I’ve just been to my local shops and standing outside a takeaway shop was a young man, clearly with learning difficulties and speech problems. He’s stopping everyone and saying the same thing “ Meat. Hot food. Please”. He didn’t want any money. Just someone to go into the shop and get him some hot food. He had no coat on, just a thin jumper and filthy tracksuit bottoms, it was blowing an absolute gale and looked as though it was going to pour with rain any minute. I could have absolutely cried for him, and suddenly felt incredibly thankful for what I have......
So if you think you’re having a bad day, that you’ve got tons of housework to do maybe, or dinner to cook,then maybe think again xx
( And call me a soft touch but yes I did buy him some hot food, which he couldn’t start eating quickly enough! And I also went into the supermarket next door and got him a prepacked sandwich and drink for later on)
Well done, Smow! In case you see him again, could I suggest that you note details of local organisations that might be able to help him? You could give them to him - or phone one of them for him if he can't manage it. I was in a similar situation (genuine homeless) and gave him the bus fare he needed to get to some help. Checked later and he'd turned up.
I once bought a middle aged man a jacket from a charity shop, he looked frozen and then I directed him to the Salvation Army which fortunately was close by.
I’m pretty sure I’ve driven past him before. I used to live near a church which opened up every night in the winter and let the homeless sleep inside - they had tons of sleeping bags, and am wondering if maybe I could speak to the local church here.....
It is, smow, and mostly it is not their fault. Contacting the church is a good idea - the vicar will have contacts. Homelessness, when you come across the reality, is heart breaking and is a cause dear to me and many people.