I was just about to post a different blog post when a video update came out. A rapid change of plan, because this is worth it. The video is at the end of this post.
Let me explain.
Homeless for Christmas
A friend over on Facebook shared this event. A guy, whom I don’t know and have never heard of decided that he will sleep rough on the streets of London to raise awareness about homelessness.
I have no idea why it touched me as much as it did.
I mean, I do already buy the Big Issue when I see a seller. I have given a few quid and bought a burger and coffee for people begging. I think since I came so close to losing my home it sticks in my head. It could have been me – an unexpected change in circumstances can have devastating effects.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no angel. I’ve probably walked past just as many, if not more homeless people and not given them a second thought. I also know that my family wouldn’t see me on the streets. I’d have somewhere to go, a roof over my head and food on the table. No matter how much trouble I find myself in, I have a safety net.
That last line also brings home another truth – I know people who don’t have that support.
And that’s what it boils down to – support.
We can’t give to every homeless person, but we can remember they are human and not ignore what is going on right now in our country. We can support those charities who offer people a lifeline, a chance to get straight and start again.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. It could have been me and I am not some faceless, drug addled, alcoholic, which is how many people see the homeless. In the majority of cases, it’s just not true.
So, over to James Beavis, who is crazy enough to voluntarily go homeless over Christmas. You can help raise awareness by sharing his videos, his Facebook event and tweeting with the hash tag #homelessforchristmas
He is also raising money for Crisis, please visit his Virgin Money Giving page – a few quid does make a difference.
Here’s the links again. Please do share them!
Facebook event for updates on James’ progress https://www.facebook.com/events/303373483111990/
James’ YouTube channel for video – https://www.youtube.com/user/jamesbeavis1990
Donate at – http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=jamesbeavis
Hi Jan,
I remember that shared video, and good for you for bringing it to everyone’s attention.
We all have our stories to tell. 16 years ago I was the one who had to move from a 4-bed 2-reception house in a very nice area to a place on a council estate with kids running amok and causing trouble for everyone. My husband and I found ourselves homeless, through his bad investment of our joint funds, and I got pregnant at the same time (after 6 years of living together and me thinking that maybe I wasn’t destined to be a mum). Before we were moved to the council flat, we had to live for 9 months (my whole pregnancy term) in a few smelly and horrible B&bs. I still remember the awfulness of the situation and the unhelpful officials who refused to believe that our homelessness was not self-induced, but a result of calamity, and our voluntary decision to move out of the house we lived in – because we could not continue paying for it.
We often don’t realise how close every one of us to losing our home. I am not saying this to scare people, but simply to remember that homeless people are not just the ones seen sleeping and begging in shop doorways. They are also the ones who do not know where they are going to be tomorrow, whose kids have to share a bed and breakfast room with their parents, and sometimes even the same bed.
The scale of the problem is much greater than we could ever imagine, because what we define as homelessness is only the tip of an iceberg which goes down so much deeper. I hope that the actions of this guy and many others will really bring the truth home. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about it!
My best wishes,
Galina
Your story just shows how lucky I was, Galina. I know those officials, I’ve dealt with far too many.
The house wasn’t/isn’t worth the mortgage owing on it so selling wouldn’t solve the problem. If I did sell, I was told I would be making myself homeless and not entitled to certain benefits or housing… It really is a rock and a hard place for many people. I was very lucky 6 (or is it 7 years ago now?) In court the judge didn’t grant the reposession order and made the mortgage company accept my payment plan.
These days the situation isn’t any better – so many people find themselves in a financial mess due to job losses, budget cuts and the rest – you’re right there is a huge unseen homeless that don’t live on the streets – they’re either sofa surfing or B&B’s.
Thanks for popping in and sharing your story. Sadly, it can happen to any one of us.
All the best for 2013 – have a great one, Galina
Jan I used to pay little attention to homeless people when they crossed my path. However, in this last year, something touched my heart. Maybe it’s like you said, the possibility that being homeless could happen to anyone. I’m fortunate to have a roof over my head and a pretty good support network.
This last year, I have reached into my pocket to help someone on a street corner more often than ever before. The smile and gratitude I’ve received confirmed it was the compassionate thing to do and a gesture I felt proud of. Thanks. ~Debra
Hi Debra – that feeling when you do something so simple is amazing isn’t it? Like James said on one of his videos, even just taking the time to talk and recognise that he’s human made a big difference. That’s something we all can easily do.
Thanks for popping in and your comment – have a great New Year!
Get the movie “Up Your Alley” and watch it. It has the same message of how homeless people are treated so poorly. It could be anyone of us that are out on the street… to see how some people treat them is a complete mystery to me.
Where’s the compassion for our fellow man? And like the gent says in this video, he was chased out of a store for literally walking around? Just to get warm?
He’s homeless – not contagious for heaven’s sake.
Such a sad thing.
I’ll keep an eye out for that film, Bonnie. Compassion in this day and age? It’s not normal…
Thanks for popping in and your comment again 🙂 Have a great New Year!
Excellent blog Jan and thank you for sharing. It truly is a gentle reminder to live our lives with compassion, kindness and to be non-judgemental. In the Course of Miracles there is an affirmation that I try to practice every morning, “Today I shall judge nothing that occurs”. In my day I continue to reaffirm this statement when I catch myself judging.
That’s a great affirmation, Debra. I’ll borrow it 🙂 Thanks for your comment, have a wonderful New Year!
Hi Jan,
wow that is such a powerful message, and you’re so right, we are all just as guilty as the next person for walking past these unfortunates whilst looking the other way.
Thanks for sharing that video Jan, especially at this time of year when we could all step back and take the opportunity to appreciate our own immeasurably abundant blessings, and perhaps resolve to help others somewhat more in the coming year, than we did in the past one.
All the best Jan – and a great post and message too by the way 🙂
Hi Paul, yes sometimes we do need to step back and be thankful. I’ll be doing that more now. Thanks for popping in and your comment, have a wonderful New Year!
Jan,
I found this thru Bonnie Gean’s post on G+ and I’m glad I did. My son and I came very close to being homeless a while back as well. I’ve been a single mom all his life. From 1999 to 2004, I did very well in business. Then I walked away from it.
Three years later I had depleted our savings and still hadn’t rebuilt an online business to replace the income. It took one surgery and my being down for 2 months to go from traveling the world to wondering if my truck would be our next home.
I give money, food and my time (even if only to say hey there) to homeless people regularly. They’re at nearly every truck stop and rest area we stop at. They’re also near the University my son attends. In fact, he picked one up on Christmas Eve and drove him to the liquor store… and then to the next one once he found out that it was the temporary warmth of the truck he was after more than the alcohol.
My son’s 26 years old and said they had a great time laughing and talking and that he was happy that he could make just a small part of that man’s day a bit brighter. He does this on a regular basis so I know he’s grateful for what he has. 🙂
I think the past few years have opened a lot of people’s eyes…hopefully their hearts too. And while you certainly can’t save every homeless person out in the world, you can most certainly make a small difference to one at a time just by saying hi.
Happy New Year…
Hi Debi – thank you for taking the time to call in and share your story! You’re right of course, we can’t save everyone – we can make a difference one person at a time. Have a fabulous New Year and wishing you the best for success in 2013!