Happy Christmas you. I hope you have/are having/have had a nice time.
I want to seize the moment to tell you a short story. It’s a true story and one that probably hasn’t just happened where I am, it’s happening all over the place. The story has been cut down somewhat but all the events are real.
There’s a man I know, to be honest I don’t know him that well other than his name and that he’s been sleeping on the street for over 200 nights. He sleeps out of the way, where he doesn’t cause any trouble at all. He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t do drugs, he has a job which probably doesn’t pay that well (I don’t know if it does or doesn’t, it would be rude to ask) and he can’t afford anywhere to live.
On Christmas Eve a friend and I went to see him, to make sure he was alright. A taxi driver was just dropping off some mince pies to him when we got there. We asked him how he was planning on spending his Christmas. He said he would walk into the city centre to do some window shopping as he couldn’t afford to buy anything.
After out chat, we left him. Neither of us wanted to, but we had to. We spoke on the journey away about what we could do to help him. We’ve seen him so often, and regularly pop by to check he’s alright, that he’s almost part of our routine.
A quick phone call later and we had our Christmas gift to him sorted. We couldn’t give him accomodation, we thought about food but that wouldn’t last long, so we managed to get him some bedding, a pillow, a sleeping bag and a few extra clothes to keep him warm.
We went back to him a few minutes after collecting the bits and bobs, and gave them to him. He was touched by our gift, although he didn’t want to get emotional over it. You could tell that he was grateful in the way he spoke, which in turn made both of us quite emotional and we had to fight back the tears.
Once again, shortly after this, we left and went on our way.
Sound a simple story doesn’t it.
That’s what happened last night. What I haven’t told you is that we’ve tried to get this chap some help. Of all the people we’ve spoken to, of all the agencies that we’ve contacted, nobody has helped him. The simple reason why – because he has a job.
It seems that if you’re an alcoholic, you can’t work, you don’t want to work, or you simply “don’t fit the criteria” then nobody’s interested in you. I make no apology for getting political in this post. I’m sure there is somebody, somewhere who will complain about it, tell me off etc but the simple fact is, this is a guy who makes a positive contribution to society, he works, he pays his taxes etc yet “the system” can’t or won’t help him. He’s doing his best to try and get a deposit together for somewhere, and save up some money to cover the rent yet nobody is willing to help him.
How is it that teenagers who have no motivation to work and who expect the state to fund them can be given a flat, just like that? Offenders coming out of prison are given accomodation straight away and the homeless with drink/drug problems can get all the help in the world but if you’re homeless and earning a little bit of money you don’t count?
For the first time in a long while, we have both experienced the true meaning of Christmas. Not the commercialised shopping but an act of kindness, of charity to somebody who deserved it and empathy, and at least we can say “We care”.
I wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year, but please don’t forget our man who hasn’t got anybody to share it with and who will be sleeping out in the cold again tonight, and tomorrow night, and the night after etc.
Posted by Nick 


Posted by Nick 
Posted by Nick 





