http://www.richardfuller.org.uk/2010/03/a-time-to-consider-those-who-sleep-rough-%e2%80%93-and-those-who-work-hard-to-help-them/ Working for the future of Bedford & Kempston Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:35:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.richardfuller.org.uk/2010/03/a-time-to-consider-those-who-sleep-rough-%e2%80%93-and-those-who-work-hard-to-help-them/comment-page-1/#comment-60 Eeyore Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:31:40 +0000 http://www.richardfuller.org.uk/?p=271#comment-60 The problem of the homeless is above politics; the solution is deepy political. I am glad to see you taking an interest as I feel that tax-funded provision has largely failed and the only hope is the decency of people who can afford to help financially and in other ways. I am moved by the sight of a local homeless man who can be seen all over the town and at the support he gets, unsung, from individuals. I was buying fish 'n' chips in Denmark St and he was outside. As I was paying I asked the chippy to take another coin or two and give the man a meal. 'Don't worry', he said, 'we look after him anyway'. Now they don't publicise that, bless 'em. And I've also seen the same chap at a picnic table in a garden off Castle Road, eating a hot meal that someone must have invited him to take. Now, is there any way that we can harness that feeling of obligation to help with (eg) accommodation and clothing? In London the St Martin's Trust does magnificent work, offering people, if they want it, a package that enables them to leave the streets, get an address and clothes and all the help they need to get back into work. Is the problem in Bedford big enough to warrant a similar effort here? The problem of the homeless is above politics; the solution is deepy political. I am glad to see you taking an interest as I feel that tax-funded provision has largely failed and the only hope is the decency of people who can afford to help financially and in other ways. I am moved by the sight of a local homeless man who can be seen all over the town and at the support he gets, unsung, from individuals. I was buying fish ‘n’ chips in Denmark St and he was outside. As I was paying I asked the chippy to take another coin or two and give the man a meal. ‘Don’t worry’, he said, ‘we look after him anyway’. Now they don’t publicise that, bless ‘em. And I’ve also seen the same chap at a picnic table in a garden off Castle Road, eating a hot meal that someone must have invited him to take. Now, is there any way that we can harness that feeling of obligation to help with (eg) accommodation and clothing? In London the St Martin’s Trust does magnificent work, offering people, if they want it, a package that enables them to leave the streets, get an address and clothes and all the help they need to get back into work. Is the problem in Bedford big enough to warrant a similar effort here?

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