tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post5398958666214478340..comments2024-03-17T09:17:01.454+00:00Comments on Vic the Vicar!: Clearing the air (3) - HomelessnessVic Van Den Berghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581156515370131898noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post-60199915417701763572012-12-30T14:23:31.801+00:002012-12-30T14:23:31.801+00:00It seems that homelessness is the issue that local...It seems that homelessness is the issue that local authorities think is someone else's problem.<br /><br />Here in North Kent/Outer London, we have a migratory homeless problem, people seem to move about quite a bit. Perhaps because they get moved on by the police, instead of the issue being dealt with locally.<br /><br />Some of those homeless are in fact recent migrants from Eastern Europe, who came to work for pittance wages are now unemployed without the resources to get themselves home. <br /><br />We are fortunate to have a number of shelters around, but not one in our borough - the Council has a policy of relocating the homeless into Bed and Breakfast, in some cases, as far away at Margate. Once removed, problem solved?<br /><br />Our local charities who try to help the homeless, which used to be supported by the Council have had their funds cut, due the council says to government cuts? They now struggle hard. Our local churches together work to help the homeless and refer them to the appropriate agencies - who, once again, seem reluctant to help, particularly if the don't originate locally. <br /><br />It's a vicious circle, which it seems is never ending. <br /><br />I know that there is a real housing issue locally, for families and particularly for single, young people who have to leave home due to difficulties - people are being forced out of rented accommodation due to increasing private rents and government cuts in entitlement to housing benefits. Council response it to find them cheaper, private accommodation, miles away, which takes them away from home and work - no sense to any of it.<br /><br />UKViewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18114944341930758335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post-50412212000637317472012-12-29T23:27:24.659+00:002012-12-29T23:27:24.659+00:00Totally agree - for almost always (must be an exce...Totally agree - for almost always (must be an exception but haven't met it yet) there are reasons and these are often outside of the homeless persons' control.<br /><br />Pastoral care and provision first - sort it second :-)<br /><br />Thanks for commentsVic Van Den Berghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09581156515370131898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post-86787259047504494192012-12-29T23:18:36.333+00:002012-12-29T23:18:36.333+00:00I agree 100% with your thinking on this issue and ...I agree 100% with your thinking on this issue and would add only one caveat, namely, that when someone is 'down and out', homeless, hungry and without any resources, whether or not, it is deemed to be his/her own fault. The need is the same.<br />Argue, if you must, that this or that action should never have been taken.<br />Say it is their own fault, if you must, but, not until you have fed them and found them a roof.Ray Barneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09209429097744326143noreply@blogger.com