While wandering around Canberra I’ve noticed there is still a lot of rough sleepers despite the so called services that are supposed to not turn people away. There are also a lot of people like me who sleep in vans and cars, and people who couch surf, live with relatives and make do in other ways.
So, time to let people know about World Homeless Day, on 10/10/2010. The main aim of which is to get people aware of homelessness in their area. I mean, what have you done lately to help homeless peole? Practical soloutions like renting out that old granny flat you don’t use for a reasonable price. Or helping on the Vinnies night patrol. Giving away that near to expiery date food that you know you’ll throw out anyway. Even giving old blankets and clothing direct to homeless people instead of the charaties who sell those items to fund their services. (Yeah I appreciate it costs money to run those services, but often an old but good blanket can do far more beneifit in the hands of the homeless than in the hands of a charity).
I’m not asking people to give money, or to give hand outs, but to give hope, give a smile, give a bit of kindness and consideration.
You can read more about it at http://www.worldhomelessday.org/