sanctions also affect your mortgage payments The sanction regime is a 4 week benefit sanction for the first offence followed by a further 13 week benefit sanction for any second and/or subsequent offence within 12 months (where a second failure is more than 14 days after the first failure can multiple 13 weeks sanctions be added consecutively yes they can and you can get a 3 year sanction as some have them already | |||
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"But still, those that deserve to be on the street should be grateful for a shit hole with no heating and mould on the walls. Apparently.. Any landlord who lets rooms with mould on the wall is likely to have a visit from the local environmental health officer and have an improvement order served on them. There are extensive fines for failing to comply with any order from an environmental health officer. " some people are just grateful for just having a roof over there head and out of the cold but what i can tell you you call enviromental health out your out on the street happens alot with landlords however enviromental health will make them do the repairs if the landlord dosnt want to do them he therefore cannot rent the property out and i can say without a doubt local councils do rent property out thats cold and damp and mold growing on the walls so its not just with private housings either | |||
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"Any landlord who lets rooms with mould on the wall is likely to have a visit from the local environmental health officer and have an improvement order served on them. There are extensive fines for failing to comply with any order from an environmental health officer. " if only it worked like this in real life. google "revenge evictions" .... then come back and address those comments you made. granted there is a small percentage of decent honest landords out there but on the whole they are only interested in getting the money to flow into their pockets not spend out on keeping their portfolio in mint condition, and some of them even let themselves into their tennants kitchens and mess with their cutlery!!! most people these days will never even meet their landlord, just the agent who works on the landlords behalf. not really a business realtionship that inspires confidence is it? | |||
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"Any landlord who lets rooms with mould on the wall is likely to have a visit from the local environmental health officer and have an improvement order served on them. There are extensive fines for failing to comply with any order from an environmental health officer. if only it worked like this in real life. google "revenge evictions" .... then come back and address those comments you made. granted there is a small percentage of decent honest landords out there but on the whole they are only interested in getting the money to flow into their pockets not spend out on keeping their portfolio in mint condition, and some of them even let themselves into their tennants kitchens and mess with their cutlery!!! most people these days will never even meet their landlord, just the agent who works on the landlords behalf. not really a business realtionship that inspires confidence is it?" . Revenge evictions might also compound the problem and ensure that the landlord receives even more attention from the council. Various procedures must be followed by any landlord wishing to evict a tenant. There are good and bad landlords just as there are good and bad tenants . Any tenant should vet their landlord before moving in and ensure that the maintenance procedures are adequate . | |||
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"A lack of available, affordable provision and many of us not having a cushion of 3 months salary for the just in case times. " Dont think my salary ever lasts a week | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? " This is so sad!..your so kind to have done what you have done!..I too would have helped her & done exactly the same!...there's not many who would high five to you...it's insane how people could ignore someone in need of help..good on you x | |||
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"Noticed an increase in rough sleepers in my vicinity. So hard to walk by..... Am I alone here. For I understand like many we are only a loss of job away from perhaps joining them. Today I saw a young woman in a sleep bag.... I popped into shop brought a warm sausage roll and a bottle of drink.. And gave it to her. Even then I coyld tell she was embarrassed to accept it. How can this be happening?? . Whilst it is commendable that most fab members are very sympathic to the homeless , most seem to expect the government to pick up the cost . In any event most people over the age of 25 are entitled to housing benefit , so in theory it is not possible to be homeless if you have utilised all the facilities and help available to you . My experience of working with either the potentially homeless or homeless is a far from happy one . One social security tenant staged a false break at one of the houses which I let and in addition stole various goods from the house on a number of occasions . Another tenant also broke into rooms and stole My conclusion was that some people are beyond help. Whilst it is nice to be sympathetic to the situations which some people find themselves , in you also have to face reality. Not possible to be homeless??? Do you have any idea how few landlords will even rent to people on benefits? Many buy to let mortgages now put it in the terms that the landlord isn't allowed to let to people on benefits. Then take a look at how many properties are actually affordable on housing benefit. Then consider the cost of a deposit and a month+ of rent up front and agency fees and moving costs. Councils can sometimes help with a deposit in the form of a rent bond but no landlord is obliged to accept a rent bond and many won't. So, you have to find a place you can afford, with a landlord that will accept you AND at least a couple of thousand pounds of upfront costs. Yes, it's practically impossible to be homeless if you're over 25. The naivety and cluelessness on here is both sad and terrifying.. The upfront costs which you quote are at the top end of the range and I assume relate to complete houses as opposed to single rooms . There are still landlords who will let for a one hundred pound deposit and a weeks rent up front . No those are not top end of the range costs. Landlords who will rent to benefit claimants are now few and far between and those that do generally offer shitty premises because they know some are too desperate to refuse. A young person - though as you point out, anyone under 25 can't get housing benefit now - might be able to cope with a shitty room for a while but it's not a lot of good for someone with kids. And people wonder why some get desperate and turn to drugs and/or stealing. But still, those that deserve to be on the street should be grateful for a shit hole with no heating and mould on the walls. Apparently.. Any landlord who lets rooms with mould on the wall is likely to have a visit from the local environmental health officer and have an improvement order served on them. There are extensive fines for failing to comply with any order from an environmental health officer. " Really? http://stories.shelter.org.uk/police-officer-homeless/ I hope the site of a large national charity is considered acceptable to link to. This is not an isolated case. Far from it. Like I said, some of you are completely clueless about reality. It sounds lovely on your planet though. | |||
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"Any landlord who lets rooms with mould on the wall is likely to have a visit from the local environmental health officer and have an improvement order served on them. There are extensive fines for failing to comply with any order from an environmental health officer. if only it worked like this in real life. google "revenge evictions" .... then come back and address those comments you made. granted there is a small percentage of decent honest landords out there but on the whole they are only interested in getting the money to flow into their pockets not spend out on keeping their portfolio in mint condition, and some of them even let themselves into their tennants kitchens and mess with their cutlery!!! most people these days will never even meet their landlord, just the agent who works on the landlords behalf. not really a business realtionship that inspires confidence is it?. Revenge evictions might also compound the problem and ensure that the landlord receives even more attention from the council. Various procedures must be followed by any landlord wishing to evict a tenant. There are good and bad landlords just as there are good and bad tenants . Any tenant should vet their landlord before moving in and ensure that the maintenance procedures are adequate . " FFS are you not getting that most people on benefits have to accept any landlord that will take them? They don't get to pick and choose! Landlords can do pretty much as they like and they know it. Real life is not like you think it is. | |||
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"Last year, the UK government handed over £50 billion in aid, mostly to deserving or needy countries admittedly, they gave almost £500 million to India, which sent a rocket to space last year, they gave over £300 million to South Africa, corruption is a given in SA, even the president said "corruption is a western thing". It's long past time the government start looking after the poor and homeless in Britain first." .. | |||
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"Any landlord who lets rooms with mould on the wall is likely to have a visit from the local environmental health officer and have an improvement order served on them. There are extensive fines for failing to comply with any order from an environmental health officer. if only it worked like this in real life. google "revenge evictions" .... then come back and address those comments you made. granted there is a small percentage of decent honest landords out there but on the whole they are only interested in getting the money to flow into their pockets not spend out on keeping their portfolio in mint condition, and some of them even let themselves into their tennants kitchens and mess with their cutlery!!! most people these days will never even meet their landlord, just the agent who works on the landlords behalf. not really a business realtionship that inspires confidence is it?" At least some people on here know how it actually is out there. This ^ is the reality to the "environmental health will protect you" dream. There was a vote in parliament recently on a bill to make changes to prevent revenge evictions. The Conservatives and Lib Dems banded together to vote against it and it didn't pass. Our government would rather protect the rights of greedy scumbags than protect regular people who simply want a decent roof over their head. And anyone in denial and insisting this can't happen is helping them do it. Open your eyes people. We're not in bloody Kansas any more. | |||
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" Various procedures must be followed by any landlord wishing to evict a tenant. There are good and bad landlords just as there are good and bad tenants . Any tenant should vet their landlord before moving in and ensure that the maintenance procedures are adequate . " With many areas seeing as many as 12 people compete for every room advertised, it is a luxury to be able to vet your landlord even if the mechanisms to do so actually exist. Most tenancys since 1997 are now shorthold offering little protection to the section 21s thrown about by lanlords like so much confetti at a wedding. 200,000 people faced revenge evictions under section 21 in the last 12 months because they asked their landlord to fix a problem, 40% of tenants endure mould, 25% live with a leaking roof or windows, 16% with electrical hazards. A third of private rented homes fail to meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard, compared to 15 per cent in the social rented sector and 20 per cent of owner occupied homes. Something really should be done to regulate and enforce those regulations the sector properly and fairly, it is the 21st century after all. | |||
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"I wonder how much we'd have to move from the Health budget into the Housing budget to ensure sufficient provision, insulation etc to reduce the pressure on the NHS. Fewer folk with malnutrition, pneumonia, TB etc would make life easier for the NHS and much better for the 'patients'." Don't forget the mental health effects of the stress of poor housing/homelessness and the cost of related crime and treating addictions resulting from people seeking other ways to cope. | |||
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"I wonder how much we'd have to move from the Health budget into the Housing budget to ensure sufficient provision, insulation etc to reduce the pressure on the NHS. Fewer folk with malnutrition, pneumonia, TB etc would make life easier for the NHS and much better for the 'patients'." But Onny if we moved money from the NHS to cover such things it would be much harder to cover up how much the NHS subsidises the private healthcare system of the super rich and that would put at risk their low taxation high lifestyle. And you must remember that the Bullingdon Club is dead against anything like that. After all its the law of the jungle and survival of the fittest (richest) that is the rule for the 21 century... | |||
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"Homeless guy begging on Argyll Street, Glasgow. My ex and I saw this guy, dressed like a tramp, huddled up in a shop doorway with the obligatory paper cup in front of him. We watched for a few minutes and every time someone threw a coin in the cup he put it straight into his pocket. . My ex said "poor sod, looks like he ain't eaten for days." We weren't far off a McD's so we dived in there and bought him a meal,i joked at least he'll get a new cup! No one laughed . . . Anyway, off we went, ex feeling good about doin a good turn. . Got to the guy, ex bent down to hand him the meal. . . . The guy exploded . . Went off his out at her. . . "I don't need yer fucking burger, that won't get me ma next fix, so get tae fuck" Another dissatisfied customer to say the least. " Yes there are a few like that but they are minority representing street homeless people the majority are pleasant human beings who are grateful for whatever you give them | |||
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"Homeless guy begging on Argyll Street, Glasgow. My ex and I saw this guy, dressed like a tramp, huddled up in a shop doorway with the obligatory paper cup in front of him. We watched for a few minutes and every time someone threw a coin in the cup he put it straight into his pocket. . My ex said "poor sod, looks like he ain't eaten for days." We weren't far off a McD's so we dived in there and bought him a meal,i joked at least he'll get a new cup! No one laughed . . . Anyway, off we went, ex feeling good about doin a good turn. . Got to the guy, ex bent down to hand him the meal. . . . The guy exploded . . Went off his out at her. . . "I don't need yer fucking burger, that won't get me ma next fix, so get tae fuck" Another dissatisfied customer to say the least. Yes there are a few like that but they are minority representing street homeless people the majority are pleasant human beings who are grateful for whatever you give them "He might be a lot of the time but if he was desperate for a fix, he was likely not himself. Some will blame him for being an addict but it's often, as we know, not that simple. | |||
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"Homeless guy begging on Argyll Street, Glasgow. My ex and I saw this guy, dressed like a tramp, huddled up in a shop doorway with the obligatory paper cup in front of him. We watched for a few minutes and every time someone threw a coin in the cup he put it straight into his pocket. . My ex said "poor sod, looks like he ain't eaten for days." We weren't far off a McD's so we dived in there and bought him a meal,i joked at least he'll get a new cup! No one laughed . . . Anyway, off we went, ex feeling good about doin a good turn. . Got to the guy, ex bent down to hand him the meal. . . . The guy exploded . . Went off his out at her. . . "I don't need yer fucking burger, that won't get me ma next fix, so get tae fuck" Another dissatisfied customer to say the least. " . Some beggars make a full time career of it and it is not unknown for them to drive off in a car at the end of their session.Any unemployed person will be in receipt of income support ffrom the government . One local beggar whose pitch is directly beside the cash dispensers had the cheek to complain about the queue in Tesco Express during a peak trading period at 6 pm when lots of commuters were shopping after coming home from work. If you did want to give , how can you tell if a beggar has any valid reasons for begging . ? Have they spent all their income support ? | |||
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"Any unemployed person will be in receipt of income support ffrom the government." Again you show that you don't know what you are talking about. The quoted statement is absolutely untrue. For one, you can only get income support if you *aren't* registered as unemployed. It's also incredibly difficult for many homeless people to claim any benefits and many aren't eligible for a variety of reasons. Even if they can claim benefits, the amount paid is low. The entire amount could very easily be spent on a couple of nights in a hostel and a little food. Please stop making misleading or untrue statements as if they are fact. They seem to based on your beliefs as regards how things work and do not represent reality. | |||
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"Can someone explain how someone has to live on the street these days? In the very worst cases are there not shelters? Surely there must be places of refuge as a last resort? Genuinely asking because I don't know." There aren't enough shelters and most charge. They often won't accept those with addiction problems. Many homeless have been on the street for so long they aren't able to adapt to anything else. Some don't want to ask for help, (pride or not knowing how to for example). It's complicated with a lot of factors and circumstances often differ from individual to individual. It's one reason it's so difficult to address. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. | |||
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"Can someone explain how someone has to live on the street these days? In the very worst cases are there not shelters? Surely there must be places of refuge as a last resort? Genuinely asking because I don't know. There aren't enough shelters and most charge. They often won't accept those with addiction problems. Many homeless have been on the street for so long they aren't able to adapt to anything else. Some don't want to ask for help, (pride or not knowing how to for example). It's complicated with a lot of factors and circumstances often differ from individual to individual. It's one reason it's so difficult to address. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution." Does personal responsibility to themselves and society not play a part here? I agree that we need to help people who need help but I am not sure about giving a broad acceptance to people who have willingly absolved themselves of personal responsibility. It seems appropriate to help people who both want and need help more so than those who reject their own responsibilities to society. Just my opinion. | |||
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"Can someone explain how someone has to live on the street these days? In the very worst cases are there not shelters? Surely there must be places of refuge as a last resort? Genuinely asking because I don't know. There aren't enough shelters and most charge. They often won't accept those with addiction problems. Many homeless have been on the street for so long they aren't able to adapt to anything else. Some don't want to ask for help, (pride or not knowing how to for example). It's complicated with a lot of factors and circumstances often differ from individual to individual. It's one reason it's so difficult to address. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Does personal responsibility to themselves and society not play a part here? I agree that we need to help people who need help but I am not sure about giving a broad acceptance to people who have willingly absolved themselves of personal responsibility. It seems appropriate to help people who both want and need help more so than those who reject their own responsibilities to society. Just my opinion." In what way do you think anyone has "rejected their responsibility to society"? If anything, in most cases, it's society that has let them down. Many become homeless as a result of ill health (especially mental health) or abuse. Their situation often becomes worse once they are homeless. They turn to substance abuse, prostitution and crime. I think perhaps you don't understand how difficult it is to get back on your feet from such a situation, quite how many obstacles there are to overcome and how little help is available. If the help people need isn't there, and if authorities are seeking to deal with the homeless by taking away their bedding and possessions and installing spikes in places where they sleep, how do you expect them to fulfil any duty you seem to think they have to society? These people simply don't have the same rights and privileges that you do. And I think you'd be very, very shocked by the difference between how you think things are and how they actually are if you were ever to find yourself at the shitty end of misfortune. Homeless people and those on benefits are treated like something unpleasant that has been trodden in by most of "the system". It's difficult to find help and budgets are so strained now at organisations such as the CAB, they are limited in what they can do. Society should care for the vulnerable, not the other way around. Your lack of empathy or any understanding of the difficulties faced by anyone not so fortunate as you is concerning. Your attitude seems to be that you have brought about your own fortunate position and you therefore deserve it. Anyone in a less fortunate position must have failed to utilise their opportunities and were lazy or weak or something, and therefore they deserve the position they have gotten themselves in to. Sometimes bad things really do happen to good people, through no fault of their own. Feeling superior because you were more fortunate is a very unpleasant character trait. | |||
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" Does personal responsibility to themselves and society not play a part here? I agree that we need to help people who need help but I am not sure about giving a broad acceptance to people who have willingly absolved themselves of personal responsibility. It seems appropriate to help people who both want and need help more so than those who reject their own responsibilities to society. Just my opinion." The issue is though, would they realise they needed help? For example, If you're addicted to alcohol and spend most of your day in a haze of being d*unk. Would you see that you are at risk of being taken advantage of by others, that you've not eaten properly , that your clothes look awful etc etc. You can be homeless as well without living on the street. Living in a bed and breakfast - miles away from where you consider home. Living amongst others who have issues, maybe more than you. At this stage you're susceptible to following a lifestyle that may possibly not normally be you. Desperate people do desperate things. Support agencies won't turn their back on someone. They're geared to help and the workers want to make a difference. It's like domestic violence , someone will leave 7 times on average but return. If a back is turned to them on the 8th time - do we help or send them back to that situation. It's not black or white , compassion goes a long way. Like said so well above, a smile costs nothing. | |||
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"Nobody sets out to intentionally be homeless or to have a mental health issue or a substance abuse problem. To suggest those that do have failed in their duty to themselves and to society is just... Actually, and this really isn't common, words fail me." I have to disagree with the statement regarding people do not go out to make themselves intentionally homeless. Some people's behaviour is shocking in terms of ASB and not paying rent and the property is affordable to them. Some think that if they are evicted that the good old council will help them. They get a shock when they reliase that they will get fuck all for being evicted due to their behaviour | |||
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"Any unemployed person will be in receipt of income support ffrom the government . If you did want to give , how can you tell if a beggar has any valid reasons for begging . ? Have they spent all their income support ? " you do seem very ill-informed.  | |||
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"Nobody sets out to intentionally be homeless or to have a mental health issue or a substance abuse problem. To suggest those that do have failed in their duty to themselves and to society is just... Actually, and this really isn't common, words fail me. I have to disagree with the statement regarding people do not go out to make themselves intentionally homeless. Some people's behaviour is shocking in terms of ASB and not paying rent and the property is affordable to them. Some think that if they are evicted that the good old council will help them. They get a shock when they reliase that they will get fuck all for being evicted due to their behaviour " Yes, I agree some people take the piss. They aren't intending to end up homeless though because they think the council will save them. They end up homeless when they realise they were wrong. There are some, I have to admit, that do bring homelessness on themselves. Should they be left destitute though? I know some will abuse any help offered, so in their cases it is a tricky issue. | |||
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"Can someone explain how someone has to live on the street these days? In the very worst cases are there not shelters? Surely there must be places of refuge as a last resort? Genuinely asking because I don't know." quite frankly .... there is hardly any provision and nor has there been for decades. especially in london with boris johnsons campaign against the homeless. after his successful coup d'etat of the Met, he has dedicated squads of officers raiding locations used by rough sleepers. the officers search the rough sleepers and also take ALL of their belongings, everything, including sleeping bags, blankets, spare clothing, rucksacks, personal posessions such as toothbrushes etc. He is also trying to shut down soup kitchens and free food operations. in many cases these rough sleepers are taken into custody without arrest or charge and driven out of the city and deposited on the road side. not every town has night shelter facilities (or spikes as they are known). | |||
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"Does personal responsibility to themselves and society not play a part here? I agree that we need to help people who need help but I am not sure about giving a broad acceptance to people who have willingly absolved themselves of personal responsibility. It seems appropriate to help people who both want and need help more so than those who reject their own responsibilities to society. Just my opinion." it's not your fault that you have this _iew to be fair, it's just that you are not in full posession of the facts regarding the circumstances that lead to or perpetuate homelessness. part of the reason that homelessness is on the rise is due to the lack of understanding of the situation by society; this is down to ignorance and lack of education on the subject. your comment about it being appropriate to help people is very noble, might i recommend that you seek out organisations near you so you can get involved in winter food provision for rough sleepers or similar projects. | |||
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"Any unemployed person will be in receipt of income support ffrom the government . If you did want to give , how can you tell if a beggar has any valid reasons for begging . ? Have they spent all their income support ? " jobseekers or income support is no longer the same anymore you may sign on but you wont get paid for 2 weeks now 2 month in a universal credit area theres also a criteria attached as well have you been job hunting have you made an account with unniversal jobmatch to join unniversal jobmatch you need a government gateway account as ujm is consent based and so is gg you refuse consent so you dont get anything as you didnt create an account it dosnt stop there they want all your details phone number, email address and bank details, your address | |||
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"Nobody sets out to intentionally be homeless or to have a mental health issue or a substance abuse problem. To suggest those that do have failed in their duty to themselves and to society is just... Actually, and this really isn't common, words fail me. I have to disagree with the statement regarding people do not go out to make themselves intentionally homeless. Some people's behaviour is shocking in terms of ASB and not paying rent and the property is affordable to them. Some think that if they are evicted that the good old council will help them. They get a shock when they reliase that they will get fuck all for being evicted due to their behaviour Yes, I agree some people take the piss. They aren't intending to end up homeless though because they think the council will save them. They end up homeless when they realise they were wrong. There are some, I have to admit, that do bring homelessness on themselves. Should they be left destitute though? I know some will abuse any help offered, so in their cases it is a tricky issue." Some people have to take responsibility for their actions. People have a good idea that they are breaching their tenancy when they do certain things. The local authority provide 28 days temp accommodation to help and then help with obtaining private rented accommodation. | |||
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"Nobody sets out to intentionally be homeless or to have a mental health issue or a substance abuse problem. To suggest those that do have failed in their duty to themselves and to society is just... Actually, and this really isn't common, words fail me. I have to disagree with the statement regarding people do not go out to make themselves intentionally homeless. Some people's behaviour is shocking in terms of ASB and not paying rent and the property is affordable to them. Some think that if they are evicted that the good old council will help them. They get a shock when they reliase that they will get fuck all for being evicted due to their behaviour Yes, I agree some people take the piss. They aren't intending to end up homeless though because they think the council will save them. They end up homeless when they realise they were wrong. There are some, I have to admit, that do bring homelessness on themselves. Should they be left destitute though? I know some will abuse any help offered, so in their cases it is a tricky issue. Some people have to take responsibility for their actions. People have a good idea that they are breaching their tenancy when they do certain things. The local authority provide 28 days temp accommodation to help and then help with obtaining private rented accommodation. " In my previous area even people entitled to help and without a history of ASB and rent arrears didn't get that. It was pretty much only those with children that were housed. Everyone else was told "private rented accommodation is your best bet" and sent away. Even though they knew none of the landlords in the area would rent to benefit claimants and that deposits and up front rent would make it impossible. They refused to take homeless applications when they should and they refused to provide temporary accommodation, (claiming they didn't have any!) They got slated by the Ombudsman when I complained but they were only told to pull their socks up. They just got more devious in their avoidance tactics after that. | |||
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"Any landlord who lets rooms with mould on the wall is likely to have a visit from the local environmental health officer and have an improvement order served on them. There are extensive fines for failing to comply with any order from an environmental health officer. if only it worked like this in real life. google "revenge evictions" .... then come back and address those comments you made. granted there is a small percentage of decent honest landords out there but on the whole they are only interested in getting the money to flow into their pockets not spend out on keeping their portfolio in mint condition, and some of them even let themselves into their tennants kitchens and mess with their cutlery!!! most people these days will never even meet their landlord, just the agent who works on the landlords behalf. not really a business realtionship that inspires confidence is it?. Revenge evictions might also compound the problem and ensure that the landlord receives even more attention from the council. Various procedures must be followed by any landlord wishing to evict a tenant. There are good and bad landlords just as there are good and bad tenants . Any tenant should vet their landlord before moving in and ensure that the maintenance procedures are adequate . FFS are you not getting that most people on benefits have to accept any landlord that will take them? They don't get to pick and choose! Landlords can do pretty much as they like and they know it. Real life is not like you think it is." Absolutely true. My flat when I moved in had no wall or floor coverings and yet 6 families applied for it because the landlord was willing to accept housing benefit. My family decorated it for me but I've tolerated other dilapidations because as a full time student my choices are extremely limited. Put up, shut up is a way of life for anyone in such a position. | |||
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"Shelter have a story on their blog thingy about a serving policewoman who works full-time who is now facing homelessness. She has a young daughter. It's heart-breaking. Even some of those employed full-time in good jobs are struggling to live." yes I read that, struggle to find the appropriate words to this. | |||
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"Any unemployed person will be in receipt of income support ffrom the government . If you did want to give , how can you tell if a beggar has any valid reasons for begging . ? Have they spent all their income support ? jobseekers or income support is no longer the same anymore you may sign on but you wont get paid for 2 weeks now 2 month in a universal credit area theres also a criteria attached as well have you been job hunting have you made an account with unniversal jobmatch to join unniversal jobmatch you need a government gateway account as ujm is consent based and so is gg you refuse consent so you dont get anything as you didnt create an account it dosnt stop there they want all your details phone number, email address and bank details, your address " 6 weeks wait for JSA now. Know someone who signed on a few weeks ago and they're still waiting. You have to apply for hardship payments while waiting...don't see the point in making people claim for two separate benefits when they're entitled to one and they should get that one straight away? | |||
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"Quite poignant for me at the moment. I found out Tuesday despite paying my rent in full and on time, my landlord hasn't been paying the mortgage and my flat is being repossessed. Horribly stressful trying to find some where new for me and the kids but I have my family who are helping. I'm lucky, not everyone is. Making me realise how easily homelessness can happen. " oh lushlife.... That is harsh.. How on earth can this happen, wish I had an answer for your predicament. I, d expect your case is far from unique..... So sorry. Unregulated landlords.... how do they sleep at night? | |||
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"Nobody sets out to intentionally be homeless or to have a mental health issue or a substance abuse problem. To suggest those that do have failed in their duty to themselves and to society is just... Actually, and this really isn't common, words fail me. I have to disagree with the statement regarding people do not go out to make themselves intentionally homeless. Some people's behaviour is shocking in terms of ASB and not paying rent and the property is affordable to them. Some think that if they are evicted that the good old council will help them. They get a shock when they reliase that they will get fuck all for being evicted due to their behaviour Yes, I agree some people take the piss. They aren't intending to end up homeless though because they think the council will save them. They end up homeless when they realise they were wrong. There are some, I have to admit, that do bring homelessness on themselves. Should they be left destitute though? I know some will abuse any help offered, so in their cases it is a tricky issue. Some people have to take responsibility for their actions. People have a good idea that they are breaching their tenancy when they do certain things. The local authority provide 28 days temp accommodation to help and then help with obtaining private rented accommodation. In my previous area even people entitled to help and without a history of ASB and rent arrears didn't get that. It was pretty much only those with children that were housed. Everyone else was told "private rented accommodation is your best bet" and sent away. Even though they knew none of the landlords in the area would rent to benefit claimants and that deposits and up front rent would make it impossible. They refused to take homeless applications when they should and they refused to provide temporary accommodation, (claiming they didn't have any!) They got slated by the Ombudsman when I complained but they were only told to pull their socks up. They just got more devious in their avoidance tactics after that." That's your local authority some authorities provide a fantastic service in terms of homelessness. Many LA gate keep and do unlawful things it happens but often these LA are not challenged where some LA are challenged everyday by housing solicitors | |||
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"I wonder how much we'd have to move from the Health budget into the Housing budget to ensure sufficient provision, insulation etc to reduce the pressure on the NHS. Fewer folk with malnutrition, pneumonia, TB etc would make life easier for the NHS and much better for the 'patients'. But Onny if we moved money from the NHS to cover such things it would be much harder to cover up how much the NHS subsidises the private healthcare system of the super rich and that would put at risk their low taxation high lifestyle. And you must remember that the Bullingdon Club is dead against anything like that. After all its the law of the jungle and survival of the fittest (richest) that is the rule for the 21 century..." Curious as to how the NHS can be considered to subsidise private health schemes. My understanding was that you paid a set amount per añnum to your choósen private health care provider and in return received cover . By joining a private health care scheme you are freeing up NHS resources. In addition if your employer provides it you are taxed on it as a benefit in kind. | |||
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