Stuart became homeless when he fell in to rent arrears. He has now been on the streets for over 2 years. Like many others, he is on countless waiting lists and continues to wait. He camps in a tent in Horseshoe common and waits. By day he sells/displays his hand made dolls for a living.
Though when I met him at around noon he had been 'trading'all morning and hadn't raised as much as £1 yet - I guess the locals were following the government directives like good citizens and, instead of giving, thought the better of it. But unfortunately it is what many, like Stuart, rely on. After all two years of waiting for services - needs to be funded somehow.
Interestingly enough as I stood speaking with Stuart - about three men passed by as he was pitched at the church entrance - some on their way in, some on their way out.....but none stopped to contribute. If the poor can't receive charity at the doors of church, it's a dim outlook for them in general.
When I asked Stuart what he thought about recent Council initiatives towards the homeless he agreed that the consistent message seems one to drive them out. He used to be able to use the night shelter, but this Winter offers no such respite.
Support us on foot or on-line by signing this growing petition - we aim to submit it mid-October, in time for this Winter's Shelter....You can sign my petition by clicking here.
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