Giving to the Homeless

33% of all people living on the streets suffer from alcohol or drug addiction (St Mungos Mag 2015). Yet 100% of people I speak to that don't give to the homeless do so because 'they'll just spend it on drugs'. 

If you're going to chose not to give, which is perfectly fine, please do so for reasons that exist for more than 33% of the time.

And if you do want to support the homeless, without risking supporting the wrong things, there are charities such a St. Mungos, help the homeless, salvation army, and so on. that provide aid and shelter.

That said, I wouldn't say the problem is solved by giving the odd £1/2 or burger to a bloke sleeping rough. Though it's a nice way to spend your money if it brings you pleasure.

But I believe the issue is embedded deeper in our society and our values; and to draw out the solution we must first examine our own thoughts and actions. For homelessness to change, we must want to help them. We must change our way of thinking from 'they're a burden' to 'they're an opportunity'. 

If we do this, then in time our individual values will work their way into politics and policy; which will in turn redirect the below detailed £1 billion into a proactive solution to the problem, rather than an expensive reaction.

Research indicates that:

• the average cost of an A&E visit is £147; 4 out of 10 experiencing homelessness have used A&E in last six month 
• £1,668 is the average cost per arrest; 7 out of 10 homeless ex-offenders are reconvicted within one year
• £26, 000 is the estimated average cost of a homeless person each year to public purse
• £1 billion is the estimated annual cost of homelessness

- See more at: www.homeless.org.uk