Homelessness is not just for Christmas
South Wales Argus: 22 December 2006
As a newly refurbished homeless hostel in Newport reopens its doors following a £1 million makeover, Richard Frame, MBE, of Solas argues that Christmas is not the only time we should be tackling homelessness.
“There's something about the festive spirit that seems to make even the most harassed Christmas shoppers dig deep in their pockets when they see homeless people on the streets.
“At this time of year; when seasonal goodwill overcomes us all, it's only natural that we make more of an effort for what we deem charitable causes.
“Whether it be giving a few pence to buy someone a cuppa or volunteering to help serve Christmas dinner at a drop-in centre, we all feel the need to do something charitable at this time of year.
“This type of charity may be well meaning – and can provide a short-term solution for people in need, whilst making us feel less guilty about the pile of presents under our tree – but the issue of homelessness demands a long-term solution.
“Homelessness is a deep rooted and all year-round problem and if people are to find a way out, we need to be able to offer more than spare change and a turkey dinner.
“The fundamental cause of homelessness is social exclusion of some description. Anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, background and education, can find themselves without a home. Relationship problems or changes in family circumstances can be exacerbated by drug or alcohol misuse. Mental health problems and poverty are also frequent factors in this equation.
“If people drop out of school or employment, break away from their family and social life, they can find themselves homeless and before long virtually disappearing from society altogether.
“Getting back in not only seems impossible but is often regarded as being undesirable.
“Homelessness is not the exclusive preserve of those who have grown up in socially deprived circumstances.
“It's also the fate of many well educated, middle class professionals who fall victim to a spiralling change in circumstances – not a terribly comforting thought as we sit down to our Christmas dinners.
“Today, organisations like Solas aim to practically help homeless people to take responsibility for their own lives and play an active role in their communities.
“Support is provided to help them have a decent place to live, find something meaningful for them to do and enable them to develop positive relationships with others and a renewed sense of self worth.
“The extensive refurbishment of our Clarence Place hostel means our 26 clients now have access to their own bed-sit style rooms.
“All our clients are allocated a key worker who assists with providing the necessary skills that will enable them to have a more independent, happier and productive future.
“It's good to know that Christmas spirit is still alive in this modern, materialistic age but the issue of tackling homelessness in Wales must be on our agenda 365 days of the year.”
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