Volunteering with Crisis at Christmas (3)
This year, I am going to be a volunteer with the charity for the homeless Crisis at Christmas.
At the induction session for new volunteers, we were given some background information on the causes of homelessness:
- The lack of housing overall
- The lack of affordable housing
- The loss of a tenancy
- Lacking work and/or skills
- In work, but low pay and/or hours
- Breakdown of a relationship
- Leaving prison or care
So why do the homeless come to a centre run by Crisis at Christmas?
- Companionship – someone to talk to
- Safety – somewhere they will not be harassed
- Food – warm and nourishing
- Sleep – warm and safe
- Medical services such as dentistry and podiatry
- ‘Feel good’ services such as massage and entertainment
And who are the guests? Based on last year’s statistics:
- 84% are male
- The age range is 18-93
- The average age is 46
- The top three nationalities are British (about half), Polish and Romanian
- They are not all rough sleepers but include the ‘hidden homeless’ from squats and so on