We asked readers to contribute their ideas on how to tackle the homelessness crisis as part of our Ride Out Recession Alliance. Today we’re sharing The Big Issue reader Ellen Storey’s suggestions:
Hi,
It’s great that you’re offering The Big Issue readers the chance to contribute ideas to what certainly seems like a foreboding future in terms of homelessness and general deprivation. I had no fixed address for many months and the experience still haunts me, so I would like to offer some suggestions. I’m not a radical thinker, rather someone who would like to help others going through this kind of ordeal.
I was greatly helped by a housing advocate who stepped in when my local council tried to absolve their duties by claiming I had intentionally made myself homeless (really, who does this?) So I wonder if more people could be trained in this area of advocacy (as well as mental health, autism, addiction, and debt) to help those who really feel alone, vulnerable and powerless in challenging careless, clinical decisions made by local authorities. I myself am a trained community advocate and this is a voluntary role, so it needn’t be a costly solution.
You will no doubt be familiar with the Youtube channel ‘Invisible People‘, which is a wonderfully educational channel that gives the average person invaluable insight into the lives of the homeless and how easily anyone’s life can unravel. I wondered if some of his ideas would be useful in combating prejudice or ignorance and garnering more support.