I thought I would share some of the lessons I have been
learning throughout this unusual time. As you know I
manage a clothes bank in the community, so I have
been able to meet people and have not had to stay at
home as I am a keyworker.
So these are a few things I have learned about helping
people who are struggling.
The homeless guests usually are male and generally
like clean clothes which is mainly joggers, boxers and
socks. They often have poor footwear. They often need
a sleeping bag or tent.
Streetlink is a great organisation to report people
sleeping rough. There is a website and you need to give
someone’s location and name if possible and a physical
description. There is also a 24 hour [phone number.
Many people cannot afford prescription glasses so
putting a range of used glasses helps people.
We throw very little away. The saying ‘one man’s trash
is another person’s treasure is so true. Even broken toys
are taken ie a game called ‘Hungry Hippos’ was broken
but a child still took one of the Hippos. One person
makes teddies out of odd socks. And we make up the
jigsaws to check they are all complete. We even keep
the odd shoes as often a stray shoe is lying in a bag
somewhere.
I do not limit how many items people take.
This is an abundance principle. And
people can choose; this is offering a service with
dignity. We use old paper to wrap glasses, old bags to
put clothes in and things like shoe boxes to display cds.
Recycle all that we can. We also try to treat everyone
with respect.
Please let me know your thoughts. I would especially
like to hear from anyone working in the fashion
industry.