Well,it's almost upon us and whether you are a HO HO and GO type or a Bah Humbug, I hope you have an enjoyable time and that St. Nicholas brings you whatever your heart desires.
I am volunteering for 2 days this year over christmas with Crisis, one of many charities working with homeless people over the next two weeks and beyond.I have given to crisis every year for as long as I can remember around christmastime. I have never volunteered with them until now. So, on christmas eve and boxing day I will be up with the lark and down to the East End of London to prepare and serve up breakfasts and generally talk with people who come through the door.
Did you know that most people say their main reason for coming along to use these services at christmas is for the companionship?. It's lonely and can be very frightening in the streets and hostels in cities like London and especially so at times when others are out and about enjoying themselves.
A frightening statistic demonstrates that many of us are only 2 decisions away from homelessness,and that in 2009 the number of homeless people will increase.Not necessarily people living on the streets,rather people and families who are evicted for non payment of mortgages,rents, bills etc and find themselves in temporary accomodation, hostels and the like, with only a few of their personal belongings.
I met someone who was homeless as a child at a dinner party a few years ago.He is a very successful professional, living in a beautiful 4 bedroomed georgian house in a leafy London suburb . He has hardly any possessions. Just a few beautiful things, half a wardrobe full of clothes, cupboards full of food and one bedroom always free for people he describes as "the recently dispossessed in need of temporary shelter". Basically, he gives a bedroom over to individuals who are referred to him and can stay with him for 6-8 weeks until they get rehoused , a new job, whatever it is that helps them get back on track rather than spiraling down into long term homelessness.
He has few possessions for 2 reasons- Sometimes the people he has to stay are so desperate they may steal anything of value from him and sell it. More importantly for him.He says he just doesn't buy what he doesn't need and couldn't pack up within a week if he had to.He places value on food,shelter and people more .
Jeff is volunteering in a rehab hostel this christmas and is my inspiration for choosing crisis. For those of you who saw the UK documentary "Cathy come home". (The one that resulted in many homeless charities being established) Jeff always says- " That small child on the street with his parents and siblings reminds me of me 10 years earlier" . These days, he is a successful 60 something year old with a huge heart. He reminds me of a good shepherd who always makes space and finds room. (How apt) If you can spare a few quid in these crunchy times, here's the link for Crisis Christmas .I'll let you know how I get on at the Inn!
All the best and lots of Ho Ho Ho
Mariex
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