Homelessness – It Could Be You

Homelessness – It Could Be You

As we start a new year and Christmas is now behind us I wonder how many of us thought about those who had no family to go to and no home to be in for the festive season.  At the end of this month it will be Poverty and Homelessness Action Week and it is worth pausing for a moment to remember that while we're snuggled up in bed at night, there are people using the pavements as their pillow.

There are many different types of people who are homeless: there are homeless children, adults, elderly people - and all with different reasons for why they are stuck on the streets.  The  Poverty and Homelessness Action Week website provides some informative facts on homelessness.  It will help answer some questions you might have and it's definitely worth taking a look for all the information you'll need to make a huge difference!

The theme for 2014 has not been announced yet but in the meantime it's worth thinking about why some people are in these situations because it's not always their fault, and we need to recognise this - it could be due to a relationship break up, mental distress or a consequence of the economic climate. 

The organisers of the event want us to acknowledge that a 'blame culture is not the way to make things better'.  Everyday people, whether they are poor or homeless come up against barriers in their lives.  Our world is so full of barriers and they stop us from understanding one another. Churches and community projects work tirelessly to break the barriers and challenge prejudice and those who are excluded from society. If you are part of a church group there are lots of ways you can get involved! You could integrate Homelessness Sunday on 26 January 2014 or Poverty Action Sunday on 2 February 2014 into your usual Sunday Service.   Organising a youth group would also be a good opportunity to encourage kids to think about this year's theme.

Alternatively, you could hold a Cup of Tea Day in in your church which would be another way of bringing the community together and raising vital funds at the same time.

The census which took place in the UK in 2011 should list everyone who lives in Britain - but there will be many homeless people not included in these statistics. They are indeed a forgotten number in our midst.

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Amanda Thomas

UK HEALTH RADIO