Transitioning to a new home from a chaotic lifestyle can be a daunting and isolating experience and those who face adversity whist taking steps to improve their circumstances should not be left to cope alone. My Manchester-based pilot scheme – as well as indirect housing work I have undertaken since - revealed that the public and third sectors are presently largely unable or unwilling to assist most people who are experiencing homelessness, past the stage of living on the streets, obtaining a bed in a hostel, or, signing a tenancy agreement for a newly-rented home.
When this practical research project presented an ability to procure a property-based solution for a person who would traditionally be excluded, I was generally left alone to provide continual aid and ongoing practical support; for any chronically or hidden homeless person I was asked - or volunteered - to source housing for. This included individuals with severe and complex mental health needs, substance abuse issues and acutely challenging personal circumstances. To that end, many struggled tremendously in their new surroundings without the solid foundation of an adequate and robust system of support and living situations broke down.
Whist work centred on movement building will continue to help inspire a transformative way of thinking about ‘Housing First’, we need to be realistic about what respondents are able – and ultimately willing - to contribute to new service design. Notwithstanding, we can ensure that reputable property providers are able to gather resources to support the people they want to provide with housing, in a variety of ways. A social networking feature will enable members of the public, along with local businesses, SMEs, voluntary and faith-led groups, community leaders, volunteers, donors, philanthropists and suitably-qualified professionals to productively and safely give to those who are homeless, newly-housed or transitioning between the two.
Incorporation of donation and request facilities to the ‘Housing First Hub’ platform will encourage the giving and sharing of practical items and monetary support, as well display local noticeboards for requesting or offering units of skill, time, mentoring, holistic care – or even just friendship and companionship. The instant gratification one feels from feeding the homeless can be replaced by responsible and controlled giving, which has even greater potential to give the ‘feel-good factor’ when you can form a bond and continually follow the journey of the organisations - and the people - chosen to receive support.
Crucially, this will allow all who strive to combat homelessness the opportunity to channel their efforts in a productive, efficient and organised fashion. This will be giving site with a difference: where anyone can safely donate to the displaced, in a uniquely creative manner – along with the knowledge that any offering they share will be utilised by those who need it most; in the way it will help them most.
Copyright © by Amy.F.Varle, January 2018.
The moral right of the author has been asserted.
The views and opinions expressed in this report and its content are those of the author and not of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, which has no responsibility or liability for any part of the report.
Previous: PHASE FIVE: EDUCATE
Next: PHASE SEVEN: ATTACK
