It has always seemed unlikely to me, that people choose to sleep rough for long periods of time. Of course, I understand that a domestic argument, money shortage, addiction and whole host of reasons, can lead to someone finding themselves sleeping out on the street, but would they really choose that as a long term option, if it could be avoided? Worryingly, there are an increasingly large number of people who find themselves in this desperate situation and who are unable to find help to turn things around.
As much as I would like to have all the answers and to be able to solve the homelessness / rough sleeping problem in the UK, I am much better equipped to share a couple of thoughts on how we might best help those whom we meet as we walk to and from work on a daily basis, or see huddling in a sheltered corner as we head out for the evening.
Clem was a real inspiration to me in this respect. When out with him in Cardiff or Huddersfield, where he studied, he was very much at ease smiling, nodding or stopping to chat with folks on the street. He had the ability to see through the “homeless” tag and recognise the person. We would often stop, and whilst Bram (Clem’s younger brother) and I were dispatched to find a Greggs and bring back a pasty and coffee, Clem would sit and talk. We would return to find elder son and new friend smoking together (the real magic Clem possessed in these situations, was his ability to roll and light a cigarette in all weather conditions), discussing the merits of various shelters, fast food outlets and brands of tobacco.
Of course, the pasty and warm drink were always appreciated (and far more so, the cigarette), but what we heard time and again, were the words, “thanks for stopping”. Really, it was the act of acknowledgement that helped most. To repeat a well worn phrase, a smile costs nothing, but pays a lot. The simple act of acknowledging someone’s existence, effectively says, “Yes, I see you there, and of course you are worthy of my time”.
Thread of gold ...because of Clem 