Posts Tagged ‘homeless outreach’

Helping hands

Monday, April 1st, 2013 | Foundation, Humanism

Having recently read and very much enjoyed The Grapes of Graph (perhaps I should say “was moved by” rather than “enjoyed”), it is isn’t interesting to see the parallels between the harsh times experienced in the Great Depression and the not as bad but still regrettable plight of many of our own members of society.

In the book, Ma Joad says something along the lines of “the thing I’m learning more. If you’re in trouble or hurt or need—go to poor people. They’re the only ones that’ll help —the only ones.”

This is a phenomenon that can be often seen throughout society. For example, my father, who is a gas engineer, once told me that poor people are far more likely to tip than wealthy people are – perhaps because they are more aware of financial pressures and the had work people do.

This can also be seen in the homeless world as well. Last night we met three people with dogs and all of them told us the same thing – the dog eats before I do. You can tell – all of the dogs looked well fed, their fur was in good condition and most of them were wrapped up in nice coats, one was even in a hoodie.

To matter how down on their luck people get, most never stop caring about others. Indeed, it may even be a prerequisite.

What does begging pay?

Sunday, March 31st, 2013 | Foundation, Humanism

Tonight wasn’t the best night we’ve ever had at the Humanist Action Group. We judge that by the amount of people we find – on a good night, everyone will have found shelter and there will be nobody on the streets. Tonight, we got about 100m from our door before we had run out of coffee and had to go back to make more.

One of the people we chatted to gave us an insight into how much money you can make begging. It’s significantly less than you can earn in a minimum wage job. If anyone ever tells you they make loads of money – tell them to stop voting Tory and pull their head out of their ass.

Here is what you might expect to make in a week…

  • Monday – Wednesday: £10-15 per night
  • Thursday: £20 per night
  • Friday: £25-30 per night
  • Saturday: If the weather is good, maybe £35
  • Sunday: Nothing, there is nobody in town on a Sunday

Not a great way to scratch a living.

Gift of Gloves

Monday, March 12th, 2012 | Foundation, Humanism

Gift of Gloves

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed to our Gift of Gloves project. We have now received and distributed many pairs of gloves, mittens and extra warm socks, all of which were gratefully received by their recipients.

2011 Holiday Food Drive

Saturday, December 24th, 2011 | Foundation

Last Monday saw the end of the 2011 Holiday Food Drive. We packed all the donations into boxes, used the money donated to buy even more, and delivered it all to a local homeless shelter. Thanks to everyone who made a donation or helped out on the day!

Reaching out for new volunteers

Saturday, October 30th, 2010 | Foundation

On Thursday we ran a special session of our homeless outreach work specifically designed to introduce new people. Turn out was great and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came down and gave up their evening to help out.